Photos by AOK Photography
Late Night Las Vegas Dining Returns
The proud creation of proprietors Jennel & Tsutomu Molde
By Arthur J. Bloberger
It’s named for Japan’s greatest and most famous samurai, Miyamoto Musashi. Now in its fourth year, it’s more than just an exciting dining experience on Las Vegas’ famed Paradise Road, it’s also the culmination of many years of hard work and a story about the power of love.
Tsutomo Molde (pictured right, with wife Jennel) spent nearly two decades perfecting his craft, more than half of that at a well known Japanese restaurant in Las Vegas, often passing his skills on to others. During that time, he met his beautiful wife-to-be, who would one day bless him with a pair of handsome sons and team with him to bring a longtime dream to life. But it was not love at first sight. In fact, it was the opposite. Yet, out of the mud grows the lotus.
When the Musashi Japanese Steakhouse opened its doors for the first time in late 2006, it truly elevated the city’s East Asian restaurant scene with its highly extensive menu (check out www.musashilv.com) and a comforting return to old-style Japanese tradition and décor.
We began our dining experience with an apple flavored sake, one of five fruit infused choices. Delightfully chilled, it nonetheless warmed us and whetted our appetites for the meal to come.
The sushi assortment (below) was indisputable the best we’ve ever eaten and was equally exquisite in presentation. The Yellowtail and Salmon, the Halibut with Smelt Eggs and Avocado, as well as the Tuna Poki Salad, all served with Wasabi and Ginger, were completely at the epitome of freshness and flavor. The restaurant’s Sushi Bar itself is a wonder. After Musashi, you might not ever even think about having sushi anywhere else.
The Hairy Shrimp (right) appetizer came next, deliciously deep fried and wrapped with thin noodles (hence the hair), it came in a Shinwa sauce that was absolutely lip-smacking fabulous. The Meat Broth Soup that followed with mushrooms and scallions was so good that we finished every drop and wanted more. But there was too much samurai-style food still to come.
That’s when the Teppanyaki show began. (First, let’s take this moment to mention that the all-day Teppanyaki service culminates with a late night Happy Hour menu served Mon.-Thu., 11 p.m.-4 a.m.)Now, we swear, Tsutomu’s fiery hands (see above) at times moved so fast that they were a blur. Part juggler, part chef, it seemed as it everything he touched spent at least a few moments in the air (well, not the rice).
But speaking of fried rice, it was amazing! We could eat this stuff 24/7. And the vegetables – so hot and fresh they make you feel healthier just to eat them. As for the Kobe Beef – it is 100% authentic from Japan, not just “Kobe style.” Perfectly marbled, its flavor and tenderness are unsurpassed – a melt-in-your-mouth experience. We also loved the Breast of Chicken and the Salmon Filet. Without question, Tsutomu is a master chef of the highest order. And even after such a feast, he insisted we have some dessert. We went for the Vanilla Ice Cream Tempura (left), and we suggest you do, too. It’s a great way to top off a meal fit for a warrior.
More than just an unsurpassed eatery, Musashi is also a reflection of love – for food, for family, for friendship. Musashi Japanese Steakhouse is located just minutes east of The Strip at 3900 Paradise Road, in Citibank Park between Twain and Flamingo Road. Open for lunch Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and form dinner 365 days a year from 5 p.m.-4 a.m., it encompasses a welcome return to late night Las Vegas dining. Feel free to just drop in, or call for reservations at 735-4744.
