(Tokyo, Japan). I've had Kobe Beef in Japan and then in the U.S. several times, and there is no comparison. The Kobe Beef in Japan is divine - literally melt in your mouth goodness that is packed with gorgeous, meaty flavor. What you get in the U.S. is a pale comparison - not necessarily bad - but not the real thing. I'm not sure why that is the case, but after being disappointed in both Los Angeles and New York multiple times, I just don't bother anymore.
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| The restaurant is down these little steps. |
On this trip to Tokyo, I wanted to introduce my husband to the awesomeness of true Kobe Beef in Japan and after some research, I decided to go to 511 Kobe Beef Kaiseki for a "special" romantic dinner. For first timers, it is a nice introduction to Kobe Beef set in a fine dining establishment. I would probably say it's more French in decor and service, and rather formal. (Note - If this isn't your style there are teppanyaki restaurants that serve Kobe Beef that are much more casual.)
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| One of the prix fixe menus. |
When we arrived, they offered us a welcome drink of prosecco, which is always a nice way to start dinner. There were 2 prix fixe menus - one had many courses highlighting Japanese cuisine (e.g., sashimi, miso soup, little fried bites of goodness, etc.) in addition to Kobe Beef; the other had less courses but offered a special hearth baked Kobe Beef. We tried both and were delighted.
While the other courses were good, the standouts were definitely the beef - and my husband and I both agreed that the hearth baked was the clear winner of the evening. The beef was incredibly rich and full of melt-in-your mouth flavor. As you bite into it, there are literally bursts of juicy flavors in your mouth. It's really quite spectacular.
The sommelier introduced us to a Napa region wine made by a Japanese winemaker - Rindo. We had never heard of it, and it was surprisingly good and went very well with the meat. After we finished the meat, they brought out a delicious mushroom rice dish, finished off by dessert - mochi and creme brulee.
The entire evening was lovely, and to top it off, as we left, the manager came out to say farewell and offered us a gift of Kobe infused noodles with a packet of Kobe Beef broth. It was beautifully packaged - as all Japanese gifts are - and a wonderful surprise. (I made the noodles when we returned to Los Angeles, and it was utter beefy goodness.)
If you really want to treat yourself to a special Kobe Beef evening, definitely give this place a try. Dinner for two and a bottle of wine was about $450. You can make reservations online or just ask your hotel concierge.
If I ever come back, I will order a la carte and just get a big order of the hearth baked Kobe Beef with some rice on the side. The other stuff was fine but I want to save my tummy room for the beef!
Dear Plaza Akasaka, B1, Akasaka 4-3-28, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052,Tel: 03-6685-6511 Fax: 03-6893-0511
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