Blown away at Shogun Japanese Steakhouse | Restaurants

It's officially my favorite restaurant: Shogun Japanese Steakhouse on Germantown Pkwy. My first experience blew me away completely. I'd never experienced such an interactive meal before, and the finished product was as delicious as the chef's performance.

Your experience begins with an intimate setting. The table upon which you will dine surrounds the grill that prepares your food. There's a chance you may sit right next to a total stranger. I must admit, as an American it was a little uncomfortable for me at first, but once the culinary journey began I forgot about that.

My taste of Japan started with a salad, covered in a sweet, slightly tangy ginger sauce. I could've swam in it. I'd kill for the recipe. As I was savoring the dressing, I tasted a most sensational onion soup that warmed my soul. Next, the chef arrived in a boisterous fashion, honking his horn and banging his utensils, and that's when the show began.

Our chef lit a fire on the stove that nearly singed my eyebrows, but it was an up, close, and personal encounter that jilted me into a trance as if I were the cobra and he was the charmer. He added on all the beautiful vegetables and lean chicken, sending an aroma through the room I've never smelled before. The only thing better was the taste of all the ingredients combined on top of a heap of fried rice and noodles. 

Based on my three experiences at Shogun, I feel qualified to say it's a definite jewel in Memphis' culinary culture. I'm only sorry I waited so long to give them a try. You should too.