Ooka Hibachi, Peoria

A bowl of clear soup and a salad serve as the opening act for the main attraction at Ooka Hibachi: the hibachi chefs. They stage cooking performances from behind the grill right by your table, flipping shrimp and sizzling steaks with the skill of a blackjack dealer with spatulas for hands. Away from the searing and excitement, there are sushi chefs in the dining room, who build maki rolls and hand rolls from fresh cuts of fresh fish and vinegared rice. Rounding out the menu of Japanese fare: teriyaki and tempura entrees, noodle dishes, and a number of sweet desserts, including a fried banana with ice cream.