Spencer Chen, owner of Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, said his secret to success for the past 17 years is the same -- to be consistent with quality food and service.
After changing the name of his establishment from Dae Enko Tai in 2004, he moved to a brand-new location at the end of 2011, but he didn't go far. The new building was constructed just 80 yards from the previous one and includes a beautiful indoor garden and water feature year-round.
The restaurant's specialty is teppanyaki, meals prepared on large tableside grills by skilled chefs who give diners quite a show. Chen worked at Benihana in Salt Lake City prior to opening his own restaurant. He personally trains his chefs and said it can take between two months to one year to perfect their technique.
Some of the most popular dishes include Teppanyaki Chicken ($17), Hibachi Steak ($19), Shrimp and Chicken Combination ($22), and the Kobe Special (market price) with New York Steak and lobster tail. The dinners are served with soup, salad, a shrimp appetizer, vegetables and steamed rice. Smaller versions ($10-$12) are available for children under 12.
Steak dishes can be upgraded to Kobe beef for an additional $20. This beef is known for being extra flavorful and tender and is harvested from a specific breed of cattle raised on a specific diet.
For diners who prefer the sushi bar, Kobe provides raw specialties such as Albacore White Tuna ($2.70), Ebi Shrimp ($2.90), Ika Squid ($2.70), Sake Salmon ($3.50) and Saba Mackerel ($3).
Favorite sushi rolls range from exotic to traditional. Chen said many customers enjoy the Krusty Krab ($9.25), made from crab, cream cheese and avocado before it is deep-fried.
Other favorites include the Las Vegas ($8.25), made from deep-fried spicy salmon and cream cheese; the Mexico ($6.75), with spicy tuna and cilantro; the Mars ($9.25), with tempura shrimp, spicy sauce, tuna and avocado; and the Volcano ($8.25), made with eel, avocado and crab.
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
- Address: 6024 S. 1550 East, South Ogden
- Hours: 4-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 4-10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
- Phone: 801-476-8889
- Web: www.kobeutah.com