Oh my, this was so good! I wish I lived closer, I would love to able to be a regular. Came here with my friends Scott and Linda because they know I'm a foodie and it was the perfect choice. I ordered the ribeye, a cinnamon herbal iced tea and a mango mochi. The ribeye was tender and flavorful, the accompanying veggies worked well with the beef. The dipping sauces gave a wonderful boost of flavor to every bite. We shared an order of gyozo and they were wonderful too. The service was perfect as well. The owner is amazing and so very kind. She's also a wonderful artist. If you like adorable anime style art like my twin daughters do then make sure you check out her work. Such talent. Sorry I didn't get a picture before I started eating. I just jumped right in then realized it was so good it deserved a review with a picture. Did I already say I wish I lived closer? I want to go back but I'm leaving town in the morning.
The trip from Long Beach was well worth it as the food and atmosphere is top notch. I recommend this place to all the Ham guys who are on the 435 Repeater in So Cal, if they ever get off the mic. I listen to their banter all the time and wish them well. They have made life much more fun, and then this restaurant has much improved my love for good food.
Not quite the best shabu-shabu I've had, but the food quality is pretty remarkable for its affordability. The sauce as commented by some others is fairly different, so worth a try yourself to see if you like it. The boss lady is friendly, but can be a bit overwhelming if you are trying to have a quiet time. The interior is a bit on the small side, though they make very efficient use of the space and keep it clean also.
The best Shabu Shabu in the OC. 'Hot Mama' provides her own home-made secret sauces that taste awesome. You'd think that thin sliced meat would taste the same everywhere, but after just one bite, you can tell that her food is at a level above all others. For some reason, Google Maps shows this place as being closed, but that is wrong. I went there last night 10/16/2012. It says that is was marked as closed by a user... probably her competitors.
this place is by far the best Shabu in America, it is worth the drive if you do not live near here, I live in San Clemente and make the trip a couple times a month just to indulge in the amazingness this restaurant has to offer, perfectly sliced beef, fresh seafood, and home made sauces, dont let me forget about the Hot Mama Sauce!!!!!!!!!!!!! it is to die for... the service is really really good too, the staff makes you feel as if your eating shabu in your own home!!
The ponzu and sesame sauces are authentic and one of a kind! Quality of meat and veggies are outstanding. Highly recommend egg fried rice and Thai chili sauce for those who love spicy.
Tucked in a little corner of the RSM/Mission Viejo Border, this tiny restaurant is your local spot for those seeking shabu-shabu style cuisine. Friendly service. Comparable pricing. As of this review, only boiling water is offered as is the tradition of this style cuisine. Some places offer various broths which can add flavor and/or spice to the food. I hope to see such an addition in the future.
I can't explain how much I love this place in words! The history of ownership fascinates me and the food is still soul satisfying from day one... Highly recommended and with reservations plz
Service was excellent but food was just bland. Perhaps this is just the style. Not sure as this is the only example I've had. The "broth" you cook your food in had no flavor whatsoever.
Super friendly staff, delicious fresh shrimp, meats and veggies. My first visit... The first of many! A tiny little gem by rsm
