Fuji72 ---A classic Japanese establishment

It was a beautiful sunny day as we were steaming into the small Japanese sailing port of Imari with the US Coast Guard. The Imari Port is located in the inner part of Imari Bay and is a fine natural port surrounded by two peninsulas "Higashimatsuura and Kitamatsuura" as well as the town of Fukushima (in Nagasaki). Anticipation was high with all the crew as this was the first port of call in 26 days. The city was beautiful with many shrines and the architecture of some buildings was amazing, but we were hungry.

Our team decided on a steakhouse across the Ariti River. A classic Japanese establishment with just unbelievable food. We left there full and happy.

Fast forward to 2023

My wife and I decided to treat our family of 11 to a classic Hibachi. We wanted to try Manahawkin Fuji72 Hibachi & Sushi in Manahawkin, NJ. The building was a former Ponderosa and Chinese buffet. We walked in the Fuji72 and I immediately transformed into that one-in-a-lifetime visit to Japan thanks to the Coast Guard. We were seated at a table because we wanted a lunch entrée rather than a Hibachi. The menu was extensive. Sushi, Sasami, Undon, Tempura, and of course salads and soup. I love Udon and Hot Pots, so I settled on the Beef Sukiyaki, a spicy tuna roll, flying fish roe, and a specialty roll called "The Manahawkin" and my lovely wife ordered the Assorted Tempura. We did not have to wait long for our lovely waitress to come out with the salad and miso soup. Next came my sushi which was presented spectacularly. The flying fish roe was in a very thick hollowed-out cucumber, which was excellent. The combination of the cold cucumber with the roe was wonderful. Next came our entrees, the Tempura was plated wonderfully. The tempura was light golden brown with a crispiness that was perfect. My Hot Pot came out and the lid was taken off and WOW! Hot and steamy Sukiyaki is a type of hot pot dish known for its sweet and salty flavor, seasoned with shoyu, sugar, and mirin. This pot did not disappoint me. The glass noodles were plentiful as well as the thinly sliced beef. I wondered if the beef might have come from a deli. Of course, we could not eat everything, so our waitress boxed out take-home perfectly as well. Our decision was made, to the Hibachi with the family, this place rocks.

Good Friday

Our family arrived at six sharp and we were shown to our table by a lovely woman. She saw that we were carrying Sapporo beer and a bottle of Saki. She of course asked if we wanted the sake warmed. Why of course. Our waitress came out and took our orders. Our family consists of our two boys and their kids ages 14-3. This woman was keenly aware of the kids and surely catered to them. All except for the 7-, 5- & 2-year-olds who do not seem to like anything. We all decided on the Hibachi combinations. Then the salad and miso soup came out as the beer and Saki was being consumed with great gusto.

With plenty of fanfare, our Chef Jeffery wheeled his cart and began the show. When I say show, this chef's antics, skill, and perfection were clearly worth the price. The youngins were mesmerized as Chef Jeffery tapped the knives, and the spatula and built volcanoes, and a big fire on the grille. Smiles around the table. Then came the tossing of the chunks of zucchini in the air and into our mouths. Well, only two of us caught it, but it was fun. That was followed by more beers and Saki. First, the veggies hit the hot grille, and then the volcano, the rice, and the hibachi noodles. Then the proteins. The nicely sliced shrimp was first, followed by the scallops, steak, and shrimp. With secret seasonings being added, wonderful aromas surrounded our hibachi area.

Finally, we were served a generous amount of rice/egg, hibachi noodles, and the protein of choice. My steak was tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The scallops were buttery tender and just heavenly. From all of the adults' comments, everything was tender and delicious. We will be back for this dining experience. The fun, the food, the show, and the price make for a winning combination.