Teppanyaki Grill troubles?

I don't know if this has happened to anyone else, but I bought the Japanese set holding the Teppanyaki Grill, but it doesn't let me serve food. It is a option, but whenever I try to get my sim to cook, she stops, waits about thirty seconds, then says she cannot. But she can do the tricks. Any help? I spent $14.00 on this set, and it is infuriating.