Every so often opportunities come across my email that I just can’t pass up. Literally, all they had to say was “Kobe beef tasting” and I was canceling all of the plans so I could go.
Before we get into 212 Steakhouse, we need to get into the importance of Kobe beef. Kobe beef is a strain of wagyu that has to follow the rules and regulations set by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association. The rules are so strict as to what qualifies as Kobe and the restaurants that are allowed to serve it. You may be Kobe beef on a menu but it’s not real unless regulated by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association. Because of that, Kobe beef is expensive, partly because only about 3,000 head of cattle may qualify as Kobe per year.
212 Steakhouse (316 E 53rd St, New York) is one of the few restaurants where you can get authentic Kobe beef, designated by the Tajima Bronze Statue. The Kobe Beef Association mandates that restaurants authorized to sell Kobe beef must place the statue in their restaurant to symbolize their authority.
We not only had the opportunity to try their Kobe beef sampler (9oz of 3 cuts of meat for about $250) but a bunch of other amazing things off of the menu. The Kobe beef tasting included Kobe Beef Ribeye 3 Oz, Kobe Beef Striploin 3 Oz, and Kobe Beef Tenderloin 3 Oz. When I tell you that this was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted, I’m not lying. The waiter cut the pieces of meat perfectly and the marbling of the steak (along with the amazing smell) was drool-worthy. It is expensive for not a lot of meat but if you want to seriously treat your palette – get the steak.
For an appetizer, we got the fried calamari and grilled octopus. As sides, we also ordered Lobster Mac & Cheese, Brussels Sprouts, and Potato Au Gratin. For dessert, I couldn’t leave without the creme brulee. The only downside of everything was that we had way too much food and nowhere to store or cook it so anything we didn’t eat stayed in New York City.
Alex, our waiter, was fantastic! He was so helpful with the Kobe beef, the proper wine to order, and even got my boyfriend to try the octopus! If my wallet allowed it, I would 100% eat there again.
