You may have seen pictures of the newest food craze all over social media: BBQ evolved from a casual family affair into a meal that has become the center of attention.
Located in Pasadena, Gyu-Kaku is a Japanese BBQ restaurant that is not limited to the all-you-can-eat meal stereotype in Korean BBQ. While they do have a $30 per person buffet, customers have the option to pay for each plate.
Without a doubt, what makes Gyu-Kaku stand out is its customer service. When I mentioned I had never been to Gyu-Kaku before, the server immediately began to list off his personal favorites, along with the popular dishes.
The seating was more spaced out and private, allowing for a relaxed experience. Aside from the bar, wooden dividers, which maintain a sense of privacy while allowing customers to enjoy the surroundings, comfortably separate each table.
In terms of meat, Japanese BBQ marinates the meat so that the flavor is locked in unlike Korean BBQ. What made a lasting impression was their quality of meat and remarkable pre-cooked food.
Despite the small portion to plate ratio, each cut of meat was of higher quality than that of other restaurants.
Gen is a Korean BBQ restaurant located in Alhambra. At $21 a person for dinner and $16 for lunch, patrons have access to over 20 types of meat, varying from the standard beef and pork to the more interesting miso and Cajun styled meats.
Upon entry, I noticed the restaurant’s bustling atmosphere, in which staff are constantly weaving between tables. The restaurant is filled with booths and padded benches with overhanging vents that add a fresh modern vibe to the area.
The first floor is laid out for bigger groups, with large booths and long benches, and the second floor is a different story: here, they fit the smaller parties of people for a more intimate atmosphere.
The meal was a mix of modern and traditional flavors, which provides a unique twist that changes up the palate after eating tons of beef brisket. From the juicy bulgogi to the sweet Hawaiian steak, each bite of meat was just as satisfying as the first.