Which specific establishment played a significant role in popularizing the performance cooking style in the United States starting in 1964?
Answer
Benihana in New York City
The widespread adoption and rebranding of *teppanyaki* style cooking in the United States, where it became known as 'hibachi', is heavily linked to specific restaurateurs during the mid-20th century. Notably, the establishment of Benihana in New York City in the year 1964 was instrumental in bringing this dining experience, complete with performance elements, into the mainstream American consciousness. This introduction facilitated the cultural exchange where the term *hibachi* became permanently, though technically incorrectly, associated with the large, flat-top grill performance.

Related Questions
What is the literal translation of the Japanese term *hibachi* (火鉢)?What cooking method accurately describes the theatrical style the West calls hibachi, utilizing an iron plate?Which specific establishment played a significant role in popularizing the performance cooking style in the United States starting in 1964?What primary flavor characteristic is imparted to food cooked on a genuine Japanese *hibachi*?What fundamental piece of equipment defines a genuine *hibachi* used historically in Japan?In the distinction summary table, what is listed as the equipment for *Teppanyaki* (Japan/Global)?What term, meaning 'iron plate,' is the foundation for the cooking surface used in *teppanyaki*?How does the heat source for a genuine *hibachi* fundamentally differ from the equipment used for *teppanyaki* in restaurants?When traveling in Japan, what specific dining option should one seek if interested in the authentic, small-scale charcoal grilling experience associated with *hibachi*?What element of the Americanized 'hibachi steakhouse experience' is often considered an American addition to the *teppanyaki* tradition?