Shinto brings an authentic Japanese hibachi experience to Westlake
By Patricia Nugent
The literal meaning of “hibachi” is “fire bowl.”
The West Side’s hottest new dining destination—Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar—includes 12 smokeless Hibachi tables with uproarious dinner entertainment for singles or small groups. Knives are wielding, flames dancing and food will be flying, onto your plate, of course. These chefs go through extensive training before manning a table to perform their remarkable feats.
We caught up with Hibachi Chef Jonathan Naydara for a 60-second interview:
Age: 30
Nationality: Half Thai, half Laotian
Hometown: Cleveland
First Job: Bussing tables
When did you know you wanted to be a Hibachi Chef: “As a young boy struggling to be my best self, my uncle (also a hibachi chef) and mentor took me under his wing and trained me from scratch, teaching me how to cultivate my own personal skills, perform tricks, and perfect the best hibachi cooking techniques.”
Dream job: “Right now! I love this place. It’s a second home.”
Your daily inspiration: “To learn new skills, never stop practicing and make people happy. I love to turn their frowns upside down!”
Specialties: “Kids are the future, therefore, making them happy and inspiring them is important. I always tell kids to never give up on their dreams.”
What diners will experience at your table: “They will not forget my flaming volcano, array of flame tricks and our funny, entertaining conversation.”
In addition to the Hibachi tables, Shinto includes an extensive bar area, sushi bar, reserve wine and sake room and outdoor courtyard patio.
Bedecked with Buddha sculptures, red leather banquets and pagoda-esque décor, this exotic restaurant serves up inventive and delectable Asian-Fusion fare with craft cocktails and sake flights.
There’s still time to book holiday parties at Shinto. And you can take some of the magical experience home with you, too. The chefs can put together glorious sushi trays (voted best in Cleveland), for your at-home get-togethers.
Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is located at 857 Columbia Road, in Westlake. Hours are Monday-Friday, 3:30-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2:00- 9:30 p.m and Sunday, 2:00-9:00 p.m. Call 440-772-5017, or visit ShintoExperience.com for more information.