Since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed fun and exciting hibachi meals. I have been to countless hibachi restaurants throughout my life, but Miyako Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar located at 1403 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans is definitely in my top five favorites.
With a party of three, my friends and I waited a good half an hour for a full hibachi table to arrive before we could start the meal. I ordered the Hibachi Filet Mignon and my friends ordered the Hibachi steak and chicken. The meal began with simple clear soup and a classic Japanese salad with ginger dressing. Starving, I devoured my first course and was ready for the main course.
Our chef began the show with a classic oil fire, throwing raw eggs into his hat. After missing three times in a row, he finally gave up on the fourth try. He then began cooking the hibachi fried rice and noodles, as well as fresh vegetables. Each person was given this no matter what their meal was. The rice was among the best I've had, the noodles not so much.
With a small portion of vegetables, I was ready for my filet mignon. To my surprise, the chef cooked my steak with the steak of my friends' meal, mine being almost $10 more expensive. I could not tell the difference and was disappointed that I was not getting what I asked for.
After receiving our food, I asked the chef how he could tell the difference in our two steaks and he guaranteed that I received precisely what I ordered. Ending the show with a bow, our chef left and we were ready to chow down. One of my friends ordered the hibachi calamari, which was the best part of the entire meal. My steak, which I am still not convinced was filet mignon, was delicious either way. It was cooked medium rare as I requested, and was definitely a melt-in-your-mouth meal.
Because we ordered lunch during the week, the prices and portions were perfect. With a bill of about $20 to $30, I was very pleased with my meal. Since this lunch, I have been craving to go back and get the hibachi calamari, which I recommend to try even if you are not a fan of normal calamari.