Robata provides Japanese steakhouse cuisine
ROXANNE BROWN
Staff Writer
CLERMONT--Those looking for a quality meal, complete with entertainment and good company, may find just what they're looking for at the recently opened Robata Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar in Clermont.
"Our chefs want to make sure every person who comes in has a special experience they will remember," manager Cecilia Lin said. According to the restaurant's Web site, Robata means "by the fireside" in Japanese, and refers to the centuries-old country-style cooking of northern Japanese fishermen.
Lin said the food, combined with Robata's atmosphere, makes for many return customers.
Robata incorporates a full sushi bar and a hibachi at every table, although non-hibachi tables are also available.
Each table/grill combination seats eight or more people, so smaller parties may get to enjoy the company of other guests as they watch their own personal chef prepare their meals right before their very eyes.
Each table's chef then works to elicit all the fun, smiles, 'oohs and ahhs' he can while demonstrating awe-inspiring abilities with chopping knives used on all fresh ingredients.
"Our chefs all have a lot of years experience. They want to make people happy and make a fun time for the kids," Lin said
Alex Wang, one of Robata's hibachi chefs, said he likes watching people laugh and have a good time so he makes sure to provide as much interactive entertainment as possible.
Lin said Robata offers an extensive menu with everyday lunch, starting at $6.95 with two sides, soup and salad and early bird specials, starting at $9.95 with an appetizer, plus specials for couples, children and larger parties.
Some of those money-saving deals start with Osaka for Two, made up of hibachi steak chicken and 10 jumbo shrimp, an appetizer, two wines and dessert for $39.95. There's also the Ocean Delight that comes with king crab, lobster, sea bass and scallops, two wines and dessert for $59.95.
Other "for two" combos include filet mignon and shrimp and two special rolls for $15.
Robata's Sashimi and Sushi Roll "all you can eat" specials are featured every Tuesday for $19.95, along with Sunday's free children's meals where a kid under the age of 10 can eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. There's a ladies-only $1 drink special all day Sunday.
Children from the ages of 10-15 can also get a meal at half price with an adult meal every Sunday and parties of eight and larger can enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine everyday.
People celebrating a birthday also get a free meal with a party of eight or more, and a half-price meal with a party under eight. In addition, they'll get a chance to pick a gift from Robata's "lucky drawer" filled with gift cards, discounts and other small tokens.
"They're more interactive with us here than any other hibachi grill I've ever been to and it makes the entire eating experience a lot more fun," customer Kristine Carney said. "They also go out of their way to ensure you're enjoying yourself and focus on making people feel special, especially for birthdays, with little touches they don't really have to provide, but do."
Lin said people have also commented on how impressed they are that the exhaust hoods are hidden underground, something that Lin said helps to preserve the beautiful, peaceful in-house atmosphere they've worked hard to create.
Robata, located at 1500 Oakley Seaver Drive, Suite 5, is open from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3-9:30 p.m. Sundays.
For a complete menu, reservations or more information, call 352-404-9688 or visit www.robatasteakhouse.com <http://www.robatasteakhouse.com>.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - www.dailycommercial.com/1120SLPBiz