The Shinto experience

By Patricia Nugent

Tantalizing tastes, exotic decor, gracious staff...at Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, dining is an experience in which an unwavering mission is followed: food should be fun. This month they are heralding fall by unveiling new dishes and drinks, and ushering in pre-holiday booking for parties.

Fall Dishes Delight
“We don’t strictly follow national food trends, but pinpoint the best ones and interpret them for Cleveland tastes,” says Shinto General Manager Kyle Peterson. “Our newest dish, Poke Bowls, started growing in popularity in other U.S. cities last year and were just named the number one food trend by Business Insider magazine. Poke means ‘to slice’ in Hawaiian and refers to chunks of raw, marinated fish, which are tossed over rice and topped with vegetables, salad and sauces.”

Diners can customize the bowls however they like, picking their favorite components.

Shinto has always been known to take classic dishes on a spin. The new Sushi Tacos are a prime example of this, with all of the fabulous flavors of sushi packed into easy-to-eat taco shells.

“We are also adding a monthly featured fish to meet the growing demand,” he says. “Our seafood is sourced several times a week from all over the world to offer the top quality. Putting a spotlight on a different variety each month gives our diners the chance to maybe try something new and adventurous.” 

The eclectic eatery caters to steak-lovers as well. Says Kyle, “Our center-cut Chateaubriand is a masterpiece, and so are the other steak dishes, such as the Fillet Roll.”

Shinto packs a punch when it comes to flavor, offering options for all dietary lifestyles, including gluten-free and vegetarian meal options. “We appreciate the health-conscious dining boom,” says Kyle. Guests are encouraged to ask their server for meal options to fit their specific diet.

In addition to the slew of pumpkin-flavored beers, the crafty barkeeps are introducing several delish cocktails flavored to warm you up this fall, spicy cinnamon, luscious caramel, tart apples and more.

Holiday Party Central
Whether large-scale corporate affairs, company parties or family events, the holiday season is the busiest time of year at Shinto.

“We are booking dates for people to throw their event at the restaurant, or their own venue or home,” says Kyle, who also handles catering. “Sushi platters are the perfect dishes for parties, when people love to mingle and share. And people enjoy the festive vibe at our restaurant.” 

There really is no party too big or too small for these planning geniuses to make it perfect. For off-premises catering, Kyle reports they have the resources to coordinate every last detail—arranging for the flowers and booking entertainment, down to the linens, dance floor and ice sculptures. 

“With holiday events, people are always looking for ‘that something different’ from prior parties, and nothing is more fun and interactive than having a hibachi chef come to your home and set up his entertaining cooking table,” he says.

Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is at 17070 Pearl Road in Strongsville. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; and Sunday, 2-9 p.m. Call 440-878-3868, visit ShintoExperience.com, or check out their Facebook page for specials and more information.