Sea Shai Hibachi Garden, Newport, Rhode Island
Sea Shai Hibachi Garden
401-841-005114 Long Wharf, Newport, RI
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“How on Earth do you fry ice cream?”
Sean's Review
02/08
Sea Shai is perhaps my favorite restaurant in Newport. Upon entering the building the first thing you will notice is an elegant Asian décor thanks to renovations over the past four years. I assume that the increased seating must mean a fast growing customer base - you'll know why after your first visit.
You have a few options for meals here. There's the sushi bar where you can enjoy a warm cup of Sake while watching your raw feast assembled, or if you're feeling brave, you can sit and watch your meal get prepared at one of the six hibachi tables. The hibachis accommodate 8 people comfortably, but many times they will try to jam 10 people into one. There are also many lounge style booths or good old fashioned tables to enjoy a large Sapporo while looking over their diverse menu. The latter is great for a more intimate experience.
The food is nice and fresh, but I did get a tip from the sushi chef: He told me new seafood orders come in on Thursdays, so just to be safe, I wouldn't go on a Wednesday. They have a rather new dessert menu, but the fried ice cream is by far the best.
With the exception of the jammed packed hibachi tables, there is only one other thing I dislike about this place. After your meal is served at the hibachi, the chef likes to cut up something on the grill and attempt to toss it into your mouth. While this may sound like fun the first time (or when you are out with your drunken friends), it could potentially make for a bad date night experience… Often times their aim is piss poor and the food, usually covered in Teriyaki sauce, ends up going down the white blouse of your date. I'm not sure why such a classy place resorts to food stunts at the end to entertain you; I think I speak for everyone when I say the cook should just bow and roll his little steel cart away.
I would love to give Sea Shi 5 scoops because it's the best Asian food on the island, but unfortunately, until they remove the food flicking from the show, they are only getting 4.
