Live, From Peoria, Illinois, it’s Saturday Night with this week’s host, Hokkaido Restaurant and featuring The Ready For Prime Beef Player, Marty Wombacher and MBIP sidekick and partner in crime, Amber. And now, please welcome this week’s host, Hokkaido Restaurant!
We’re traveling up Main Street at a spine-tingling speed of 27 MPH. I feel the need...for speed!
We’ve arrived at this week’s dining destination, Hokkaido Restaurant. I’ve had the Hibachi in here and I’m anxious to try some items off the menu. And perhaps a beer or three.
Check out the sign on the door...
“Open the door vigorously please.” Ha! Words cannot explain how much I love that!
Once inside we find a favorable PJ Star review by Danielle Hatch.
Two more double doors, this is starting to be like the intro scenes to “Get Smart!”
There’s several dining rooms in here, this is one of them. And look, there’s some diners, what a wonderful coincidence!
This room has the Hibachi grills where groups can watch their meal being made by animated and fun chefs.
Those rooms look great, but I like to eat at the bar. It’s closer to the liquor!
Wow, nice looking bar and I think I see a familiar pretty face down there...
I got situated in and Raymond poured me a beer. And it’s a giant-sized Sapporo, nice start to the evening! And that familiar pretty face?
Why that would be MBIP partner in crime and sidekick, Amber! Cheers from both of us!
Here’s our view from where we’re perched at the bar.
This is the quartet of beers on tap.
There’s a long and winding display of wine bottles at the end of the bar.
Round tables line the wall opposite the bar.
As I was taking that last photo Steve approached me and told me he’s a big fan of the blog and reads it every day. That’s always so nice to hear! Amber grabbed the camera and snapped this photo. Stay tuned, you may see Steve at the end of the week!
After that our food arrived. Check out this feast!
We got Crab Rangoon...
Beef short ribs (photo by Amber)...
And some California Rolls and one of the house specialties, The Godzilla Roll. You can read more about the meal in the review below, but it was delicious! And Raymond not only poured the beer, he skillfully crafted the Maki Rolls, which were the highlight of the dinner.
Domo Arigato, we’ll see you all tomorrow!
Our Meal
Amber and I ordered two appetizers and two Maki rolls for our dinner. We got Beef Short Ribs and the Crab Rangoon from the appetizer menu and they were both spectacular. The Beef Short Ribs were fall off the bone tender and succulent and the Crab Rangoon were cooked crispy on the outside and filled with a delicious, creamy cheesy crab mixture that was complimented by the sweet dipping sauce that comes along with it.
We chose two of the selections from the Maki Rolls selection: The California Roll and The Godzilla Roll. The California roll has crabmeat, avocado and cucumber. It was tasty and good but it was no match for the monster house specialty Godzilla Roll! The Godzilla Roll is made from spicy crab meat, avocado, eel and tempura crunch. Really a nice combination of textures and flavors in this roll with just a touch of spiciness.
SN Rating
Three and a half Galloping Gourmets—Our dinner was wonderful and thanks to Raymond who made the rolls and posed for a photo behind the bar. Amber and I both agree that this is one of the best Asian restaurants in the area and beyond. We will be back!
Hokkaido
3311 North University Street
Peoria
309-966-0931
Related Post: Saturday Night @ Noir Tapas & Rendezvous Lounge, The Publik House and Kouri’s Pub in Germantown Hills.