Mikado: Fun, Tasty Dining For All Ages -- By Angelique H. Caffrey

Posted @ Nov. 30 2011 07:01AM by Timmy - in-print

A visit to the attractively decorated Mikado Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar on Mechanicsburg’s Carlisle Pike is a bit like attending a rock concert. There’s ample applause, riveting entertainment and even what one might deem “pyrotechnics.” (You have to go there… I don’t want to give away the surprise!)

First, though, it’s important to understand that a night at Mikado (interestingly, also the name of a highly acclaimed Gilbert and Sullivan operatic musical) can take two forms. Our party chose to enjoy the Japanese steak house side of the house instead of the sushi bar one. Each has its own ambiance, with the sushi bar being a tad less frenetic, but nonetheless exciting for lovers of freshly crafted sushi, sashimi and more.

At the steak house, main courses and some of the appetizers are prepared on a hibachi grill by chefs trained to juggle eggs with spatulas, toss shrimp into the mouths of patrons and create unique items like a “volcanic” onion. Guests are seated around the grill; if you have a small party of three, as we did, be prepared to share the experience with new friends.
Beyond the positive vibes and generally high spirits of the well-appointed steak house dining room, the menu has something for every taste. From tasty gyoza (a dumpling-like appetizer filled with ground meat and vegetables that can be fried or, as we chose, steamed) to soft shell crabs and shrimp cocktail, there’s no reason even a picky eater can’t find a tantalizing dish.

Of course, the best part of the Mikado adventure comes when the chef fires up the hibachi and begins his routine. Like actors, they make every performance seem fresh and alive. Chatting with those seated eagerly around them, their tricks make the time pass by rapidly as meals made from beef, poultry, seafood, vegetables and rice are sliced, diced and cooked right at the table.

Our party chose to try the king salmon teriyaki and steak teppanyaki as our entrées. The salmon was thoroughly cooked and the steak was well done and flavorfully seasoned. Accompanying our dinners was pork fried rice and a variety of vegetables, also made efficiently on the hibachi.
Ultimately, the food at Mikado is good and exactly what one would expect from a well-run steak house and sushi bar. However, the most striking aspect of our visit was the customer service.

Smiles greeted us from arrival to departure, and we never felt rushed. From the looks of those around us, an environment of relaxation and celebration seemed to hang in the air. Was it because we were there on a Friday night, traditionally the end of the work week and a time for people to let down their proverbial hair? Maybe. Yet, it seems likely that the same aura of dining cheer would be there any night of the week.
There’s only one way to find out, which means we’ll be heading back to Mikado for another night of top-notch meals and entertainment very soon. And this time, we’ll be bringing a bigger group to participate in the enjoyment.

Mikado Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar is open seven days a week for dinner and every day except Sunday for lunch. To peruse their menu, visit mikadojapanesesteakandsushi.com.