Benihana returned to the Chicago market last month with a new restaurant fit for a hibachi king!

Located in the distinguished John Hancock Center, the restaurant features 22 teppanyaki tables, a sushi bar, and an outdoor patio.

The Japanese-inspired restaurant is best known for pioneering the communal dining model where guests are seated around a teppanyaki grill while chefs prepare meals and provide entertainment.

As a fan of this type of dining, I grabbed my girl Ada and we headed to the grand opening.

Upon entering, I was instantly flooded with memories of life’s 3 F’s: family, friends, and food.

As a young adult and foodie, meals have always been more about the company you keep and conversations you share, rather than the food itself. While creating amazing food is the goal of every restaurant and certainly the focal point of this blog, it’s the people that truly make a meal special. And Benihana has mastered this concept.

Not to be outdone, the cuisine was equally impressive.

Benihana delivers a fantastic cooking experience using favorites like steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. In recent years, the popular restaurant has further expanded its menu to include sushi and sashimi.

I’d personally recommend the Benihana Special—Hibachi steak paired with a cold water lobster tail. The taste was first-rate!

Ada and I indulged in several other dishes before saying our goodbyes.  Continue below for a photo-journal of our favorites from the evening.

benihana-chicagofoodgirl

misosoup-chicagofoodgirl(Miso Soup – Blend of miso, green onion and tofu)

BENIHANA SPECIAL Hibachi steakasterisk paired with a cold water lobster tail.(Benihana Special – Hibachi steak paired with a cold water lobster tail)

benihana-chicagofoodgirl-chicago

PHILADELPHIA ROLL Salmonasterisk, cream cheese, cucumber, avocado.(Philadelphia Roll – Salmon with cream cheese, cucumber, avocado)

matcha(Matcharita)

Visit http://www.benihana.com/ for additional information or to find other Chicago-area restaurants.

This post is sponsored by Benihana. I received complimentary products from the sponsor to facilitate such blog entry. All opinions expressed are my own.

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