Pictured above: Mayor of Derby, councillor Sean
Marshall performs the official ribbon cutting at MoonSha.
MoonSha Bar and Restaurant, Derby's first Japanese Teppanyaki
restaurant, is open for business.
The 400-cover fine dining restaurant is making the former HI-Q
tyre and exhaust centre on Friary Street the new home of Teppanyaki
food in Derby, following a £600,000 extensive
refurbishment.
More than 150 high profile guests from across the area attended
the official opening, which was officially opened with a
ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by the Mayor of Derby, councillor
Sean Marshall.
On arrival guests made their way up the red carpet amidst
dancers performing a traditional red lion dance and fireworks.
Inside, guests were treated to a champagne and canapés
reception before sampling and extensive range of Japanese cuisine,
including sushi, sashimi, vegetable tempura and shallow fried
dumplings.
For the main event of the evening however, guests were drawn to
the restaurant's central teppanyaki bar to watch the restaurant's
expert chefs perform a live teppanyaki cooking demonstration
followed by a tasting session.
Teppanyaki food is prepared on a 400-degree flat metal grill
called a teppen. The cooking style has become famous thanks to the
flamboyant way in which the chefs cook the food.
Entertainment from salsa dancers, Absolute Salsa and singer
Maria Levie followed in the upstairs bar.
Propreitor Ailee Dang, who has more than 25 years' experience in
the restaurant business, aims to bring an authentic Japanese dining
experience with a twist to the people of Derby and surrounding
areas.
Commenting on Moonsha's launch event, owner, Ailee Dang
said: "I am delighted that our launch was such a huge success
and enabled us to meet so many new faces."
"Thanks go out to the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Sean Marshall
for taking the time out of his busy schedule to carry out the
official ribbon-cutting ceremony."
Moonsha Bar and Restaurant will be the first venue of its kind
in Derby, providing a place to dine, have drinks with friends or
meet for a business lunch. Moonsha will provide authentic Japanese
food and high quality service in a unique ambience.