Travel broadcaster Phil Blizzard enjoyed Japanese cuisine and entertainment from the Benigirls, an urban dance troupe, as the renowned American-Japanese restaurant celebrated it’s 50th anniversary with a series of global activities.

The evening began with a selection of Benihana’s mouthwatering sushi,  including the Golden Nugget, a special edition sushi, created exclusively for the occasion, along with the Golden Anniversary platter consisting of four classic dishes that have remained unchanged over the 50 years. 

Then followed an appearance by the Benigirls, an urban dance troupe assembled especially for this occasion, flown in from New York for a series of performances. Talking to the girls after their energetic performance, which involved diners getting on to the ‘dance floor for an inter-active part of the show, they told me “We represent the Benihana Tokyo and have been specially formed to celebrate Benihana’s 50th Anniversary. We have taken the show to Bucharest, Bangkok, Honolulu, London and now Dubai. Benihana and hip hop was founded in New York City and both have a vibrant and energetic way of entertaining people worldwide.”

Next, a move to the teppanyaki tables in an adjoining, glassed off, area of the restaurant where we were entertainment by the ‘all singing all dancing’ chef’s. These theatrical chef’s had a colourful cast, including chicken, steak, seafood and fish - such as salmon and the local hamour, along with bean sprouts, mushrooms and courgettes. All tastefully prepared in an exuberant manner on the teppanyaki ‘stage’  and served with a range of sauces.

Commenting on the special occasion, James Wierzelewski, Rotana’s Corporate Vice President for Food and Beverage Operations, said “Benihana is an important partner for us and to mark their special occasion, we were delighted to have fashioned a commemorative dish”.

As quests enjoyed a delightful mix of desserts, including fruit dipped into molten chocolate cascading from the fountain, the Benigirls concluded the celebratory evening with another energetic performance.

Benihana was founded by Japanese-born Rocky H. Aoki in 1964 with the opening of its first restaurant in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Benihana pioneered the communal dining concept which came about in the early 1960s where up to eight people are seated around a steel hibachi grill to dine while watching a personal show.

Benihana has grown to become one of the leading Asian-themed restaurants chains in the world and in Dubai you will find the restaurants at Al Bustan Rotana, Al Garhoud and Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach Residence.

For further information and reservations visit www.rotana.com