Oklahoma City KEY - Cover Story

Experience the fire and swordsmanship of Oklahoma City’s premier Japanese Steakhouse, Musashi’s; a delectable celebration of comfort and tradition, where the customer comes first.

Musashi’s, located at 4315 North Western, is the crown jewel of Western Avenue, an area that is referred to by locals as “restaurant row”. The new restaurant blends perfectly into the historic neighborhood that maintains its 1940’s atmosphere with the feel and charm of a small town main street. In addition to Musashi’s, the historic area is home to an eclectic collection of antique shops, art galleries and retail shops.

The Western-style of Japanese food at Musashi’s includes the main dish, accompanied by soup, rice, vegetable and salad. Musashi’s is an experience for all of the senses. The house specialty, teppannyaki, is a feast entertainingly prepared on a large “iron sheet” incorporated into the center of the table. This concept offers every diner “the best seat in the house” to witness master chefs prepare an impressive selection of favorites including Kobe styled beef, succulent shrimp and lobster.

The name, Musashi’s, comes from a real life samurai warrior Miyamoto Musashi, who in 1631 began to place his strategies on paper. These writings were eventually combined into a single work entitled “The Book of Five Rings.” These five separate scrolls; Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Emptiness are personified in the restaurant by five separate rooms. Each room is distinctly designed to portray that aspect of Musashi’s philosophy with regard to life and battle.

One of the most unique rooms is the “Fire Room” featuring two side-by-side grills allowing the chefs to entertain guests with the artistry of fire and swordsmanship. The “Fire Room” overlooks Western Avenue, providing an unforgettable show for patio guests and passersby.

The water aspect of Musashi’s writing is translated into large ponds filled with koi, with waterfalls softly splashing and streams meandering through the restaurant. The elegant surroundings are the perfect setting to experience the skill and artistry of the tableside preparation.

The local restaurateurs also own and operate Sushi Neko and Will’s Coffee Shop, located just across Western Avenue.

Sushi Neko is an experience you’ll enjoy. Be sure to sit at the sushi bar, the heart and soul of the restaurant, where the sushi, sashimi, and some of the more exotic dishes are prepared. When ordering sushi for the first time, ask for some suggestions from knowledgeable wait staff, or order the “Sushi Virgin Sampler”.

Will’s Coffee Shop, located next door in the Will Rogers Theatre, is a perfect stop while exploring Western Avenue. Will’s is open daily, except Sunday, from 7 am to 9 pm. The sidewalk café offers gourmet pastries, croissant sandwiches and sushi “to go”. It’s a popular hang out for the locals and a great place to experience the sights and sounds of the historic neighborhood.

Musashi’s offers great entertainment on the Patio Thursday and Friday nights from 6 to 10pm. Enjoy Japanese-Brazilian music with a techno twist and drink specials and appetizer and sushi specials. The patio is the perfect prelude to an entertaining dining experience. Sushi Neko and Musashi’s are local ‘hot spots’ and open Monday through Saturday. Reservations are suggested but not required. For reservations or more information, call 602-5623.

Born in 1584, Miyamoto Musashi, being abandoned at the age of seven, grew up an orphan. He was the son of a samurai, strong-willed and physically large for his age. It is told that he defeated grown man in battle at the age of 13. Musashi went on to win many more duels including his most famous battle in 1612 where he defeated his opponent Sasaki Kojiro with a carved rowing oar. After this battle, Musashi never again used swords in duels. He was considered invincible and around the age of 60, retired to a life of seclusion in a cave called "Reigendo". There he spent the last two years of his life writing "A Book of Five Rings": a guide to strategy. He died May 19th, 1645.

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