During the winter months, I welcome the steam that billows from a nice pot of shabu shabu that warms me after the chilly weather outside. Upon discovering that a new hot pot place had opened just a few minutes away from my home, I knew I had to try it.
My friends and I decided to try Mokkoji one Tuesday night, and upon arriving at 5 p.m., their opening time, we discovered that they had postponed opening that day due to a delay in their supplier. Apparently, the menu changes every day depending on freshness and supply. Upon returning at 5:30 p.m., we found several groups already enjoying their meal and we quickly took a seat. The restaurant shone with light reflecting off the bright silver pots that contrasted with the black stoves and warm brown tables.
The servers were helpful in informing us on how to order and offering suggestions. I decided to try their Washimi Wagyu Toro (beef belly) with the spicy soup base. While we waited, a grinder sat next to each pot, and offered a fun distraction. Mokkoji prides itself on its goma sauce, their variation on the typical peanut sauce, that is combined with the freshly ground mixture of seeds including sesame seeds. In addition, a thin, tangy ponzu sauce contrasted against the thicker goma sauce.
Their service remained fast and they brought out bowls of vegetables along with trays of each meat. In addition to the beef belly, I found myself enjoying their selection of vegetables including bok choy and carrots.
Along with that, enoki mushrooms and udon noodles entered my pot as well. Another cute addition to the plate was their custom-stamped tofu, which had their restaurant name branded on it. Instead of typical white rice, the multi-grain rice was an interesting change. I enjoyed cooking my own meat because I often find meat overcooked at other places.
Although I found the quality of all the ingredients superb, the service was mediocre and when I left at around 7, the line was out the door. With a menu ranging from $12-$30, Mokkoji clearly established its quality, but not its quantity. In comparison to other nearby places such as Boiling Point, I found the portion to be smaller for the same price. I definitely enjoyed the meal, but the high price and long wait time may make this restaurant more of an indulgence than a regular meal.