Last night we had a nice visit with my Aunt & Uncle from back home in Illinois - Barb & Len Schultz. They kindly took us to dinner - lucky for me - to a local spot we’ve seen but not yet tried - Kobe Japanese Steakhouse.
Ok, I’m not into the whole Sushi thing, so didn’t do anything with that, but the Steakhouse part sounded pretty darn cool, and I’ve been to this kind of place at WDW (Walt Disney World) so was excited to give it a try.
Hey, and I’m not all the much into the experimental food thing - I’m like my Grandpa Schultz - meat & potatoes & the familiar foods I’ve gotten to know. Also not all that fond of things like ginger, but as I’ve aged and primed through life, what the heck, I’m getting more ready to try things…
The Lake Buena Vista Kobe is near the Lake Buena Vista entrance to WDW’s Downtown Disney area. We’ve not really done the area where Kobe is located, but it seems decent enough (from what I could tell in the dark).
The restaurant appears pretty normal from outside, but stepping in - its a feeling of stepping into a Japanese garden. Huge and playful Koi are waiting to greet you. Colorful and well, huge, they pucker and pout and seem to be wanting your leftovers - I soon found out why… (hint: the food is awesome!)
We were in a group of 4, so were seated with 3 couples to create our table for 10. Assistant Laura & I were the only newbies, and it showed, but it never mattered. Just watch & listen & you’ll have a blast.
Kobe isn’t just about the food, its about the show. (I’ve sent a request for photos & will post those if they send some)
They took our orders - our very nice waitress pointing out the 2 for 1 special, but warning it may or may not be enough food, so the 4 of us each ordered our own - the couples each shared. Next time - I think we’re sharing!
The portions are huge - well worth the price of roughly $18 - $22 based on what you’re getting (price may be higher and lower based on order, but this was pretty typical. The 2 for 1 was $25 and they all appeared to have more than enough.
You can order appetizers - we split 2 egg/spring rolls between the 4 of us. They were tasty and flavorful - and I’m pretty picky on my egg rolls! Your meal starts with the soup , really good & again, I’m not all that into a lot of the Japanese food, but this too was tasty. Mushrooms & onions flavor the broth. Nothing was over powering in its flavor, but always had enough to give you the unique tastes of the cooking, while not knocking you over with too much.
Next came the salad. Again, I’m thinking ginger - (yuck) but hey, I was enjoying and I didn’t bother reading everything!
And again, I was pleasantly surprised with how the flavor came out, but didn’t knock me out. Portions were good - those “small/medium” Japanese bowls you’ll often see, but more than enough to get this evening rolling. Enjoyed the salad very much.
Drinks range from tropical & fun to wines and beer to the coke & ice tea Assistant Laura & I had.
Now the real show begins…
Your chef, an artist, actor, chef in one, comes out, checks your order and you’re off & running. There were a range of choices picked, I had the steak & chicken, and between Aunt Barb, Uncle Len & Assistant Laura, they had steak, chicken, scallops & shrimp in their combo meals. (You can get one or two meats with your meal)
Let the show begin…
First, veggies are cut & tossed & played with as they are cooked. This chef was a stitch with his onion mountain & making it smoke. Food is flying everywhere, and frankly, it becomes mesmerizing. You just find yourself staring & watching.
Soon you also learn to start pacing. You’ve already had the soup & salad, & there’s plenty more on the way… I mean plenty! Veggies are placed on your plate, the accompanying sauces served. One is a white sauce that everyone at the table already knew & loved or a brown sauce that most seemed to avoid. I tried both - the brown was egh - but the white, that was pretty darn good.
However, I rarely used it. The flavors of the food were just so rich & enjoyable. Others plowed through the white sauces.
Noodles are added - hearty portions, & again, you figure out to pace yourself.
The main course comes next, each type cooked separate so as not to cross-flavor or whatever - but while some are eating theirs, you watch it all - mesmerized & impressed. The show is on going, with flames only inches from you, yet you’re never uncomfortable from the flames & heat.
With steak & chicken I was one of the last actually served, & grateful I’d figured out the pacing thing, and by the time my food came, I was having so much fun I hadn’t noticed others were still plowing through their full portions. (We figured out you could enjoy sharing that 2 for 1 & have enough).
My steak was amazing! The flavor rich, interesting, and did not need a sauce to make it better. I enjoy mine medium rare, & this was cooked to perfection. With the cut potatoes it was enriched & filling. Mixing the occasional bite with the veggies rounded it out.
The chicken too was flavorful & enjoyable. The cuts small & cooked to a perfection I didn’t realize you could get from such a setting (meaning the big cooking surface). The meat lean, tender and the flavor lighting up the mouth.
Half of this experience is the show, half the food, both are outstanding. For the price, (I didn’t pay the bill, but based on the menu) seemed to be excellent - especially in a high traffic tourist area. The portions were more than enough, and we had plenty we packed up to bring home for tonight’s dinner.
If you’re in the Orlando area, do give Kobe a try - the restaurants are all located within a corridor that follows I-4 for easy visits while on vacation.
If I did such things - I would give Kobe two thumbs up, 5 stars & two smiling dog faces…
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Lake Buena Vista
407-862-6099
I-4 Exit 68
Located near Crab House & Hooters
