Hibachi vs. Hibachi in Huntington
Hibachi vs. Hibachi in Huntington Save Email Print
Posted: 11:08 PM Oct 8, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:08 PM Oct 8, 2008
 Reporter: Carrie Cline
Email Address: carrie.cline@wsaz.com
35 comments
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Will the real Hibachi please stand up?

For years, Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse has operated along Huntington's 4th Avenue with great success.

But there's a new game in town -- actually it's just a block away and also called Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse. What one restaurant sees as healthy competition, however, the other sees as bad business.

The "Taste of Asia" Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse and Grill restaurant boasts a variety of Asian cuisine.

“We have more than one Asian cuisine; that's why our name is ‘Taste of Asia’ because we've got Thai, Chinese and Japanese cuisine and we have hibachi also,” said Michael Cheng, the co-owner of Taste of Asia.

Sushi is also on the menu full-time, with an artistic flair that makes you stop and admire before eating. ‘Taste of Asia’ is located along 3rd Avenue, just a block down from Pullman Square -- promising another shot in the arm to Huntington's downtown.

“It's great," said Huntington Mayor David Felinton. "Downtown Huntington has really picked up over the years, and this is a business that's here because of the excitement. This is one of the most vibrant downtowns for miles."

But, a "taste of Asia" isn't totally unique to Huntington. Just one block away along 4th Avenue, you'll find another Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse -- this one simply called Hibachi. Very similar names, very similar food and it’s already causing some confusion.

“We’ve had numerous calls from customers who think we’ve moved to 3rd Avenue. While a lot of businesses are moving to 3rd Avenue near Pullman Square, we are not,” said Vicki Burd, the general manager of Hibachi.

Hibachi has operated in Huntington for 15 years. It also offers sushi, Chinese and Japanese cuisine, plus the hibachi experience where chefs cook on the grill in front of you. Burd admits she wasn't wild about the new restaurant opening, especially so close to hers.

“We waited until they opened and then we went and tasted their food and we weren’t worried anymore,” Burd said.

Back at Taste of Asia, they'll tell you that even though the names are similar, the two restaurants are very different.

“We focus not on just hibachi, but on fusion food which is why take a lot of pictures of food because there is no Asian fusion restaurant in Huntington," Cheng said.

Felinton said the competition is a good sign.

“There are dozens of restaurants in the style of Applebees and (T.G.I.) Friday's theme, and they always seem to do well and more international cuisine represents a community that's becoming more diverse and has more diverse taste,” he said.

Taste of Asia is the only restaurant in Huntington to offer Thai cuisine.
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Posted by: Heather on Dec 9, 2008 at 10:28 PM
How is there any confusion? One is called Hibachi and the other is called Taste of Asia? How is that any confusion? Hibachi is how they cook their food. It would be like looking at Burger King and McDonald's (both being burger places) but being confused with both because the latter was the original and the first one has what(or in the topic's case how)they cook in it's name. Also, I would like some authentic Mexican and/or Chinese instead of Americanized versions of it in this town.
Posted by: ANON on Nov 11, 2008 at 05:19 PM
The one on fourth ave is dirty - Gnats in the air, and the bathrooms are poorly maintained. If the public areas look bad, then u can bet the kitchen does too!
Posted by: Rob E on Oct 18, 2008 at 11:26 AM
I used to be a fan of the hibachi but after my incident with the woman manager i refuse to go back. i am amazed that they are even in business. the entire resturant is a complete disaster. the staff with the exception of their manager are nice. the resturant itself is nasty. It has went downhill. I waited with my party of six for over two hours, and i would be okay with that if other parties of 6 didnt get seated before me, but they basically forgot about us. when we did finally get sat, she put us in the front right of the store next to the street and she *the manager* ended up being our server. well that was after we waited another 45 mins on DRINKS!!! so approached the table and was completey rude and said told us she would take our order. once we told her we werent there to cause any trouble or be mean, she then stated " Listen i dont have time for you, what do you want to eat." At that point in the evening i proceeded to get up with my party and leave. not enough room to finishthis
Posted by: Jennifer on Oct 11, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I work in teays valley and have eaten at the tast of asia there and they cannot compete with hibachi in huntington. There gen tsao chicken is the best I have EVER had anywhere. They both could use a good cleaning because both have recently been sited by the health department for violations. That being said I WONT be going to either until they pass the next inspection with out being reported DIRTY! You shouuld be able to find these reports in archived herald dispatch or behind the kitchen door. Too bad I am really craving Hibachi in huntington right now but Im still a little leary. I wont go to tast of asia ever its not good and the picture of the pking duck on the menu makes me sick!
Posted by: To Scott on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:50 PM
In case you haven't noticed, Huntington is becoming more diverse and any restaurant that serve anything else other than burgers and steaks is a breath of fresh air. Obviously Nawab is still open because there are people who like Indian food, and Thai food is a welcome change from the usual Chinese food that we have a lot of in Huntington. Its quite sad that Moe's is closed again and the International Market and International Cafe have both gone out of business. I hope that Huntington will continue to welcome variety and diversity.
Posted by: Chris on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Just got back from Taste of Asia-Huntington. I enjoyed the Thai curry. :) Those of you who know about this restaurant from the Teays Valley place will be pleased. The restaurant is clean, staff is friendly and QUICK on a Friday night, and the prices are reasonable. For me, Hibachi on 4th just got replaced. (Then again, I've been waiting and hoping "Taste" would finally open here.) Hibachi on 4th is getting worse: the food is suffering, the place is dirty, and the staff -- minus the chefs -- leaves something to be desired. After reading Ms. Burd's classless comments, I now understand why.
Posted by: Earl on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:27 PM
I think there both nasty.
Posted by: sunshine on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Taste of Asia in Teays Valley ROCKS with a capital R! I have eaten both the chinese food and the hibachi food and they are both the bomb. The food is always hot and the vegetables are super fresh. I cannot wait to try the one in Huntington!
Posted by: Susan on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I frequent Taste of Asia II twice a month at least. I think it is fantastic. You can read my complete review at Fork You Blog. They use high-quality ingredients and the dishes are beautifully presented. I specifically recommend the spicy scallop roll, the panang curry (Thai menu) and anything with garlic sauce. If the menu is the same as TOA in Teays Valley, the lunch specials are a great deal.
Posted by: lucy on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Had lunch at the Taste of Asia today. Waiter (Chris) was very nice and helped in my selection. Seated promptly, ordered taken timely and food delivered hot and very tasty. Impressed with the nice lunch crowd. Plenty of food and ice tea refills for only $7.00. Would go again and highly recommend for all to at least try.
Posted by: Asia on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Honestly, in order to compete successfully with Taste of Asia, Hibachi needs to bring something new to the table. They need to make renovations to the restaurant and update their menu. Taste of Asia's food tastes so much better and doesn't seem to be over-cooked; plus, all the flair and presentation adds personality to the food they serve. Hibachi's just seem outdated, greasy and doesn't even feel like the 'classy' restaurant it once was.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Nothing like the original! Sorry!
Posted by: Sue on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:17 PM
We ate at the new Hibachi on Sunday evening. For 4 of us, it was $96.00, not any chaper than the Japanese Hibachi. I hate to say it, but the food wasn't as good as the Japanese Hibachi, and everyone at our table (they sat 3 other people with us) agreed that it wasn't worth the price. Sorry, but I won't go back to Hibachi Taste of Asia!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Listening to the Mayor's comments you would think we live in Manhattan. When he says Huntington is "vibrant" and "diverse" what is he looking at?? Alice in Wonderland.
Posted by: DD on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Hibachi should not even be posted outside of this new restaurant. It will be confusing to people.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 07:06 PM
I ate there for lunch today. The restaurant is very nice and very clean. The new owners have really transformed the former space. Downside was nobody greeting you as you entered and no instructions as to seating. I waited a good 5 minutes while the workers just looked at me. Eventually one asked if I could be helped. Upside: The menu is extensive, had lots of creatively new dishes to this area. My waiter was not only hot but attentive and very kind. The food was really tasty and served in a timely manner. I could not complain on the food, the bill and the waiter. I will certainly give this place another try and encourage others to as well. To Amanda: Keep in mind this restaurant just opened, prepare for such and bring patience. If we don't learn from our mistakes, how is one to learn? Give the restaurant another chance.
Posted by: Amanda on Oct 9, 2008 at 06:38 PM
I work downtown and my coworkers and I go out to eat for lunch quite often. We decided to try the "new" Hibachi and it was a mistake. They forgot drinks, and one girl ordered food and after 40 minutes waiting on our food they then tell her they are out of what she ordered. When they fianlly brought out our food, what wasn't the wrong thing was cold. We told the waiter, who hadn't even refilled drinks, that the food was cold and he said okay and walked away and never returned. We were all upset so we went to the hostess and explained to her what had occurred and she pulled up our bill (which still had the food that was ordered but unavailable) and she was kind enough to just take care of the bill. We all left there upset, and still very hungry!!!It was the worst dining experience I have ever experienced. So my advice to you, stick with the old Hibachi, on 4th Ave where the food is warm, the waiters are kind, and you don't spend an hour waiting to eat!
Posted by: a stove on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Hibachi is a Japanese stove. Sorry to all those who thought it was original.
Posted by: j. on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:30 PM
to those complaining about Taste Of Asia using "hibachi" in their name -hibachi is a style of cooking, not a brand name, and they are free to use it.
Posted by: Anon-2 on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:00 PM
I have eaten at Hibachi on 4th several times and I like their food. However, their service is horrible. My husband and I have always felt like we were being rushed to finish our dinner so that they could bring in another party to our table. It is crazy to spend $50-$60 on food and not be able to enjoy your meal.
Posted by: Steven on Oct 9, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Taste of Asia is awesome!! Clean nice and the food is great. Lived in myrtle beach and other areas of the south and this is a top quality restuarant that huntington should be proud of and support
Posted by: Trixie on Oct 9, 2008 at 03:55 PM
They have a Hibachi's in Charleston and a Hibachi's Dteak House (Taste of Asia) in Teays Valley. The in on Teays Valley is HORRIBLE!!!!! I ate there once and it was nothing like the Hibachi in Charleston. I will NEVER go back to the one in Teays Valley. Hopefully this new one in Huntington will taste like crap too!! I do not understand how they can have the same name, but actually be Taste of Asia?? I hope the best for the old Hibachi's!! Thats where I will always go!
Posted by: TO SUE on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Your a idiot! get a life!
Posted by: booger on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Sounds to me like Hibachi #2 needs to be a little more original. Reminds me of "McDowell's" in "Coming to America"
Posted by: Scott on Oct 9, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Bad taste. How ironic. Anyway, enjoy it while you can, Sue. People around here don't like much food beyond biscuits, gravy and lard. I'm shocked that the Indian restaurant is still open.
Posted by: Sue on Oct 9, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Ms. Burd, I think that it is in incredibly bad taste that you are badmouthing a new restaurant just because you don't think you should have competition. Welcome to the business world! I have been to your establishment and I would not go back. Food was passable but the service was bad. I look forward to trying Taste of Asia. Fusion is awesome!
Posted by: cin on Oct 9, 2008 at 12:13 PM
the Habachi on 4th is a classy place with awesome sushi bar!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I really don't understand the title of this story. Taste of Asia and Hibachi are two totally different names. Therefore, there is obviously one Hibachi
Posted by: Me on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Is this WSAZ reporter illiterate? One is called Hibachi, the other Taste of Asia. How is that 2 places both named Hibachi? Did someone have a news story quota they could not make and just make up a story out of thin air?
Posted by: Scott on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:45 AM
C'mon, Taste of Asia. Why not call the place "Taste of Asia" and leave out the Hibachi Steakhouse? It's obivous you are trying to capitalize on the success of the original. Stand on your on wok, in other words.
Posted by: JL on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:26 AM
I have eaten at both as well as the one in Teays Valley and the lady at the "Original Hibachi" may say she is not concerned but she should be! The Taste of Asia is clean (major difference), the Taste of Asia chefs make the ones at the original look like amateurs and the portions are much larger. Plus, the food has more flavor. There is also a much wider variety of offerings. For example I love Tempura Udon which is not available at the original. Perhaps the competition will cause both to ramp up their efforts to serve the people of Huntington to a whole new level!
Posted by: Flo on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:22 AM
anon-1, the full name of the 2nd restaurant is "Taste of Asia" Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse and Grill. Both have hibachi in the name as the story suggests.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Just what we needed - another restaurant. Glad to have more business but we need a Dollar General, Family Dollar, something like we used to have. Why can't something like that come to Huntington - oh wait - HIGH TAXES, BUMS AROUND EVERY CORNER! Silly me :-)
Posted by: Mel on Oct 9, 2008 at 03:01 AM
Ms. Burd if you think that your restaurants food taste anything like Japanese food you are so sadly mistaken. I live in Japan and have eaten your restaurants food, you are so far off. Have you ever even been to Japan?
Posted by: anon-1 on Oct 9, 2008 at 01:27 AM
Two different names for the restaurants. Both are not "Hibachi". The one of 4th is Habichi. The one on 3rd is "Taste of Asia".
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