Years later when I moved to LA, a coupon for Shabu Shabu showed up on my doorstep. I convinced my now husband that we had to go (he had never had it and was also skeptical), but after the first bite he was hooked too. Since then, I actively seek out Shabu Shabu and will travel far and wide for the best. In fact, Shabu Shabu is the meal we had the night my husband proposed to me, so as you can see Shabu holds a special place in my heart.
So here I am at a Shabu Shabu restaurant in Orange County clad in dots and ready to cook in the hot pot. I like to wear a T-shirt for such dining because Shabu Shabu tends to splatter.
So that's that for the spots, now on to the hot pot and the yummy food. Shabu Shabu, for you Shabu virgins, starts with some fresh veggies. These usually include cabbage, spinach, carrots, green onions, tofu and in some cases (although not here) mushrooms.
Then you get your choice of meat (usually beef, but sometimes pork and fish) in a variety of sizes (make mine a large!). This always reminds me of a scene from Lost in Translation when the characters are trying to figure out what to order and all of the pictures of meat look the same on the menu.
Next is the fun part. Swish Swish. It's into the hot pot for you meat and veggies! This particular Shabu Shabu place lets you concoct your own broth to cook the meat in. The ingredients they give you to play around with include hot drops, soy sauce, green onions, sesame oil and a variety of relishes. I just throw it all in and hope for the best.
The other thing I like about this particular Shab venue is the cool art work. They have some murals on the walls and some other original paintings that are very cute.
Outfit: Skirt: J. Crew Postage Stamp Mini in Scatter Dot, T-Shirt: Target, Shoes: Kate Spade, Bag: Chanel, Belt: Urban Outfitters
1) your outfit is adorable.
ReplyDelete2) my husband hates shabu shabu so I never get to go so I'm having major food envy right now!
Thanks Laura! Your husband hates shabu shabu? You need to change that! ;-)
Deletewe love shabu shabu - and it's a fantastic thing to make when you're having guests over. totally fun!
ReplyDeletexo
I've never made shabu shabu at home. That does sound totally fun!
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