Cao and his wife are originally from Shanghai, China, and have been in Roanoke for 12 years. In keeping with Japanese steakhouse custom, tables are set with forks but no knives. This creates a delightful opportunity for diners to polish their chopstick skills on the bite-sized pieces of meat. On the tables are two small plates, one containing a creamy sauce to use with seafood, the other dark and aromatic with ginger and intended to enhance beef and poultry. There's plenty to eat and enjoy, and prices are moderate.
Abundant portions are the rule.
Substantially portioned, nicely seasoned lunch plates are smaller but still generous versions of certain dinner items. Dinners include seasoned beef, poultry and seafood in enticing combinations. The fish is generously draped with a dark, sweetish sauce and is my least favorite meal though it won fans at my table. Sapporo, a Japanese beer, is the drink of choice, although I find chilled white wine to be equally refreshing. It's wonderfully light and arrives with a few squiggles of chocolate sauce on top.