Prepare to fulfill ABSteak in San Francisco, a Barbecue spot with Korean flare. What involves thoughts if you consider Korean Barbecue? In case you haven’t boarded a airplane for Seoul for a totally immersive expertise, you’ve doubtless skilled Korean Barbecue in an area city or metropolis close to you. After I was in Seoul, my eating experiences didn’t embody BBQ, so at the very least for us, our experiences have been restricted to the States and Europe. In smaller cities or metropolis suburbs, it has usually been over-crowded and we’ve needed to share a desk with fairly just a few others we didn’t know. Typically this may flip into an sudden treasure as you break bread with full strangers. Different occasions, you possibly can’t wait to get away from the noise of everybody talking loudly round you.
Both means, it’s a singular expertise. The standard of the meat nonetheless can differ considerably from place-to-place.
Larger finish locations exist akin to Michelin-star rated San Ho Gained in San Francisco, Jeju in Portland and Cote Korean Steakhouse in Miami. ABSteak hadn’t been on my radar even supposing famend Michelin-starred Chef Akira Again has over 25 areas. Even supposing he’s initially from Korea, a few of his eating places have extra Japanese affect than Korean till extra just lately. Now, he returns to his roots.
Credit score: ABSteak
ABSteak in San Francisco, which opened on October 8, 2024, is Again’s first location within the Bay Space. Different main U.S. areas embody Las Vegas, Beverly Hills and San Diego, though you’ll find his masterful dishes and steaks in London, Paris, Dubai, Toronto, Jakarta, Florence, Rome and plenty of others as effectively. In different phrases, he’s no stranger to the worldwide culinary scene. Now you understand why he’s sometimes called the Globe-Trotting Chef by others.
Introducing ABSteak in San Francisco
The doorway to the ABSteak location in San Francisco
Chef Again received his notoriety from Meals Community’s “Iron Chef America,” the place he battled Iron Chef Bobby Flay and appearances on NBC’s “The Immediately Present,” Meals Community’s “Greatest Factor I Ever Ate,” and The Cooking Channel’s “United Tastes of America.” The latest addition on San Francisco’s Ellis Avenue takes up a contemporary and stylish 6,500-square-foot area. After you make your means down the steps from the unassuming entrance, its modern design strikes by means of each room, beginning with the bar off to the left of the hostess stand. The bartender shared his artistic choices with us, noting that they modify on a regular basis as he gave a nod to an Elderberry concoction in a transparent class bottle to his left.
The bar at ABSteak. Courtesy: ABSTeak.
Wine is as elaborate as their cocktails for those who need to go that route and why not for those who’re signing up for an night of steak pleasure. In case you need to choose one thing from their intensive wine menu, they’ve a scrumptious (okay . . . to-die for) Turley Zinfandel from Napa on the menu, a excellent pairing with most of their choices. The Neyers 2021 Mix from Sage Canyon additionally doesn’t disappoint. For white wine lovers, you possibly can’t go incorrect with the Far Niente Chardonnay, one of my favorites. There are tons of easy choices to tickle your fancy.
Behind the scenes of their open kitchen.
BEHIND THE SCENES at ABSteak:
Earlier than we get to the meals, it’s price noting two observations that made an influence: Design and Service, each of which appear to be extremely valued by the restaurant chain. It appears to trickle down, or at the very least that’s what we felt. From the bartender to the meals runners and our overly attentive waitress, their ardour for his or her jobs and curiosity in caring for his or her clients’ wants and needs have been paramount.
You would possibly be considering: “In case you’re there to evaluate the restaurant, wouldn’t they put their finest foot ahead?” Positive and it’s actually an inexpensive query. That stated, I’ve reviewed near 2 hundred eating places through the years from around the globe––typically they know a evaluate is coming and different occasions, they don’t. In each circumstances, we’ve had excellent service and mediocre ones. Put one other means, understanding {that a} reviewer is in the home doesn’t cowl up unhealthy service if it’s a part of the restaurant’s DNA. It additionally doesn’t cowl up unhealthy meals. If neither are valued belongings, it doesn’t trickle down.
I bear in mind reviewing a restaurant in Napa County a few years in the past which was connected to a stylish bar . Though the meals and repair have been removed from memorable, they led with what they noticed as their raison d’etre––“We’re the go-to spot for stylish drinks and folks watching.” The expertise mirrored it, not the meals or service. You get the thought.
Have a look at the oh so enjoyable design of the menus
We determined to go along with cocktails over wine and for those who can’t tell from the beneath image, we began with a Gochujang Margarita, which is made with Don Julio, Aramas Verde Mezcal, Lime, Gochujang and Seven-Spice. Let’s simply say that it has a kick to it.
My private favourite? The Tokki Bi-Heng-Gi (belo), which is made with barrel-aged Tokki Soju, Aperol, Lemon, and Amaro Nonino.
As a result of we have been curious, we tried the Royal Sonbi, which is made with Korean Dry Gin, Candy Vermouth, and Italian and Japanese Amaros. Discover how the Korean infusion isn’t simply with the meals? All of their cocktails are superbly offered as effectively. Bravo!
Cocktails at ABSteak in San Francisco
I used to be stunned to see oysters on the menu but when seafood is your jam, then you definitely would possibly need to strive their distinctive variation which they make with chojang, olive oil, lime and granny apple salsa. Yum, proper? They kicked issues off with their Yuza Lotus Root, which they served with contemporary orange segments, olive oil, arugula and lime zest adopted by a blended salad and Cabbage Kimchi.
In addition they provide an fascinating Chadol Dwen Jang Jjigae soup, which is made with Australian Wagyu Brisket, and Korean fermented soy bean stew.
The Chadol Dwen Jang Jjigae
In case you’re a vegetarian or eating with one, there are just a few choices on the menu, such because the Yuza Lotus Root famous above, their Chili Sesame Broccolini and their Egg-Souffle, which our waitress loves. The dish was oh so fluffy. Easy however delish, they toss it with inexperienced scallions and sesame seed oil. In addition they provide a Veggie Platter with asparagus, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and zucchini.
The Egg-Souffle
Our favourite appetizer goes to the AB Wagyu Pizza, which is made with thinly sliced uncooked Australian wagyu, crispy tortilla, ponzu aioli, inexperienced olive and white truffle oil. BTW, the Tokki Bi-Heng-Gi cocktail was an ideal pairing with this one.
Above, the AB Wagyu Pizza at ABSteak
Like its Los Angeles-based location, the restaurant options custom-designed tabletop grills they usually use smokeless Japanese Binchotan Charcoal, which interprets to this: You don’t depart smelling like BBQ. As for the cuts, we began with what they confer with as Chadol, which is Australian Wagyu Brisket. Relying on who you discuss to, some choose Australian wagyu over Japanese and others say it’s the opposite means round. Each are tender and heavenly, so when you have both possibility on a menu, go for it.
Not like the bigger Korean Barbecue steakhouses, we had our personal scorching grill in the course of the desk. The workers appeared at our desk with varied cuts for us to strive, all paired with a set of 4 condiments: jalapeno, wasabi, rock salt and garlic chips. Banchan too.
It involves the desk uncooked and onto the open grill it goes. We get to observe till it’s completely cooked and able to eat.
Our favourite was the Picanha, which is their Australian Wagyu Sirloin. It was oh so tender, a lot in order that I misplaced observe of what our waitress was saying.
Our subsequent favourite was what the supervisor known as their King of the Kings: the Deung Shim Ribeye and I’ve to confess, it had us at hiya. In hindsight, I used to be so full by the point the Ribeye arrived, I ought to have began with it. Reality be instructed, the Picanha and Deung Shim Ribeye would have glad me alone. My good friend Deanne, who joined me for this beautiful meal, felt the identical means. Two thumbs up!!
After it’s prepared, out come the steak slicing scissors to allow them to create chunk sized parts for us to get pleasure from.
ABSteak in San Francisco
Lastly, they introduced out the Marinated Galbi, which is their Boneless Brief Rib. Just like the others, they create it out uncooked, however on this case rolled up and seasoned with garlic and soy sauce.
The garlic made its means into the pores of this divine quick rib and left us basking in its scrumptious flavors effectively past the final chunk.
The Marinated Galbi at ABSteak
Suggestion: I’d order the Australian Wagyu Ribeye and the Sirloin (Picanha) for those who don’t have room in your stomach to eat all night time like we did. Splurge on a bottle of easy, deep, wealthy Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon, order a aspect salad and a few broccoli and also you’ll be a cheerful camper (Smile). BTW, in addition they provide Japanese Wagyu cuts in case you’re questioning: Ribeye and Sirloin. You too can go for shrimp to accompany any of the steak dishes, which is very helpful for those who’re there as a gaggle. Given the ambiance, it’s a terrific alternative for six.
Lastly, how may we are saying no to tangerine tea and the dessert they stated we should strive? HANWOO. This scrumptious creation is made with darkish chocolate mousse, matcha sponge cake, brown butter tulie, berries and candied orange peel. What a approach to finish a night! Beautiful, proper?
Above and beneath, the Hanwoo Dessert at ABSteak
Dessert at ABSteak in San Francisco
Under is the principle eating room.
The principle eating room. Courtesy: ABSteak
In case you’re a bigger group, you may also reserve your individual room the place they’ll seat ten or twelve round a protracted sq. desk with glass doorways.
A non-public room at ABSteak with glass doorways.
Would we return? You betcha. For steak lovers, you’ll be in for an actual deal with with their premium meat cuts which are dry-aged 30 days in a devoted on-premises chamber. Their raison-d’etre of their phrases? A five-star, smokeless, open grill tabletop cooking expertise in a vibrant and social setting. Under is a brief video and slide collage that captures just a few highlights of our night.
DETAILS:
ABSteak
124 Ellis Avenue
San Francisco CA 94102
415.421.9014
Go to www.absteaksf.com for extra info and to try their menu.
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Word: we have been hosted by the restaurant however all opinions expressed are totally our personal.
Renee Blodgett is the founding father of We Weblog the World. The positioning combines the magic of an internet tradition and journey journal with a worldwide weblog community and has contributors from each continent on this planet. Having lived in 10 nations and explored practically 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural range.
She can be the CEO and founding father of Magic Sauce Media, a brand new media providers consultancy targeted on viral advertising, social media, branding, occasions and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped corporations from 12 nations get traction available in the market. Recognized for her world and natural method to product and company launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an lively consumer of social media, she helps shoppers navigate digital waters from around the globe. Renee has been running a blog for over 16 years and commonly writes on her private weblog Down the Avenue, Huffington Submit, BlogHer, We Weblog the World and different websites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Journal and is listed as a brand new media influencer and sport changer on varied websites and books on the brand new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed because the sixth most influential lady in social media by Forbes Journal on a Prime 20 Record.
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