Japanese hibachi-style dining sees chefs theatrically cook on an open-flame sizzling grill in front of guests. Picture: Supplied
A horrific court case unfolding overseas could stand as a huge warning to Australian teppanyaki restaurants which may need to introduce safety waivers to mitigate steep financial losses and possible closures.
A woman claims she suffered horrific second-degree burns when her legs caught fire during a dinner at a trendy teppanyaki restaurant in the US.
She and the restaurant are now locked in a fierce court battle over compensation that could ruin the business entirely.
Japanese hibachi-style dining, also known as teppanyaki, sees chefs theatrically cook meat, seafood and vegetables on a sizzling grill in front of guests, with flying utensils and culinary tricks.
Angela Ciccone was dining with friends at the posh Maison Kasai in LA on September 5 when a container of cooking oil held by the chef at her open-flame table caught fire, engulfing his arm and neck, according to a lawsuit filed in LA Superior Court.
“When Ms. Ciccone looked towards the floor, she saw that the floor and her legs were on fire,” the suit reads.
Angela Ciccone was having dinner when cooking oil at her table caught fire. Picture: Supplied
Ciccone claims she frantically rolled around and patted her legs in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames, with a friend rushing to help.
“Emergency physicians diagnosed Ciccone with second-degree burns to both lower extremities. She received intravenous fluids, narcotics, and burn dressings,” the filing adds.
But while the chef was taken to another room by restaurant employees, Ciccone claims not a single staff member came to her aid.
Firefighters responded to a 911 call before Ciccone was rushed to the emergency room, “where she arrived that evening as a trauma activation,” according to the lawsuit.
Japanese hibachi-style dining, also known as teppanyaki, sees chefs theatrically cook meat, seafood and vegetables on a sizzling grill in front of guests, with flying utensils and culinary tricks.
Ciccone was transferred to a specialised burn centre the following day, where she remained until September 17, according to the court papers.
She underwent surgery to remove damaged tissue and received skin grafts, with the lawsuit describing her agonising recovery.
Emergency physicians diagnosed Ciccone with second-degree burns to both lower extremities. Picture: Supplied
“Each dressing change was excruciatingly painful as it would rip off new skin on her legs,” the filing states.
The lawsuit claims Ciccone will be scarred for life.
A graphic photograph submitted with the lawsuit shows extensive burns to her legs.
Maison Kasai is located at Level 8, a collection of upscale restaurants and bars on the eighth floor of downtown LA’s cool Moxy hotel.
The lawsuit names Lightstone Parent LLC as a defendant and identifies the company as the restaurant’s owner.
Maison Kasai bills itself as “an elevated teppanyaki restaurant blending culinary virtuosity with performance art” on its website.
The menu features luxury dishes including A5 Kobe beef, Maine lobster, caviar and a Wagyu beef truffle burger.
Ciccone is seeking damages over her alleged physical pain, mental suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, physical impairment, humiliation and loss of enjoyment of life.
Lightstone Parent LLC and Maison Kasai were both contacted for comment.
AloJapan.com