I originally became involved with Teppanyaki when I was hired as a consultant by a Teppan Steakhouse to develop a magic program specifically for Teppanyaki Chefs.
I began by observing a variety of Chefs cooking and entertaining while surrounded by patrons. Based on these observations I created a magic program that connects to what already exists at the teppan work station.
You will learn fire magic, smoke magic, egg magic, rice magic, grill magic and tableside magic using objects found in and around a teppanyaki work station.
I have added playing cards to the Teppanyaki Chefs arsenal, each card effect is designed specifically for Teppanyaki Chefs.
Magic with playing cards is one of the most popular forms of close up magic. Playing cards are a versatile prop that can be found anywhere, they are inexpensive, easily identifiable and can be personalized with a restaurants name and logo which makes for a great promotional item.
Below are some descriptions of Teppan Chefs I found while researching Teppayaki online.
Teppanyaki Chefs are performers as well as Chefs.
Teppanyaki Chefs are responsible for entertaining and interacting with guests, providing a unique dining experience.
Teppanyaki Chefs must have the ability to entertain and perform while cooking and preparing hot meals directly in front of guests.
Teppanyaki Chefs cook and entertain by performing classic tricks like spinning a spatula, juggling eggs and making a volcano out of sliced onions. This style of restaurant cooking requires constant training, as chefs learn new ways to delight guests with the exhibition of live cooking.
As you can see entertaining and engaging with diners while preparing food is a key element to the Teppanyaki style.
Flair Magic Provides New Variations on Classic Teppanyaki Tricks
This program is designed to give Chefs new ways to engage diners by including magic into the classic Teppanyaki cooking presentation.
The goal of the flair magic program is to give Chefs more performing options while entertaining new and repeat customers.
These effects have been designed to fit into the already established classic Teppanyaki presentation.
Interactive Magic for Teppanyaki Chefs General List
Fire Magic- Chefs generally open their presentations with fire, below are several examples of magic with fire effects.
Egg Production-Chef reaches into smoke or fire and produces an egg which then begins egg portion of cooking routine.
Card from Flames- A Patrons selected playing card appears from fire at any place within your cooking presentation. begin with this effect or insert it during the volcano the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Teppanyaki Fire Light- A burst of light appears and disappears from flames at any time. When making the volcano reach in and produce the light from the fire or steam. Produce the light from any spot in your presentation where you have fire or steam. Touch the grill with your hand to see if it is hot producing the light as if it’s red hot. Throw the light up and catch it put it in your pocket. Produce the light from a patron, place it into your hand make it disappear.
Egg Magic- These egg effects are great additions to any Teppanyaki presentation.
Egg Production- Chef reaches into the air and produces an egg from any desired location.
Floating Egg- Chef makes an egg float in a mysterious way as he works through his cooking routine.
Disappearing Egg- Chef makes an egg disappear and reappear at anytime during the cooking presentation.
Silk to Egg- Chef displays a silk napkin to patrons he then places the napkin into his hand with a magical pass the silk napkin has changed into an egg.
Rice Magic-The rice portion of the cooking presentation is a perfect place to insert a magic effect.
Jumping Rice and Chopsticks- The Chef shows a set of chopstick on both sides. The Chef makes a magical move and a piece of rice appears at base of one of the chopsticks. The rice magically jumps to and from each chopstick, it hops, disappears and reappears all at the control of the Chef.
Card to Rice Heart Prediction- Just before the rice portion of the presentation begins a playing card is selected by a patron returned to the deck, the cards are given a quick shuffle and put away. The Chef begins to prepare the fried rice as he asks the patron to concentrate on and think of the card that was selected. The thought of card appears in a very magical way during the preparation of the fried rice routine.
Onion Volcano Magic- By adding a little magic to the Onion Volcano you can take this classic to another level.
Teppanyaki Fire Light- A burst of light appears and disappears from flames at any time. When making the volcano reach in and produce the light from the fire or steam. Produce the light from any spot in your presentation where you have fire or steam. Touch the grill with your hand to see if it is hot producing the light as if it’s red hot. Throw the light up and catch it put it in your pocket. Produce the light from a patron, place it into your hand make it disappear.
Fire, Steam or Smoke Prediction- A patron selects a playing card, the card is lost in the deck only to appear at any point from smoke, stream or fire.
Grill Magic- The Playing Card to grill prediction is a great closer just before Chef begins to clean the grill the Chef invites a patron to select a card from the deck of cards the card is returned to the deck the Chef then proceeds to clean the grill with his Scrubber and towel. The Chef asks the patron to think of his card and to concentrate on his selected card this is as the Chef is cleaning the grill, when the Chef lifts his towel from the grill the selected card appears in the grime of the grill towel.
Note- During a cooking presentation a Chef would only present one card trick, the magic program is designed to give the Chef various places to insert a trick either in the beginning, middle or end this goes for everything that is taught. A Chef would not want to add more than one or two magic effects within a standard presentation. The goal is to give Chefs the variety to add and insert where they see fit. This gives the chefs more options when Presenting Teppanyaki to new and repeat customers.
Napkin Magic -Magic with napkins is fun, impromtu and can be done at a moments notice.
Below are some great napkin designs that can be used to make a quick joke, gag or magic effect.
Napkin Chicken
Napkin Hat
Napkin Rabbit
Napkin Egg Vanish
Napkin fork to Chopsticks
Tableside Magic -Magic using items found in and around a dinner table are perfectly suited for a Teppanyaki Chef cooking presentation.
Below are some of the best effects around utilizing items commonly found in a restaurant environment.
Vanishing and Reappearing Salt
Torn and Restored Receipt
Match and Lighter Magic
Menu Magic
Flaming Check Book
Rope Magic
Utensil Magic
Magic Effects with Sugar Packets, Silverware, Salt and Pepper Shakers, Chopsticks, Cups, Bowls and Glassware.
