Benihana celebrates 45 years on the cutting edge

That's right, the Miami-based chain has been around since 1964, growing from one humble, four-seater restaurant to 62 Benihana restaurants, nine Haru restaurants, and 22 RA Sushi restaurants. Benihana is best known for its flashy way of preparing your food -- and frankly, everything tastes better when a 500° skillet is the only thing separating you from your knife-flipping chef. 

Now if you amble over to either the Broomfield or Denver Benihana locations, you can order a $45 Anniversary Dinner for Two throughout 2009. The meal includes a trio of Benihana's steak, shrimp and chicken offerings, as well as soup, salad, shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, rice and green tea. 

And even though Benihana is now 45 years old, the Denver location, in particular, is looking good. The restaurant at 3295 South Tamarac Drive (right at Hampden) was recently redesigned with a new color scheme, darkened ceilings and fresh graphics on the walls, for a much more modern look that will be rolled out at other outlets around the country.

This Benihana also has a sushi bar and a lounge, in case you're scared of sitting too close to men with hot grills and big knives.

Happy birthday, Benihana.