My Two Cents: Fujiyama, opening today, gets five stars all around

Fujiyama chef “Fred” prepares an “onion volcano” on the hibachi grill at the restaurant Monday night. Fujiyama’s official grand opening is today, April 20.

Pullman’s newest restaurant looks like it belongs in a much bigger city.

Once the home of Denny’s restaurant, which closed in 2013, the interior is now almost completely unrecognizable. Classy Japanese ornaments decorate the walls, large windows – each with several boxes filling the frame – make for an abundance of natural lighting, setting the ambience that bounces off the light red walls. Six hibachi grills fill the main dining space, where more than 50 people can be seated comfortably around all of the grills without feeling crowded at all.

Arriving as the very first diners, my guest and I were greeted by a friendly and warm staff that looked nervous on their first night of service, but quickly picked up on their new jobs and helped to make for a pleasant dining experience. Their dress was all very professional, and though an entourage of waiters and waitresses followed those who were doing the training, this crowd was never overwhelming and were quick to provide service. The restaurant’s manager, Yuki Zheng, greeted several customers on her own and went around the restaurant to make sure that each diner was having a five-star experience.

The high-back leather chairs were comfortable – an important feature when taking into consideration that the typical dining experience here could be upwards of two hours. Every minute of that two hours is worth it, too.

The food compares well with what diners can expect at Sangria, Banyan’s or Black Cypress, but it offers something none of those restaurants can offer for the price: entertainment.

Hibachi style chefs will cook your meal right at your table and perform a skit along with their meal preparation (though I won’t be giving away any of their jokes).

It is an experience you cannot get anywhere else in Pullman or Moscow.

The chefs prepare different parts of the meal at separate times, starting first with the rice (which can be ordered steamed or as chicken fried rice) and then moving onto the vegetables and meat.

Generous portions of rice and vegetables were handed out to each customer, both of which could have made an entire meal on their own.

My guest and I were so enthralled with the show the chef was putting on that we almost forgot the already cooked food as we watched him cook the rest.

Talking to the chef while he or she cooks will make for a more interactive and entertaining show, only enhancing the already unique experience.

Before the chef arrives, guests are treated to a Japanese onion soup and a salad with house ginger dressing. Both were light portions, though you would be hard pressed to find someone complaining about it with the amount of food that comes after. The ginger dressing did overpower the salad at times, and it might be best to ask for the dressing on the side if you want to avoid drenched lettuce.

The set up of dining tables at the grills allows for up to 18 people to be seated at each set of two grills, and some diners will end up eating with people they may not know. The atmosphere was far from intrusive, though, and it is still possible to feel like you are having a private dining experience, even with a stranger sitting right next to you.

Now let’s talk price. Fujiyama is expensive. The bill for two diners each ordering a full dinner, a beverage and splitting an appetizer was nearly $70. Add dessert and a tip onto that bill, and it could easily inch toward $100 for just two people. The price, however, is comparable and even less than the cost at other upscale restaurants in Pullman while adding the entertainment factor.

This restaurant brings a new experience to Pullman that would normally require a drive to Spokane or a trip to Seattle. The food is well worth the cost, and the entertainment is a great bonus that will be sure to make you want to return.

Fujiyama earns five stars all around.