Comments on: Aqua now Ichiban

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:46:00 +0000

I know Aqua still exists in Minneapolis (but is more like a night club). Also, Ichiban in Minneapolis is one of 3 restaurants, there is a Palm Springs, California location and also one in Winnipeg. The food is absolutely delicious and their special sauce is to die for! It is one of the best Japanese steak houses I have been to!

By: Sela

Sela — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:39:24 +0000

Weird funky smell as we walked in. No one in the dining room but us. Almost left but that would have been awkward. Once we got used to the smell (old fish and paint) the food we ordered was fairly good. One other couple then appeared. How long will this restaurant be open?

By: Caitlin Ledyard

Caitlin Ledyard — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:53:16 +0000

Wasn’t Ichiban the name of the “lipstick for men” that Joey did an ad for on Friends? I believe it was… lol Looking forward to checking out the new place though!

By: CincyCapell

CincyCapell — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:25:03 +0000

With Bryant Phillips “managing” the place I’m surprised that the doors are still open.

By: sharon

sharon — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:20:44 +0000

Well, maybe someone can call them to find out? Weird, considering they just got a new gm…

Btw, “Ichiban” simply means “number one” in Japanese. It’s an extremely common name, possessing all sorts of branding applications, from food to motor oil. It would be very difficult to trademark a name like this so I doubt they would really have a lot of issues from this quasi chain that was mentioned.

That said, it’s a lame name without a lot of imagination to it. Really, it doesn’t say anything interesting, about the product, other than the fact that the owners are claiming theirs is a quality product. Too bad, as I liked Aqua for the most part…

By: julie

julie — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:48:48 +0000

It’s also the name of a line of Japanese food products. We’ll see how this turns out.

By: E.

E. — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:21:49 +0000

Generally that’s what Ichiban kind of is. Like I said, each of the 3 current places are a little different. Ichiban is a pretty famous name so I can’t really see them being allowed to use the name if they’re not somehow associated w/ it.

By: julie

julie — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:12:45 +0000

I’m fairly certain they’re just using the name “Ichiban” and it’s not part of a chain.

By: julie

julie — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:11:46 +0000

I don’t think it’s part of the chain; I think it’s just a rebranding of an existing restaurant here.

By: Pama

Pama — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:10:59 +0000

Well, that's kind of strange. Seems like there was recently an item in the Enquirer about a new menu or something at Aqua. No mention of a takeover by a chain, even a mini-chain. Oh well, we never made it over there very often, and when in that 'hood I want to eat at Nectar anyhow. .-= Pama´s last blog ..FAB Ferments: "Foods with Culture" =-.