Typically going to an eatery on multiple occasions, testing out their different cuisines and encountering various personnel would be a great way to gauge an accurate overview of that establishment. Many food critics today take this approach and if I had the time and resources of said critics I too would indulge a little more when it comes to reviewing. That being said, I feel that a restaurant is only as good as your last visit, or many times your first. I have been to Kobe’s on a few other occasions so I am bending the rules for this review. However, I am basing their performance off this one visit so sit back relax and enjoy the sake!
Appearance: Remodeled from an old Bennigan’s restaurant (oh how I miss the Monte Cristo), Kobe’s exudes the idea of modern Asian design from the partitioned/ room divided walls, warm colors and low lighting to the water feature in the walk way, filled with various types of coy fish. Around the restaurant were numerous dining areas (table grill and seats) as well as a private dining area for parties. The waiting area is a little cramped when more than a couple of parties are waiting to be seated but Kobe’s offers a bar area towards the back of the establishment with plenty of room and caters to all of your alcohol and sushi needs.
Atmosphere: Located off of State Road 60 in Brandon, Kobe’s is right off of Interstate 75 and easily accessible from either direction. We had a group reservation for 9:00 and we were seated shortly thereafter. Reservations aren’t needed but recommended, especially on Friday or Saturday evenings. The general mood was laid back, and although most people were dressed casually, a few patrons just wore t-shirts and jeans. Either way, no dress code was strictly enforced. Staying with the Asian theme (and I am not sure if it is a requirement or not) the table chefs were all of Asian descent although some were definitely American born.
Service: We were greeted by the hostess at the counter when we first walked in and informed her of our reservations. We waited ten-fifteen minutes and were promptly seated. We had a large party so they fit us with a back to back grill table as so we could all see each other and interact. A server was there quickly to take down our food and drink orders as well as orate their specials (one of which we decided to get). I’ve been trying to eat alternatively whenever I’m out as it is harder to find healthy choices. For my main meal I requested “American style” no soy sauce to save on the sodium. I also asked for extra veggies instead of rice and noodles and usually when ordering differently then pre arranged menu items, I am greeted with a “ok we’ll do it but next time just make it easy and order off the menu.” The server was more than happy to oblige my order, special or not.
The great thing about Japanese steakhouse’s is that service can make or break your experience much like anywhere else however, the chefs that prepare the meal in front of you really have a chance to put on a show and entertain. Our personal chef for the evening re-read our orders to us and began cooking. He was able to keep our attention with his dazzling utensil swirling, onion volcano trick and joking nature while allowing us still to feel free to chat amongst each other. My food was prepared correctly however, my requested double veggie order was not fulfilled but was taken off the check without question.
Food & Drinks: Between the sushi, steak, chicken, salmon or shrimp dinners Kobe’s has a variety of choices. Onion soup and ginger salad are served before every meal. I opt to double up on the onion soup and trade someone my salad but I will say the soup is excellent, not too salty or over powered with onion flavor. For starters we ordered the large shrimp, normally a $7.99 value on special for $1.99. The grilled shrimp was delicious when paired with the ginger sauce the house provides although if it wasn’t on special, the $7.99 seemed a little high for the amount that we received. Chicken was up next for me on the main course. To fill our plates while the meat was cooking, the chef had already started preparing the veggies, rice and noodles. The carrots, cucumbers and onions were nice and melt in your mouth succulent. Even without the traditional soy sauce they tasted great. Although I did not ask for rice and noodles I was rewarded the extra helping left over to take home for later. 
When my chicken was ready I tried it with the ginger sauce also and found it to accent the spices used while grilling it. The meat was tender and juicy, not overcooked or dried out. I also tried a bit of my partners salmon and mushrooms and too was quite sated with the quality of the fish and the way it flaked right off the fork. Prices for these meals range fromabout $12 to $20 but there is a special $32 meal (steak, chicken and shrimp) for two people. To wash your meal down, Kobe’s offers the usual Japanese beers (Kirin, Kirin light & Sapporo) as well as a few American domestics. We ate during happy hour which meant drafts were 2 for 1. You can also try out hot sake (a personal favorite) plum wine and various other mixed drinks. While the beer is somewhat limited, there seems to be a fun drink for just about everyone on the menu.
Extras: Celebrating a birthday? Just let them know and after your meal is over they will come to you table and sing you a song while you blow out the candle on your complimentary cupcake. Want some more gifts? Take home a souvenir mug when you order a drink. There are pandas, Buddhas and cats to choose from. Kobe’s also offers an early bird menu as well as a happy hour menu.
Conclusion: Although there was a mix up in my order concerning the veggies, the service still met all of my expectations, the food was tasty fresh and prepared right in front of us and Kobe’s impressively handled our large group well. As I have before, I will return again (usually on special occasions) and be happy when I leave. Check out their website I have posted the link to on my homepage to see all of the other food offerings and specials. As far as Japanese steak houses go, Kobe’s is clean, friendly with great food and service. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Still to Come:
The Laughing Cat, Babe's and The Bungalo.
