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It had been six months…half a year since last we ate at Raku, a restaurant that, in all modesty, we take some pride in having placed on the Las Vegas foodie map.

We’re tempted to use the old Yogi Berra line: “That place is so popular no one goes there any more.”

But that wouldn’t be true, ‘cuz everyone still goes here: foodies, chefs, industry folks, Asian food aficionados, lovers of pristine grilled fish and vegetables and pretty much the entire food intelligentsia of Las Vegas.

We’re happy to report that The food is still as stunning as ever, and now there are twenty more seats available in the adjoining space — two semi-private rooms and two grilling tables — making your experience here even more memorable than Mitsuo Endo’s fabulous food.

Those rooms and tables were hand-crafted by chef/owner Mitsuo Endo, and they give Raku a certain Japanese je ne sais quoi this place has always lacked. And since he didn’t overly expand his little empire, Mitsuo-san has ensured his kitchen will be able to keep up with the additional customers.

Those grilling pits won’t be operational for some time, though, as inspections and ventilation issues need to be addressed.

In the meantime, it’s nice to know the decor of Raku is finally catching up with its food.

Not that it needed to…but the new addition looks great.

Just thought you’d like to know.