Sushi served at Tokyo restaurant

A recent addition to Terre Haute, Tokyo Restaurant is a new and refreshing chance for diners to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. Although many may think that every Japanese restaurant provides the same experience, Tokyo provides something more. Waitresses are polite and helpful, and more than willing to offer a fork in place of chopsticks.

There is a friendly acceptance of American culture in the restaurant, but the chopsticks are still worth a try. The outside of the restaurant looks rather commonplace but does not reflect its true nature.

Inside, the restaurant feels like an entirely different place. Windows are adorned with fabric and white paper shades, separating the dining experience from the outside world and creating a dark, calm atmosphere.

A short bridge crosses a tiny pond at the entrance, as if signifying the crossing between two worlds. A trickling waterfall sets the tone of the restaurant as soon as one enters, and a shakuhachi, or Japanese bamboo flute, sends smooth, clear notes around the restaurant.

On one side, past a Japanese arch, sit large hibachi grills waiting to be fired. A small dining area sits in view of the sushi bar, where talented artists create their edible works. An assortment of lanterns hang from the ceiling, while the walls are adorned with Japanese art.

Behind the bar, bottles of wine and beer mix with intricately painted tea pots. Some hints at American culture peek among the art; a Happy Halloween banner hangs above the entrance, a contrast that evokes a smile. Tables are adorned with chopsticks only, soy sauce, and small dishes for dipping.

Plates the shape of leaves and sushi plates made of wood carry food to other tables. For any first-timer, a Japanese menu can seem daunting. At Tokyo, the menu features more than 100 items, but diners should not get discouraged.There are some items that many will recognize. The California roll is a safe bet. Cooked crabmeat and avocado marry within nori seaweed and tender white rice. The entire roll is inside-out, with the rice on the outside coated in toasted sesame seeds.

There is even a Philadelphia roll with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and scallion, and a Boston roll with shrimp. Those who want to try more authentic sushi will find plenty of odd items, with ingredients ranging from eel to sea urchin. There are two pages of rolls and a list featuring more than 20 sashimi choices.

Sushi lovers have plenty to choose from. A great bet at lunch is the Sushi Special A. Six California rolls come with five pieces of assorted sushi, salad, and Miso soup. White tuna, sea bass, and fluke are tender white fish with delicate flavors, good for experimenters.The tuna is superb, fresh and cut perfectly, while the salmon offers a stronger flavor and a different texture.

Brave customers can try wasabi on their sushi, but beware the intense heat. Pickled ginger can help cleanse the palate between fish, and soy sauce can be used for adding flavor.

Many of the appetizers offer safe flavors.Shumai, or steamed shrimp dumplings, are delicate and simple with only a hint of shrimp and a dip in some sweet and sour sauce. Gyoza, fried pork dumplings, are a favorite.

Tempura items are fried in a light batter, and Negimaki meat comes broiled in Teriyaki sauce. The Miso soup is a light start to a traditional Japanese meal, with tofu and scallions in a thin broth.

The usual green salad is made unique with a sweet and creamy ginger sauce which offers a tiny kick of flavor. For those out there looking for something cooked, don't despair. There are plenty of Teriyaki, Negimaki, and Tempura items to choose from, ranging from chicken, to salmon, to filet mignon, and even lobster.

Take some friends and eat at the Hibachi grill where your own chef prepares meat, rice, and vegetables to order in a show of culinary dexterity and art.

For dessert, there are assorted ice creams, sundaes, and cakes, but some unique finds are the green tea ice cream, sweet and creamy with a subtle tea taste, or the red bean ice cream, a surprisingly delicious take on a savory ingredient.

Both are always worth a try. Prices at Tokyo vary drastically. Entrée items usually fall above the $10 range, and lobster and filet mignon can get very expensive.

However, lunchtime opens a lot of doors for diners. Most lunch items are single portion versions of sampler platters and fall under $10. A bento box features a choice of cooked meats with Miso soup, salad, Gyoza, California roll and rice for $9.95. The Sushi A lunch special described above is only $8.95.

For just a taste of something, appetizers are also inexpensive at around $5. Soups and salads are the same.All in all, Tokyo is a great place to try something, or many new things, for a decent price. When plates, or sometimes boards, are cleaned, diners can lean back and enjoy the atmosphere. Eating at Tokyo seems to be more than about the food; it's also about the experience. Everyone is helpful and ready to explain the dishes, but they are also ready to simply talk and laugh.

Sometimes, it is the responsibility of the diner to make every eating experience something more than just eating.