Have I mentioned that we enjoy Asian food? Perhaps on an occasion or two, but with the holiday season now over, I have one more review to slip in before I start trying new restaurants in 2022.
And yes, this is also Asian cuisine, specifically, Fusion Japanese Steakhouse at the Highlands outside Wheeling.
I’ve been to Fusion a few times since it’s opening. I enjoy the Hibachi-style dining options with the talented chefs cooking on the surface in front of you. It’s quite a show. The chefs are usually lively, humorous, and ready to entertain. That is in addition, to preparing a delicious meal for all those gathered around the table.
That was part of my problem for the longest time. I mistakenly felt you needed a large group to dine at Fusion, at least the Hibachi part. I didn’t realize that often, smaller parties are grouped together around the table.
So, a couple nights before New Year’s Eve, we headed up on the hilltop to take in the sights, sounds, and delicious smells emanating from inside Fusion Japanese Steakhouse.
For me, it was the first time sitting around the table. It was certainly worth it.
The atmosphere at Fusion never disappoints. It’s a bit upscale, without being too fancy. The kind of place you feel pretentious wearing a suit and tie, but also near shameful for rocking shorts and a t-shirt. Those that know me know I seldom wear pants, as I am the aforementioned shorts and a t-shirt guy, snow or otherwise.
But I threw pants on, and a collared polo shirt before dining on this night. I didn’t want to be THAT guy.
Miso, a green salad, and a bottle of Tsing Tao … great way to start a meal. 
Fried dumplings. I forgot to take a photo until there were only two left.
The Food
She ordered the chicken hibachi, while I decided to spend a little extra and go for the New York Strip. The Hibachi dinners come with a green salad, miso soup, and either fried rice or noodles.
She opted to go with rice, while I enjoy the Lo Mein noodles, so I went in that direction. Sometimes we’ll split, sometimes not. But I’ve done rice in the past, and it’s just as good.
Also, as usual, we ordered a side of fried dumplings. They did not disappoint. Top five for certain.
The salads generally are just lettuce, with a particular sauce. It’s enough to get the appetite started, but not too much to fill up early.
I’m not a huge fan of miso, but the soup was pretty tasty.
Now to the main course. Watching the food prepared skillfully in front of you is worth the price of the meal itself. It’s not just cooking. It’s entertainment. And our chef certainly was entertaining. He kept us laughing and on our toes. Plus, he makes a pretty mean hibachi strip steak and chicken.
Our neighboring tablemates also ordered shrimp, so he was working with three different proteins along with both rice and noodles.
Delicious it was, down to the last drop.
Fusion is by no means cheap, but it’s not the most expensive restaurant of its kind in the area. In fact, for this type of food and service, it was downright affordable. We’ll certainly be back when the occasion calls for it.
I think you’ll agree as well once you try it.
