Kobe Beef at Misono

Yesterday, Nikki and I went to Kobe in search of good food and good shopping. We found both. Not only does Kobe have some really sweet (albeit overpriced) vintage clothing stores, they have the world famous Kobe Beef. Oh man this is the best steak I've ever had in my whole life.

We ate at this place called "Misono," which I HIGHLY recommend to anybody coming to visit Kansai. It's on the top (8th) floor in downtown Kobe, with a tremendous view of the city.

The place is the originator of "Teppanyaki" style cooking, where the chef stands at your table (actually a hot gridle... think Benihana's in America) and cooks your meal in front of you. No silly birthday songs or 'catch the shrimp' hijinks here though.

The cows for Kobe Beef are massaged and given sake and beer to drink. They want their cows happy and relaxed here in Japan, and boy you can really taste the difference (just think, those Harris Ranch cows are standing around in their own shit all day, and that's a damn good steak too!).

The steak just melts in your mouth, like butter (or really good sushi), and the chef even makes fresh garlic 'chips' by grilling slices while you eat. Lobster tail is served as an hors d'oeuvres, and then the rest of the lobster is made into miso soup. Unbelievable meal.

I've been lucky enough to have Kobe beef three times while in Japan, and Misono was by far the best. Highly recommended.