Well Really, Shabu Shabu by Barbara L. Steinberg
Finally! At last! OMG! Sacramento has something new to cheer about in the food realm. It's not another sushi bar. Nope, not Mexican. Not Thai. Not just expensive libations. Though I love all of those. It is...drum roll please...shabu shabu. The owner of Shabu, John Voong, simplifies for some (myself included) and calls it Japanese fondue. The only similarity is that you cook your meats and veggies in a bubbling cauldron of amazing broth. (I chose spicy miso.) But that's where the similarities end. I don't want to begin to try and explain Shabu. Just go and experience this for yourself. This isn't a Japanese steak house where food and sharp objects somersault through the air.
I have longed for something new in Sacramento's ever-expanding dining scene. And I was positively giddy after dining at Shabu for the first time. In fact, you couldn't knock the smile off my face. I had to tell someone...so I called my friend Judith. She's traveled the world...she loves good food...she lives in Midtown...I knew I had to share the good news with someone who would care. Someone who would get why this was so exciting.
Unless you really just can't stand fresh vegetables, delicious seasonings, good protein -- Kobe beef, chicken, lamb, and seafood, handmade sushi, fine sake, and a little green tea ice cream....Shabu has something for everyone. It's fun. It's friendly. It's in Midtown!!!
The prices are amazingly reasonable for something so inventive...so tasty...such quality...and the portions....well, go hungry but take your time and savor the melding of remarkable flavors. If you're planning on dinner -- especially on the weekends -- reservations are a good idea. Shabu opened quietly in late November but the word is spreading fast. I may live to regret writing this review, which I rushed home to pen.
And did I mention that Shabu is pretty healthy stuff. Shhh, don't tell anyone. It tastes too good to be good for you. Not all the food is interactive. Beside the traditional Shabu, they have a fantastic offering of sushi, curry, salads, and noodles. A wonderful selection of sake...ask for the unfilltered Sho Chiku Bai Nigori brewed and bottled in Berkeley of all places (but that's another story for another time). I will close by simply saying, Shabu...I can't wait to go back for more.
Shabu
Japanese Fondue
16th & R streets
Sacramento, CA 95811
916-444-6688
HOURS
Lunch:
Monday to Friday 11:00am to 2:00pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Dinner:
Sunday to Thursday 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday and Saturday 5:00pm to Midnight
Comments
I assume there are tables for two or four and they are open for lunches too???
Shabu has a seating that includes tables & counter. And can accommodate groups if you call ahead. They are open for lunch and dinner!
sounds, rather tastes, wonderful already, especially the spicy miso broth!
i'm all for fresh veggies and healthy and a new dining adventure in downtown. liked your description: not "where food and sharp objects somersault through the air." i'm there. you had me at shabu!
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