CRAZY JALEPENOS
Sooo most Vegas locals know about the epic Kobe Sushi restaurant on Rainbow Blvd off the 215. When I moved to Vegas 4 years ago I was introduced to this place within a cpl weeks by one of my best friends. This place has been on my list of reviews to write since the beginning of my desire to start a food blog. I was so excited to give this little place some exposure, and hopefully attract more than just locals to dine. It’s not far from the strip, and it offers a relaxed atmosphere while still being just upscale enough to give you that “I went out to dinner experience.” The best part about this place was their amazing happy hour specials. Every day from 5pm til close they offered a huge selection of specialty rolls, sushi, sashimi, and appetizers for 50% off the listed price. On Sundays they offered the same happy hour discount all day from open til close. Granted, NOT every item found on the menu was part of the special, but they offered so much appealing stuff to choose from no one in their right mind could be dissatisfied. Pump the brakes and fast forward. That was the old Kobe Sushi that I thought I knew, and have loved unconditionally since arriving in this city. I went in for dinner last Saturday with a friend who shares my love of Kobe, and we were mortified when we received a new set of menus which did NOT include the happy hour menu we both dream about. I was shaken to the core. We were given the regular menu, and a brand new “all you can eat” menu which now had 3 different tiers “A, B, and C?” The most confusing thing Ive ever been forced to look at. We motioned our server over in a panic and asked him why we weren’t given the normal “after 4pm happy hour menu?”
MICHAEL LUIS ROLL
He went on to inform us that they were now ONLY doing the happy hour half off pricing nightly from 10pm until 12am, but still all day on Sundays. We asked him why, and he mumbled something about the restaurants 10 Year anniversary lol!?!? What successful establishment honors an anniversary by taking away the special that popularized their business, and generated their continual success that they should be thankful for? That seemed more like a counter celebration in my opinion. We both decided to go with the “option C” ($26.99) all you can eat because anything else felt like a waste of money, and we didn’t want to be hassled by the frustration of their plate sharing regulations which have to be almost as annoying as their pesky service. I never understood if they ask you if you’re done with a plate every 3 min because they’re trying to be efficient, or they simply don’t have enough flatware to accommodate all their guests? One of the biggest turnoffs the place has (and should be addressing). Going with “C” meant we could order anything from any category on the A-U-C-E menu, vs. choosing “A or B” which gave you limits that I couldn’t quite understand. We had to go hard and get our money’s worth under this type of pressure. It was inevitable. We chose the crazy jalapeño app which is always spot on, and the fried calamari which is just mediocre at best now that I’ve tried it again. We ordered some Ebi (shrimp), yellowtail sashimi, and flying fish eggs (just for fun). I’ve realized how much I hate the tobiko fish egg texture, but for the most part the raw sushi is fairly straight forward. We had the Michael Luis roll which is a tempura shrimp roll with a crispy tempura shake coating that will turn anyone into a believer, hands down. I happened to find myself a new favorite as far as rolls go in the “Kamikaze.” It’s a roll combining Eel, and Avocado, mixed with other stuff, and topped with amazing sauces that is SO much better than I could have ever imagined. It’s my new “go to” roll without a doubt.
KAMIKAZE ROLL
Just to add to this new menu shuffle they do actually offer an extra to the people that order the option “C” eat everything menu. Each person that orders the “C” gets an order of 3 crab legs and a buy one get one free wine to enjoy. Don’t think they bring it out automatically though. One must read the fine print in the margin of the menu and request either one of these “bonuses” specifically, or it’s not mentioned by any member of the staff.
CRAB LEGS WITH THE ALL YOU CAN EAT
It seems a little evasive, seeing as how the random menu game changer wasn’t severe enough for us all?? What a disappointment. I’ve always loved and respected Kobe, and my last visit I felt no appreciation in return. I guess I’m lucky I didn’t write a review earlier, and give any credit where is obviously was no longer deserved. Now if you’re looking for a decent all you can eat sushi spot this place will work for you. You’ll leave full, and get to try some good stuff. Its def worth the ride if you’re not too far away and $21-$27 dollars isn’t all that pricey when you’re looking to stuff yourself. I guess I’m just bummed that my favorite happy hour in town is no more. I’m sure ill return to Kobe eventually, I think I just need a little time to heal.