“Kobe’s Steakhouse, roll on in”

Kobe, nestled in Beaumont, next to Azure, is a fine place to indulge in some great sushi. The Sushi is fantastic from simple spicy tuna rolls to elaborate rolls with combinations of delectable fish layered with artful precision. Alex, the sushi chef/owner, puts fried tempura in many of the rolls. Alex says that not many other sushi restaurants take the trouble because of the time it takes to make the tempura batter at the beginning of the day. He, of course, insists that his sushi is the best in town, and it’s hard to argue.

The sushi experience is nothing less than pure ecstasy. It makes a filet mignon taste like steak found in the discount meat section; you know the meat with one last day before it hits the garbage can. Alex says the “blood horse roll” is the #1 roll in the restaurant, I suppose that is why it is first on the list of premier rolls. It has fried shrimp wrapped in a blanket of sushi rice with crab on top. This kicked up roll has some serious spice with sriracha sauce drizzled over the top

Sushi aside, the best part about this restaurant is the chef; he is the reason there are so many loyal customers in the seats. If you don’t sit front, center at the sushi bar, then you are missing out. Watching Alex is a pleasure because he is doing what he loves. He is a kind man who has fun with his guests, jokes with them, consoles them, and laughs with them. The many times I have ordered take out I have never called ahead, because then I would miss out on watching and talking with Alex. I love ease dropping into his conversation with his guests. He always makes them feel at home, and never waits a split second to roll out a compliment.

On one occasion I listened to a man tell Alex that his daughter had recently been robbed at gunpoint, but that thank goodness, all was well. Alex never said a word, he just let the man vent the anger and frustration he had with the world that we live in. The man said he was going to get a gun because he did not feel safe any more. Alex nodded on several occasions, and diligently put the order together. That was one of the more somber moments I can ever remember at a restaurant. I know this, however, the man knew that Alex genuinely cared, and that’s the reason he could talk about matters so grim and from the heart.

Alex reminds me of the people of Japan. He is an incredibly hard worker, a man with a big heart, a person who enjoys a laugh, but most of all, enjoys making others laugh. His patrons fight for his attention like children looking up to a parent. His family helps run the business at Kobe; they reflect his kindness.

Sushi, sake, and Kiren what else could you ask for? Let the fish melt in your mouth; let the kiren roll down your throat, and let the compliments roll. Trust me, if you eat here, you will be thinking about the meal well into the next day; there is just nothing that can compare. So give in, roll on in, sit at the bar, and order the anything roll. Its the best roll in the restaurant.......