Ichiban - Minneapolis

Rating: B

We went to Ichiban just for the heck of it last Sunday (6/29/08). Wanted to do something different for a change. Ichiban is located in Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall next to the Millenium Hotel (which we've stayed at before and determined that it's an overpriced roadside motel; don't stay there). DON'T PARK IN THE MILLENIUM RAMP! Ichiban will validate parking, but there are only two or three parking ramps they do this for, and the one right next to them isn't one of them. Still, it was only $7 for a the couple hours we were there.

We were seated around one of the cooktop's after just a few minutes wait (they wait for the whole party for a seating are to arrive before they seat anyone). We were sitting with a group of six over people, which wasted bad until they started getting loud (and they didn't seem to care about it either).

Our host/server was very polite and prompt, and took his time to explain the items on the menu and possible up-charge for substitutions and other items. He took our intial drink and appetizer orders and departed only to come back a few minutes later with our drinks in hand. Quite prompt actually, though we were all sitting around for what seemed a long time before our chef arrived and started her show. Appetizers arrived shortly after that.

From that point on, there was no end of food coming at us. Maryanne ordered the Imperial Dinner (steak, chicken and shrimp) and I ordered the Ichiban Dinner (steak, chicken and lobster). I substituted pot stickers for the chicken liver appetizer (which is an extra charge), Maryanne did not though we both opted for fried rice (also an extra charge).

We were served our apps, a cucumber salad, then the fried rice, then our lobster/shrimp, then the steak, then the chicken. for about 40 minutes or so the food just kept coming and the whole time our chef is prepping the next part of our meal as we ate the last, entertaining us the whole time.

After the chef was done, she asked if there was anything anyone else needed, and then she departed.

Shortly after she left, the cleaning crew stopped in to start cleaning the grill while we were still all eating. If it wasn't for the liquids splashing up from the grill onto our plates I really wouldn't have cared that they were cleaning as we were eating. Regardless it took just about 10 minutes for all the cleaning and they were done.

I did note that it was somewhat difficult to get the attention of our server to order a second drink. The other party of 6 didn't seem to have a problem getting more (though I suspect it was because they were both quite loud and ordering expensive drinks, while we were doing neither). Still, it didn't take too much extra effort to get a second beverage for the both us, just time.

Overall, the food was quite good with one small problem: the steak was undercooked. Everyone at the table ordered Medium and one guy ordered Medium-Rare. We all ended up with Medium-Rare. Slightly annoying, but that was the only problem with the food.

We were generally pleased with our visit, and plan to go again in the future and bring some friends with as well. If you go, make sure you bring some money. Dinner for two was just over $100.

I've found out from some co-workers that there are a few other places in the Cities that do this same style of cooking and service for less money, and we plan to try them out in the near future.

I'd recommend Ichiban to anyone that's looking for a good Japanese-style food and cooking. I'd call them first to find out where to park so you can get the reduced (or free) parking rate, and you should definately make reservations.