BENDIGO will soon say farewell to three of its most popular residents as My Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant prepares to close.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mami and Yoshi Ikeda opened the doors to the busy restaurant 25 years ago after first visiting the city on a holiday.
The couple liked what they saw and opted to make Bendigo their home and in doing so became culinary pioneers by giving the region its first Japanese restaurant.
But, after more than two decades they have opted to pack away the master chef’s knives and turn off the burners under the teppanyaki plates and focus on family life with son Sei, 12, who rounds off the Ikeda trio.
“We were on a driving holiday and stopped here and then went further south,” Mami recalls of their visit. “We liked what we saw and made sure we stopped here again on the way home.
“It was a huge step but I came first on my own and started working with the council to open the doors to our first place in Mundy Street. Yoshi had to finish work and then came when we were recruiting staff and getting closer to opening.
“Council had never heard of what we wanted to do - cooking on a hotplate in front of diners. It was quite unusual and they were concerned it would be dangerous.
“We had to have a barrier up between the hotplate and diners, which definitely changed the experience from what it is now.
“Not long after we opened we had a food inspector from Melbourne come in - he was in Bendigo visiting family and was so surprised that we couldn't cook or offer food in the traditional way on the barbecue. So the next day he went into the council and told them what was happening in Melbourne, thankfully they listened and we could go to our original plan. We thanked him for that.”
Mami said My Teppanyaki loosely translates to ‘my theatrical barbecue’. They added their own signature to the name using “My”, to acknowledge their names, Mami and Yoshi. Mami worked front of house, greeting guests as if they were coming in to the Ikeda home. Yoshi was the chef who entertained and fed diners.
By the time Mami and Yoshi welcomed Sei in the early 2000s My Teppanyaki had relocated to the top of Mitchell Street where it continued to be a staple on many diners’ calendars.
The couple came to Australia in 1983 and had worked in top Japanese restaurants in Sydney, Perth and Canberra before settling in Bendigo
“We have a had a special time in Bendigo – the city and its people have been generous to us,” Mami said. “Running a restaurant is hard with its long hours and we now want to spend more time as a family.”
Mami said being able to host celebrations for many of their customers was special. “We have had many people return to us over the years to celebrate a birthday, anniversary and then to bring their children along. We have truly had generations sit at our table.”
Since the family broke the news of the closure of their business, they have been inundated with bookings from regular clients wanting to say thank you and farewell.
“It is becoming more real as the weeks go on, we are slowly getting used to it,” Mami said. “Here we have been part of people’s families and they ours. To me, being in hospitality is about inviting people into your home. You want them to be comfortable, have good food and enjoy their time. We have been part of some totally extraordinary moments in people’s lives and for that we are honoured.”
Master chef Yoshi’s theatrics behind the teppanyaki grill have long entertained. His quick hands carefully guiding sharp knives over meat, seafood and vegetables is the ideal dinner and show. His high standards for serving excellent food has been a driving force in ensuring the restaurant maintained solid trade in an often fickle food environment.
“Yoshi is the boss, and he has even pushed me to work harder and better. It is hard to work with your partner as well as live with them - we have had some ups and downs like any married couple do, but we work well together.”
The Ikeda family plans to move to Melbourne, where Sei will continue his education.
“Sei spent last year in Japan, it was important he learn more about his culture and heritage, but it was hard for him and for us. When he came home we realised we didn't want to spend as much time in a restaurant - it’s long hours. Life's too short - he has already grown so much and we know that the next 10 years will go pretty quickly so we want to spend as much time together as we can.
“We will miss our small staff, who have become like a family. We have made some good friendships, we are very grateful and will miss Bendigo.”
Yoshi and Mami Ikeda say their last day of trading will depend on the plans of the building’s future owners.
“Meanwhile, we will keep very busy with customers coming in to say goodbye,” nods Mami.