photo credit: ubrayj02

Tuna Pizza, Ume Tarragon Ceviche, Sashimi Carpaccio? You’re reading right, these are not misprints. These are just a few of the fusion dishes head chefs Kengo and Hiro have created for MaiKobe in Old Pasadena.

In addition to Fusion Style Japanese Cuisine, the pair also offer up a Tepanyaki Dinner (cooked by a chef table-side) and of course, Sushi. One of the hallmarks of MaiKobe is the 10 ounce genuine Kobe beef steak. Simply prepared to allow the flavor of the beef to shine through it is served with a roasted garlic and yahiniku dipping sauce. This is the real deal, the cattle are fed a beer a day, and they are massaged and brushed.

Our meal started with Yellowtail Jalapeno topped with cilantro, serano jalapeno slices and yuzu soy sauce. Salmon New Style Sashimi was thin slices of salmon topped with chive, ginger, sesame and yuzu soy. The salmon is then drizzled with hot Extra Virgin Olive Oil, giving it a unique texture.

The Sashimi Carpaccio consisted of slices of fresh halibut, topped with chili sauce, garlic chip, and ponzu with truffle oil.

Non-raw fish eaters will love this dish. A grilled flour tortilla is topped with raw slices of tuna, jack cheese, onion and jalapeno slices. The whole pizza is then drizzled with a spicy-sweet aioli.

This is also a great dish for raw fish virgins. The tuna is tender, the crust crispy and all the flavors blend beautifully together. Chilean Sea Bass Yuan is a stunning presentation of Yuan yuzu soy marinated Sea Bass. The fish is grilled and presented in bamboo leaves; the dish is garnished with very-edible vegetables and an orchid. Also a stunner, but in a different way was the Grilled Fillet Medallion/Ishiyaki.

Grilled beef medallions are served on a hot stone and then a garlic puree tamari soy sauce is poured over, tableside. It is your choice how long you cook the beef. The custard was mixed with black sesame paste and the crust was perfectly burnt and crispy. Also served was a delicate slice of tofu cheesecake.

Light and sweet with just a hint of lemon, it was yummy. Don’t worry if you are a little more adventurous than your partner because MaiKobe also prepares more traditional dishes like teriyaki and tempura.

Want to know the latest news on Pasadena, Visit Pasadena Now and be updated on the latest happenings on this side of the earth!