2008 Woodie Awards
A1 Japanese Steakhouse gets A+
Beth Schwartz
Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: Life!
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Though some disagree, there is much to do in Allentown, especially going out to dinner. Many students at the College anticipate the Friday evening festivities that start after 10 p.m., but at around 6:30 p.m., some of us enjoy spending quality time with our friends outside General's Quarters or the Garden Room. A1 Japanese Steakhouse is a great restaurant where you can relax after a tough week of classes and stress.
A1 Japanese Steakhouse, located at 3300 Lehigh Street, offers fresh sushi, cocktails (for those over 21 years old), as well as tables for regular fine-dining. Yet, A1 is also known for its special Hibachi style cooking.
The Japanese word, "Hibachi," means "fire-bowl" and when dining there you can see that the translation is very truthful as your meals are cooked right in front of you on a raging hot hibachi table.
As A1 Japanese Steakhouse is similar to the many other Japanese Hibachi steakhouses, such as Teppan Steakhouse on Hamilton Boulevard, A1 still has its own identity with a lot to offer. The décor is authentic, the entertainment is jovial.
As my party of seven walked through the long hallway to our table, spotting several rooms of four Hibachi tables, we see beautiful paintings of Japanese artwork and authentic Buddha sculptures. We are seated at our table as the waitress welcomes us and takes our orders. We asked to get individual checks, but A1 expects customers to only pay from one large tab, even if we are in a large group. Some people at the table thought this was inconvenient.
The specially trained chef, Kenny, led his cart of butter, oil, garlic, spices, eggs, towels, fresh raw meat, etc. between the small wedge constructed by two Hibachi tables, he eventually settled in front of us in his apron and chef's hat, both exuding a motif of a chili pepper.
He introduced himself and went over our orders. As he is a specially trained chef, who is anything but modest about his talents, he juggled razor-sharp knives to get himself and us ready for the meal. At A1, diners can choose from Hibachi entrées, that are very similar to Teppan's choices, including vegetables, chicken, calamari, salmon, teriyaki steak, New York steak, shrimp, scallops, filet mignon and lobster tails. Those entrées range from $10.95 to $25.50. You also have the option of having a combination dinner, with a choice of two entrées, with prices ranging from $15.95 to $25.95. A1 also offers Hibachi lunch specials ranging from $7.60 to $9.95 which includes soup or salad, oriental vegetables, and white rice or fried rice. Combination lunch specials cost up to $13.50.
A1 Japanese Steakhouse, located at 3300 Lehigh Street, offers fresh sushi, cocktails (for those over 21 years old), as well as tables for regular fine-dining. Yet, A1 is also known for its special Hibachi style cooking.
The Japanese word, "Hibachi," means "fire-bowl" and when dining there you can see that the translation is very truthful as your meals are cooked right in front of you on a raging hot hibachi table.
As A1 Japanese Steakhouse is similar to the many other Japanese Hibachi steakhouses, such as Teppan Steakhouse on Hamilton Boulevard, A1 still has its own identity with a lot to offer. The décor is authentic, the entertainment is jovial.
As my party of seven walked through the long hallway to our table, spotting several rooms of four Hibachi tables, we see beautiful paintings of Japanese artwork and authentic Buddha sculptures. We are seated at our table as the waitress welcomes us and takes our orders. We asked to get individual checks, but A1 expects customers to only pay from one large tab, even if we are in a large group. Some people at the table thought this was inconvenient.
The specially trained chef, Kenny, led his cart of butter, oil, garlic, spices, eggs, towels, fresh raw meat, etc. between the small wedge constructed by two Hibachi tables, he eventually settled in front of us in his apron and chef's hat, both exuding a motif of a chili pepper.
He introduced himself and went over our orders. As he is a specially trained chef, who is anything but modest about his talents, he juggled razor-sharp knives to get himself and us ready for the meal. At A1, diners can choose from Hibachi entrées, that are very similar to Teppan's choices, including vegetables, chicken, calamari, salmon, teriyaki steak, New York steak, shrimp, scallops, filet mignon and lobster tails. Those entrées range from $10.95 to $25.50. You also have the option of having a combination dinner, with a choice of two entrées, with prices ranging from $15.95 to $25.95. A1 also offers Hibachi lunch specials ranging from $7.60 to $9.95 which includes soup or salad, oriental vegetables, and white rice or fried rice. Combination lunch specials cost up to $13.50.