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| - Husband is a self-proclaimed Korean BBQ addict because he had a Korean nanny growing up so he knows how to use chopsticks better than I do and always tries to recreate the childhood bulgogi recipe. BUT, he had NEVER had Korean BBQ, well, before Takamatsu.
We first visited Takamatsu in Chandler, AZ. Initially we were skeptical because the name sounds ambiguously Japanese and the menu includes a quite substantial sushi selection. But when we saw the numerous small plates of appetizers (various veggie kimchi, fish cake) that covered the table top, we started to realize this is serious business. We ordered short rib and spicy pork to grill on our table.
The portion was enormous; the marinade was heavenly; and the grilling was fun. The meal was so meaty (in a very good way) we had to box most of our grilled ribs and pork. Even the left-over was good. Husband made ramen noodles with the spicy pork.
Also, we strayed and got a side of sashimi. We ended up grilling the sashimi because 1) we were so full and 2) grilling was so much fun.
We came back the next weekend. This time in Tucson. The Tucson location is the original, so it is more upscale and spacious than the one in Chandler, and has a full-blown sushi bar. We got spicy BBQ pork and bulgogi beef. I also ordered a tofu seafood stew.
Spicy pork was outstanding; bulgogi dried up more quickly on the grill so it was not my favorite, but still good; the tofu stew was filling. Overall, we love this place.
I highly recommend venturing into the Korean BBQ land with a group of friends. It is good food, relatively inexpensive, tons of fun, and highly addicting.
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