Address: | 561 N Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA |
Phone: | +1 847-816-8770 |
Site: | tsukasaoftokyo.com |
Rating: | 4.2 |
Working: | 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 5–10:30PM 4–9PM |
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A Private User
Having read the reviews, I was looking forward to the drive from Chicago to enjoy what has been described as some of the best Japanese food in the midwest. Tsukasa Of Tokyo features hibachi-style teppanyaki cooking (for the most part, an American interpretation and not what Japanese favor). I was invited to an early dinner and, though, I normally dont eat till much later, I figured, at least, we wouldnt be walking into a crowd. Boy was I wrong! The entry and bar area was packed with people (many of whom were young kids); adults dressed in their finest, taking out the garbage, couture. Our reservations were for 6:30 but we were not seated till 7:00PM. We were escorted to a large room with many tables. The room had the ambiance of a big bingo hall (albeit, Ive never been in a bingo hall of any kind). Drink orders were taken about five minutes after we were seated and then dinner orders were taken. The chef arrived at our community table (we were seated with a family of four) about ten minutes later and confirmed our orders. Soon the show started. The chef(s) beats out a rhythm with a spatula and a large fork, does a bit of juggling and begins cooking the meals on the grill. Unquestionably, the chefs are showmen and that has to be the real attraction of such a restaurant. I had soup, a salad, rice, a filet mignon, and tried some chicken, scallops, and dumplings that my friends had ordered. I also had a couple of hot sakis. The portions were generous. The food was okay. It was tasty enough. But, it was not exceptional. There was nothing wrong with it. Yet, the attraction must be the theatrics of the talented chefs. And judging by the crowds, Tsukasa keeps the suburbanites quite happy.
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Amanda B
I am the mother of a five year old with severe food allergies to eggs and nuts. Im one of the "crazy" food allergy mothers who is always checking my childs food and a mother who cannot relax in a new restaurant. My nephew always has his birthday dinner here, and for the past few years I have declined the invite to attend.. This year , for a few reasons, we could not decline. A packed my daughter a lunchbox of safe foods wich i snuck into the restautrant (as many allergy Moms do) and as i walked into the restaurant I let the hostess know that i have a child with food allergies. As we were being sat at our table I was about to announce to the waiter as well about her allergies, but he beat me to it and acknowledged the issue and assured me that we will make sure that everthing will be safe for your daughter to enjoy herself". When the chef came over to the table he greated my daughter, drew an imaginary line down the grill and said to her that this is where all of her food would be cooked and that she could relax and eat her food without worrying that it would make her sick. And so it was. And so she relaxed. And so I relaxed. We had a GREAT time and GREAT food and GREAT company. We will be back.... for sure!
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A Private User
AVOID THIS PLACE!!!! Besides the fact that the soup was too salty, the steak was no where near as good as Ron of Japan, and the salad dressing was watered down, the bus boy admitted to me that they re-use the lobster shells. My mother and I ordered lobster. She, the regular lobster and filet, and I ordered the sumo. Both tails were not connected to the meat when brought to the table. I eat lobster at least once a month and can tell when lobster is fresh or frozen. This was definitely frozen lobster. Mine was supposed to be twice the size as the regular tail and it was clearly not. When I brought it to their attention they decided to BS me than to take responsibility. The fact that they admitted to re-using lobster tails is horrific and I will be calling the health department on Monday. I bet what they do is buy cheaper frozen lobster meat and place them in used tails. GROSS. I will be sure to tell everyone I know about this experience. BTW, this is the one and only review I have ever written, so bear in mind, I almost never complain.
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Kathy Olapojoye
The staff at this restaurant is very rude people. Perhaps when Koreans have to pose as Japanese it is cause for a hostile work environment. I have been to this place many times, but normally dine in the bar area. Last time I was there we did the hibachi. The older lady who took our order was extremely rude... her face actually looks like it will crack if she was to smile. Dont dare ask a question or try to make any alteration to the menu. Our Chef had the same demeanor, very serious and rude. He actually dropped a scoop of steaming hot rice on the hand of someone dining with us and didnt even apologize. Rather he gave him an irritated look and 5 minutes later told him he should wash his hand. The food isnt that good. The fried rice is extremely sweet... smothered in teriyaki sauce which is not even house made... the flavor has Kikkoman all over it. For the price, I recommend that you go to Ron of Japan if you are looking for the Hibachi experience.
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Sam Brody
I took my wife and daughter out tonight for our Mothers Day dinner and as usual everything was great...until the end. We didnt wait for a table, the chef was fun and the food was good. But what ruined it was the busser packaging all 3 of our DIFFERENT entrees into 1 box. I had scallops, my wife doesnt eat seafood. I had fried rice, my wife is allergic to eggs. Whatever the heck my daughter did to her food i have no clue but i certainly didnt want it mixed with mine. We get the pleasure of dining out less than once a month and for a meal over $100 we were looking forward to our leftovers which now had to go straight in the garbage. I expressed my displeasure with my waitress and was offered more ice cream. I passed on her very generous offer and may or may not return as there are other hibachi places to go to where everyone can receive a separate to go container.
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Giorgio Ferrero
This is no better quality sushi in all of the Chicago metro or suburbian area that is better than Tsukasa. The quality of the salmon and its tenderness is like butter. The Teriyaki sauce is very tasty as you would demand of a Japanese restaurant with a western stomach. Ive been to other sushi restaurants (downtown) with Zagat ratings of +27 but sorry, they were not tastier than Tsukasa, maybe they were nicer...which mind you...its hard to beat Tsukasas decor, but quality wise, there really isnt any better place for quality tasty sushi than Tsukasa. This place is the real thing with great prices and you will leave wanting to come back again and again. I go every Friday. I spend on average $1,500-$2,000/year at this place. No, im not rich I have a normal 50K job, so you can imagine how much value spending money at this restaurant.
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A Private User
I think most people who leave reviews for this place have not been to other Hibachi Grill dinners as far as asian cuisine goes. Ive been to many and Tsukasa of Tokyo has probably the most entertaining chefs. But easily the worst quality of food and preparation. The soup is frothy and watery, the salad tastes sticky and doesnt have the ginger kick it usually does. The sushi was easily the worst part on numerous occasions. Loosely prepared and what tastes like the materials are sitting in a water bucket rather than freshly cut. Ive been there numerous times, and like I said, the chefs are a great entertainment and the actual entrees tend to be rather good, but lack of service from waitstaff, sushi, salads, and other items - if you are gonna run a restraunt this big a great WHOLE experience needs to happen.