Recently I had the opportunity to dine at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. What an experience. Everything about the evening was very special. Kobe is celebrating their 57th anniversary. That’s a milestone for a restaurant. Big congratulations for keeping diners happy and fulfilled over so many years. Think of all the occasions that have been celebrated at Kobe, from birthdays to proposals, I’m sure they have seen them all.
When we arrived we were greeted by friendly hostesses who ushered us into the lounge area with its plush comfy seating and quiet atmosphere. Here we were offered a welcome drink from their extensive cocktail menu. I couldn’t resist the Green Dragon, a Japanese take on the classic spicy Margarita, substiuting the jalapeno for wasabi. Yum! My guest had a Kobe Mai Tai which was equally delish.
Next we are taken up stairs to the dining area. So much going on all at once as it is fairly large with multiple dining stations, all with their own teppan (grilling area) where the magic happens with Teppanyaki, meaning iron plate grilled.
There were several groups of people and all appeared to be having a great time. We were sat at a teppan which would have normally accommodated about eight people. We had gone early so the restaurant could allow for me to take pictures without disturbing other guests, which is why we were alone at the table. Usually, if you are a group less than eight you share the teppan space with others. That is a fun way to dine and you can really get into the spirit of the communal atmosphere.
We decided to share the Ultimate, that included Aged New York Steak and Lobster Tail, Teriyaki Chicken Breast and Broiled Atlantic Scallops. It was recommended that we add the Shrimp Appetizer to round out the seafood selections, we thought about it and decided to go a little all out. So glad we did.
The dishes were so, so good and it was entertaining to watch the skills of our Chef Cliff. The reason I say entertaining is because the Kobe chefs are not just skilled and accomplished chefs in their own right, they are comedians and entertainers who keep the fun and magic going throughout the evening. A nearby table of 8 were celebrating two birthdays with the birthday celebrants wearing red paper chef’s hats and everyone was laughing and cheering.
Now it’s time to feature the exquisitely crafted and delicious dishes we enjoyed:
Starting with a bowl of flavourful Shabu Shabu Soup
All meals include a delishishly grilled selection of fresh vegetables
Shrimp Appetizer
Generous portion of Gulf Shrimp (shared) to add to your dinner.
The Ultimate
Perfectly aged New York Steak and Lobster Tail sauteed in Sake and and flamed in brandy. Tender Teriyaki Chicken Breast and delicately Broiled Atlantic Scallops.
What would a Japanese dinner be without the Sake
Dessert
Mario’s Mango Gelato
Teppanyaki Dinners
Watch as your entire Dinner is prepared before you by a Master Chef. Garden-Fresh Vegetables are a combination of Mushrooms, Zucchini, Onions and Bean Sprouts, completed by home made seasonings and Mustard and Ginger Sauces.
All Dinners Include:
Teppan Shrimp Appetizer, Shabu Shabu Soup, Garden Fresh Vegetables, Rice, Japanese Green Tea
Final thoughts; the dinner was over the top good, portions were large, seafood and steak perfectly cooked the chicken teriyaki was saucey and just the right touch of flavour and very tender. The vegetables were the right amount of crisp to cooked. With the bean sprouts and rice the meal was extremely satisfying. For average appetities this could have served 3 people, for two you may want to forgo the appetizer but the shrimp were awfully tasty, so maybe don’t skip. The dessert was light and finished the meal nicely. The Ultimate was $92. and the Shrimp Appetizer $19. Dessert was $9.95 so very good value for two people. Cocktails $17. and $18.
1042 Richards Street, Vancouver | 604 684 2451
Our dinner for two was complimentary to facilitate this feature. All photos: MyVanCity We left a gratuity equal to 20% of the total cost of dinner including three drinks and Sake for the Kobe team.