Spokane, WA

Image courtesy of "Burn the Floor"

Some of the girls I work with and I decided we had been working too hard and needed to reward ourselves with an upscale, girl’s night out. I opted for seeing “Burn the Floor” at the INB, and someone else inputted going out to dinner at the Shogun. Together, they ended up being the perfect dinner-show combination for our night on the town.

I’ve gone to the INB Performing Arts Center for several theatrical plays, but never for a “dance show.” And come to think of it, I don’t believe I had ever gone to a strictly dance performance before seeing this one. None of us knew quite hat to expect. Would there be a dolling, dull tinkering piano as elderly seniors in conservative gowns waltzed across the stage? Turns out, this performance was exactly the opposite. Every number was sexier than the one before, and dancers strutted around the stage in a face-paced, mind-blowing spectacle. Dancers around the world, who were competition tested, displayed their talents on the INB stage in their full-extent. The dances were so intense that we were constantly gasping and holding our breath in awe as these dancers from Russia, Britain, Sweden, and Slovakia stretched the physical limitations of the human body in dazzling costumes‚Äîto familiar songs such as Shania Twain’s “Natural Woman.” As a tour this performance originally performed in Europe. We felt very honored that they decided to come and visit Spokane, and very cultured because of it. Hopefully similar performances will be making their way to the INB‚Äîwe will make a point of attending each one.

Before “Burn the Floor” at the INB, we had met up at the Shogun restaurant (located at 821 E. 3rd Avenue). We had made the mistake of showing up without reservations, which had completely slipped our minds. I blamed my girlfriend that had been there before (she should have known better). But we ended up lucky, we barely had to wait 15 minutes and they were able to get us seated at a table. This was my first experience at the place, and I loved every minute of it.

As soon as we walked into the building we were immersed in the beautiful set-up they had to offer. I have yet to go out to an Asian-style restaurant as gorgeously decorated. Water streamed under the hallways “bridge” and was decorated with glowing lights. Each table was individually light, with the rest of the area darkened. This made us feel like we were more isolated at our own place. Each table has its own chef, and we got to watch him make everything right in front of us! It was the most exciting and entertaining dining experience I have ever had. We watched in amazement as he tossed an egg around in the air without it cracking or dropping once! He was very talented at preparing every bit of food.

Chef tossing an Egg

And the food was absolutely amazing. I started us off with some rainbow sushi rolls. Best I have ever had. They give you egg flour soup and a small salad to start with besides, so we were never without something in front of us to nibble on while we watched our food being prepared. I ordered Hibachi Scallops with fried rice. They were incredible and packed with flavor. I ended up paying a little over $40 for the sushi roll and the entree, hot tea included. I thought it was all well worth the price.

Next time I'll remember reservations!

I have been bragging to everyone who wasn’t present about what a fabulous night we had, and promising my boyfriend and friends that couldn’t come that I will have to take them to the Shogun so they can see it for themselves. Next time though, I will be sure to make reservations before hand.