I'm floundering between 2 & 3 stars, but I'm feeling warm 'n fuzzy this evening, so I'm going with 3. I used to eat at Ishi quite often, however it's been about a year since my last visit. Had nothing to do with them, just sorta happened that way (working from home a lot more, etc). Since then, they've moved into a new building across from the strip mall they used to be in (formerly Fudruckers then Taiyo). Much larger space, which is great , however the interior has sort of a \"design on a dime\" look to me. Considering I got my lunch to go, I didn't have time to really evaluate things that closely, so I can't fairly evaluate/rate the ambiance, other than it being rather dark (lots of black).\n\nI've eaten here twice now in the last week & a half, and I have to say, they just don't do it for me anymore. And that saddens me because the family that owns/runs Ishi is great. Food is still fairly yummy, however the value isn't as good as it once was (ie: I've noticed a steep increase in price w/nothing to show for it). Meals come with either a side salad or soup at other places, but not here. I'm a creature of habit, so as usual, I order a chicken/shrimp hibachi combo. $12. Used to be around $8. Portion sizes are plentiful, so kudos for that, and service is speedy and friendly. However for my dollar, I can go about two blocks away to Kabuto and nosh on a far superior meal for the same price (and the rice is 10x better...and, if you have the time, you get a show!). Granted, unlike many of their competitors, Ishi's pricing remains the same at dinner, so that's a plus (portion sizes are the same at lunch and dinner). \n\nI tried their clear onion soup the other day and was RATHER disappointed; tasted like a watered down French onion soup to me - kinda icky; not the \"clean\" flavor I'm accustomed to. \n\nAll-in-all, Ishi is no longer on my go-to list unless I'm in a hurry or going with others. If I do go, I think I'll just get Hibachi Shrimp & sub out the rice for zucchini & onion. At least the owners & staff are still friendly - that get's them an additional star!
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