A few days ago, I had the pleasure of going to a lovely restaurant in Kobe and trying Kobe beef with my family. While I have had Kobe beef before, this was a completely different experience with new flavors, smells, and people! Here’s some of my thoughts throughout the experience, from entering to exiting the restaurant:
1. Wow, this is a super-swanky place!
I wish I had dressed up a bit more! (I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt—definitely not “fancy restaurant” attire!)
2. Where is everyone?
Do people not normally come to lunch at 2 in the afternoon?
3. I wonder how much of my Japanese I’m going to have to use here.
When we first walked in, they greeted us in English. But when I said "thank you," they started speaking almost exclusively Japanese. By the end of the meal, we were doing half-and-half.
4. Oh, absolutely we’re getting the lunch option that includes Kobe beef!
Why else would we be here?
5. I want a beer, I want a beer, I want a—
I guess I can get a ginger ale, instead.
6. These plates are huge!
Are we going to be using the entire plate? Are we eating this much food? I don’t know if I’m ready for a meal this big!
7. Ohhhh, okay, it’s just a serving plate, we’re not using the entire thing. Good.
I was definitely not ready to be eating a meal the size of a steering wheel.
8. Wooooooahhhhhh.
They brought out the raw beef and put it in front of us to admire and take pictures. It was beautiful.
9. I’ve never seen someone prepare a piece of meat so expertly!
Those knives must be really sharp!
10. That looks amazing, how much longer do I have to wait to eat it?
Patience has never been one of my virtues!
11. Why are you giving it to them first?
What about me? (Again, me and patience are not great friends!)
12. Here we go, here we go!
They put the first piece in front of me, told me how to eat it, and...
13. Wow.
This. This is quite possibly the tastiest thing I’ve ever eaten in my life. Easily the best thing I’ve eaten in Japan. Oh my goodness.
14. Have I died? Am I in heaven?
I can never eat meat again. Nothing will ever compare to how good this beef tastes.
15. Even the veggies are delicious! What is this place?
(They cooked down some of the fat from the beef and then cooked the veggies in it.)
16. Can I marry the chef and just have him make Kobe beef for me every day forever?
Japanese people don't usually wear wedding rings, so I couldn't tell if he was available. But I can dream!
17. I will happily eat your leftovers, Mom!
I'll go back on my diet tomorrow, I promise.
18. I want to remember this taste forever.
Maybe I just won't eat or drink anything for the rest of the day, so I don't get distracted.
19. Do we have to leave?
Are you sure?
20. Okay, how do I say “thank you for the food” again? Got it!
Gochisousama deshita!
21. I wanna take a nap.
Good food and a busy day do that to you!
I can’t even begin to describe how amazing the food was and how kind and helpful the staff were! If you ever find yourself in Kobe and want to try Kobe beef, definitely check out Wakkoqu near Shin-Kobe station. You will not be disappointed! They do both lunch and dinner, and you can get set meals or a la carte, depending on what you’re looking for. They’re tucked away in the back corner of a shopping mall, but if you’re willing to look for them, it’s worth it! Thank you again to the staff of Wakkoqu for giving us the best dining experience I’ve had since coming to Japan!
