For the best sushi in town and a quality Japanese hibachi grill experience, Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steak House in the Augusta Village Shopping Center scores a perfect 10.

The cook prepares your meal right before your eyes, and all the while, he's presenting the audience with his best comedic performance. It's like having your own one-man show while you eat - except for the fact that you're sharing that show with 11 other people at your table.

The knife-tossing, shrimp-throwing, spatula-flipping, fire-blazing extravaganza is a must-see.

There are two things I've discovered about eating at a hibachi grill. One, don't go if you want a peaceful dinner; two, if you're looking for that intimate table for two, keep looking, because you'll be sharing your dining experience with several people. But people go to hibachi grills because it's so different from the traditional restaurant. And the quality of Japanese food is superb.

On my most recent visit, I tried the sushi. I had the beginner sushi, because my dinner date had never eaten sushi before. Beginner sushi consists of avocado and cooked crabmeat wrapped in seaweed and rice, so any fear of eating raw fish can be thrown out the window.

I opted for hibachi shrimp for dinner. The restaurant serves shrimp, chicken or steak, and you can make combos out of the three or stick to one meat. But I would suggest trying a combo. It's cheaper, and you get more food.

Before the chef comes out, a waiter serves soup and salads. Your entree is also served with cooked vegetables, rice and three sauces, a white sauce, a ginger sauce and a mustard sauce (I prefer the white sauce).

The decor is pleasant. The ceiling is painted a midnight blue with white and yellow stars as if you're looking up at the sky. Elaborate Japanese paintings hang on the wall, and glass partitions with frosted swans divide each section of the restaurant.

I highly recommend Miyabi. It's a perfect place to bring a date or your family to celebrate someone's birthday.

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EATING WELL

Eatery: Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steak House, 1315 Augusta West Parkway (map)

Hours: 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4:30-10:30 p.m. Friday; 4-10:30 p.m. Saturday; and 4-9 p.m. Sunday

Cost: Beginner sushi, $4.50; entree combos, $10.99; hibachi shrimp, $14.25

Ambiance: Jovial and animated

Rating: 5 out of 5

Phone: 210-2600

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