Do you have any friends who haven’t been to Shogun? Well, I found a friend who had not and decided to take her on a little adventure.

Shogun Japanese Steakhouse is not just a dining experience, it is tableside cooking and a sushi bar all in one that is dining extravaganza for the senses (especially your ears), so be ready for excitement squared if you decide to go in for a meal.

To begin with, there is no other option than eating with people you don’t know, unless you bring your own party of eight. All meals are family style, random seating around a grill. Our party of two was joined by a family of four children and two parents. Children at a dinner table can be an unpredictable experience, but I won’t spoil how this tale turned out by telling you the ending first.

We ordered soft shell crab for an appetizer. I have tried to get a decent soft shell crab in Bowling Green and was again horribly disappointed. It was overcooked to the point of being unrecognizable on the plate and so much so that even the crunch of the batter was tough, as was the meat. It had such an awful fish taste I didn’t finish eating it. Probably the worst I’ve had so far.

Luckily, I had a little comic relief at that point as the children began slurping their sodas – I’m guessing hoping to get the attention of our waiter for a refill. Their mother was apologetic, but we had been grateful for their presence from the start. When we were seated no one spoke to us (not for a drink order) until the family was seated. Another couple was seated later and while they waited for other people to join them, they were given drinks and an appetizer and plenty of attention. It seemed as if it was left up to the wait staff and cook at each table/cook station as to how patrons were taken care of.

We had unintentionally made it in time for the early bird special and were given generous portions at a reasonable price. I ordered the mahi mahi and my dining companion had the teriyaki chicken. The only difference between regular meals and the early bird special was that you get your choice of clear broth soup or salad instead of both. We ate our salads as the dinner show began, and the creamy ginger dressing was, and always is, an appetizing way to begin the meal.

All main dishes ordered were then cooked on the large grill with chopping, tossing and turning in front of our eyes. The whirling of knives and clattering of spatulas adds to any dining experience. Side dishes are also cooked this way and include fried rice, vegetables and noodles.

The food overall was seasoned well and cooked just right. Everyone was silent once the food was served and everyone at our table looked fully satisfied as they ate. I know I was.

This was after the entertaining side show that is a common draw to Shogun (it is a favorite birthday destination for some children I’m close to for this very reason) – the tossing of the shrimp. Each person at the table must at least attempt to catch a shrimp in their mouth, tossed from the other side of the table by the chef. I was ready and caught the shrimp. My dining companion had dreaded this moment and didn’t catch her shrimp, but said she had a blast and would be ready for it next time. The children at our table were not satisfied with just one try and with mom again apologizing profusely, dad gave them numerous tries, with just as many outcomes and laughs.

In all this lovely mayhem, our check arrived before we had a chance to order the fried ice cream we had decided to try. Oh well, the theme of the evening was going with an unpredictable flow.

Shogun was full of surprises – pleasant and unpleasant – but is a must try at least once in your life. So if you’ve been, find a friend who hasn’t and create an adventure of your own.

– New restaurants are given an six-week grace period. Comments can be sent to Managing Editor Mike Alexieff by telephone at 783-3235 or by e-mail at malexieff@bgdailynews.com.

Shogun Japanese Steakhouse

1713 Scottsville Road

Bowling Green

846-2600

Hours: 11a.m. to 2 p.m., 4:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Friday; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday

Specialties: Sushi and stir fry

Cuisine: Japanese

Price range for dinner: $12.99 to $25.99

Libation situation: Full bar

Smoking: Yes