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Lemonhead
Citizen
Username: Lemonhead
Post Number: 45
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 2:33 pm: | 
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My daughter's 6th birthday is in a couple of weeks and she wants to go to a "cook on the table" restaurant for dinner. There will be 8 people in our party. We have gone to Bennihana in Short Hills in the past, but they are closed for reservations. Has anyone eaten at either of the places mentioned above? What would you recommend? Thanks in advance. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4018
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 2:54 pm: |
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I was at Mt. Fuji once and found it really disgusting.
Haven't been to Fujiyama, but my bet would be for Arirang on Rt 22. I have not been to this Arirang, but spent many nights at the original on Staten Island. They will do something special for the birthday person too. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 1744
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:00 pm: |
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My only memory of Arirang on Rte 22 was exactly one year ago to the day - Valentine's Day 2005!
I urge you to never go to Arirang on Valentine's Day. Our party of 4 sat down to dinner at 11:30 pm
It was awful. The food was good, but the experience awful.
I am sure that is not indicative of their normal operations. I would recommend Arirang - just not on a holiday!
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Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2714
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:09 pm: |
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Isn't there a new place in West Orange near Turtleback Zoo? I thought I passed it a couple of weeks ago and someone said it was a new Japanese steak house. Starts with an E. |
Jason
Citizen
Username: Jason
Post Number: 63
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:13 pm: |
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Wendyn - I think you're referring to Ekko - http://www.ekkorestaurant.com/
Haven't been there yet, but they do Sushi and Hibachi, amongst other fushion-style dishes. |
User58
Citizen
Username: User58
Post Number: 405
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:16 pm: |
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There is a nice one in the A&P shopping plaza in Upper Montclair. |
Camnol
Citizen
Username: Camnol
Post Number: 234
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:17 pm: |
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There is also Shogun, further down 22 in Greenbrook. My kids like it there, too. |
Lemonhead
Citizen
Username: Lemonhead
Post Number: 46
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:18 pm: |
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I checked out the website for Ekko. Looks good, but not sure if it's a little too "fancy" for my daughter. For her, it's all about watching them slice and dice and cook right in front of you. Not to mention that my 2 year old is mesmerized by the entire experience...
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Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2715
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:32 pm: |
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I thought it was Ekko but I was afraid I was confusing it with the character on Lost....
Yeah, does look a bit fancy for that age. I'd call and see if they have high chairs, that is always my gage as to whether I can bring the kids. |
Stuart0628
Citizen
Username: Stuart0628
Post Number: 221
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:33 pm: |
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Mount Fuji seems to have poisoned a member of our party when we were last there 2-3 years ago.
We like Ekko but yes it is fancy
We like Arirang but it is LOUD
Two more options for you:
In Florham Park there is a hibachi place called Kyoto, on Columbia Pike in the shopping center where the McDonald's is. Food was good but they have no liquor license. (That might not matter to the kids but it might matter to you.)
In Ridgefield Park just off 46, there is a Gasho retaurant. I have not been to the one in Ridgefield Park but I have been to the Gasho in Central Valley and it is lovely. |
Purplebug
Citizen
Username: Purplebug
Post Number: 37
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:43 pm: |
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Mt. Fuji- the entertainment is good, but the food is not. My brother continuously gets sick whenever he goes there. (Do not ask me why he continues to go).
Kyoto is a nice combination of showmanship and food. And not that a 6 yr old should be concerned, but the cooks are cuter. |
connied76
Citizen
Username: Connied76
Post Number: 13
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 3:45 pm: |
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Have eaten at Mt Fuji many times over the past two years. It is always very good and we have never gotten even remotely sick. Arirang was a disappointment- it was newer and flashier than Mt Fuji but more expensive with fried rice and noodles an extra charge (included at Mt Fuji) and the food was not anywhere near as good. I think Mt Fuji is also much better than Benihana. It is older and shows a bit of wear inside but it always seems clean to me and the food is very good and reasonably priced. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 3364
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 4:30 pm: |
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We took our daughter to Ekko for her 4th birthday and the food was very good & the service was child friendly. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 5739
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 4:46 pm: |
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Benihana on Morris Ave by SH Kings. Very kid friendly and good food. |
Morrisa da Silva
Citizen
Username: Mod
Post Number: 364
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 6:47 pm: |
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Fujiyama in Summit is a smaller version of the cook on your table restaurants. Not really fancy and probably a good choice for the 6 yo birthday. I was their manybe 3 years ago so I can't be certain about how it is now, but we found it fine. |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1028
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 7:49 pm: |
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We also got sick after eating at Mt. Fuji...
Benihana was undergoing renovations recently - not sure if they are open again yet
Have heard good things about Ekko
Arirang is pretty good - don't think they take reservations unless it's for a bunch of people |
AntoninaKC
Citizen
Username: Antoninakc
Post Number: 172
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 7:54 pm: |
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I like Mt Fuji - never had a bad experience and I happen to think the food is great. They even have an appetizer bar.. all you can eat. I vote Mt Fuji or Shogun on Rt 22. |
Jhcmom
Citizen
Username: Jhcmom
Post Number: 44
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 11:51 pm: |
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I'll 3rd Kyoto. we have been there numerous times and have always had good meals. They are very accepting of kids. The only thing is that they do not serve any juices, so it is water or soda for the kids unless you bring juice boxes (which we do). |
papayagirl
Citizen
Username: Papayagirl
Post Number: 498
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 9:56 pm: |
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I had a really crappy experience with Mt. Fuji a few years ago, but it was mostly from a service perspective. You can probably pull it up if you do a search, if you care.
I've been to Arirang twice within the past year. Once was really good and once was really eh. The guy that manned our station the second time was basically doing it in his sleep and nothing tasted as good or was as fun to watch.
I went to the Benihana across from Menlo Park Mall recently and had a very good experience. They aren't as celebratory with birthdays as Arirang though.
That's all i have to add. |
Fabulouswalls
Citizen
Username: Fabulouswalls
Post Number: 16
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 10:29 pm: |
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I think Ekko is very good. We have eaten there several times. It is a little more expensive than Mt. Fuji but well worth it and less greasy. The service is good. |
cody
Citizen
Username: Cody
Post Number: 934
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 5:32 pm: |
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I have been to Mt. Fuji. I won't be back at Mt. Fuji. Ever.
I've not been to Ekko, so I can't say anything about it. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4048
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 5:49 pm: |
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I have been to Mt. Fuji. I won't be back at Mt. Fuji. Ever.  |
Lemonhead
Citizen
Username: Lemonhead
Post Number: 48
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 8:12 pm: |
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I have cancelled my reservation at Mt. Fuji.
Now I must decide between Ariang, Fujiyama and Ekko.
Thanks for the alert everyone! |
Lemonhead
Citizen
Username: Lemonhead
Post Number: 50
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 3:37 pm: |
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I'm thinking we will go to Ekko, but any last minute suggestions would be welcomed! |
Brett Weir
Citizen
Username: Brett_weir
Post Number: 1259
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 3:42 pm: |
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GINZA on Passaic Ave. in West Caldwell. Excellent, and they do kids parties. |
Lemonhead
Citizen
Username: Lemonhead
Post Number: 52
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 1:59 pm: |
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went to Ekko last night for my daughter's birthday. the food was very good and the chef was great with the kids. my two year old can't stop talking about "the fire on the table". thanks to everyone for their suggestions! |
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