Sizzling Sakura: Igniting the Hibachi Love in Every Bite
Sakura, the bustling Japanese eatery with a trio of popular locations, is adding a little sizzle to their offerings. Responding to the cravings of their customers, Sakura has risen to the occasion with hibachi taking the center-stage. As co-owner Victor Chin notes, “The demand for hibachi was undeniable, and we’re thrilled to be answering that call. Plus, we love it too!”
Derek Wong, Sakura’s marketing maestro, reveals that the unveiling of the hibachi menu has been a long time in the making. Sakura spent six invigorating months meticulously preparing to grill up this fiery delight.
The term ‘hibachi’ might ring a bell, as it harkens back to traditional Japanese ‘fire bowl’ heating devices. In our corner of the world though, ‘hibachi’ sparks the image of an iron, flat-top stove, the pulsating heart of teppanyaki-style restaurants. If you’ve dined at the teppanyaki-titan, Benihana, you know the drill – chefs perform their culinary magic right in front of your eyes, right on the grill.
At Sakura, however, the hibachi magic unfolds behind the scenes, in the culinary wizard’s lair – the kitchen. But fear not, the delight derived from the final dishes is no less spellbinding.
Leveling up from their long-standing teriyaki offerings, the hibachi menu is here to enchant, as Chin remarks.
Serving locals since its inception in Germantown two decades ago, to its latest establishment in Collierville, Sakura has been a beloved mainstay. Its hibachi dishes stay true to the traditional Japanese cooking style. Diners can pick their grilled protein-pick of the lot – chicken, beef, shrimp, scallops, or salmon, grilled to perfection and served alongside fragrant fried rice and sautéed veggies. And for those seeking luxury, there’s an option to upgrade to filet mignon or lobster.
Each dish comes with a side of Sakura’s signature Yum Yum sauce – a delectable blend of mayo, tomato, paprika, garlic, and sugar.
With the hibachi addition, Wong asserts Sakura’s dedication to enhance the authentic Japanese culinary journey offered to patrons. The response has been resoundingly positive, with most plates returned to the kitchen almost licked clean!
You can embark on this deliciously fiery journey at any one of Sakura’s three locations: East Memphis, Germantown, or Collierville.