Archive for November, 2011
The Most Expensive Restaurant in the World
When people think of the most expensive restaurant in the world, they most likely think of a grandiose building with many elegant decorations, live music, and delicious options for the meal.
What you would not expect, however, is for there to be no menu, no requests on cuts or doneness of meat, and no dessert.
However, as noted in Forbes Magazine, the most expensive restaurant in the world, Aragawa, does not have the usual characteristics of a fine dining restaurant.
Environment
The original location of this restaurant, which was the first steakhouse in Japan, was in the basement of an office building. There was no music, valet parking, or even windows.
However, since the original restaurant opened, it has since moved to Onarimon. The restaurant has moved to street level and now has distinguishable decorations, but still has no music or valet parking.
There are only six tables in the restaurant, making reservations extremely hard to come by. Despite the $300-$500 tab per meal, per person, the restaurant is usually full.
Menu
There is no paper or written menu at Aragawa. The waiters will verbally tell you your options. However, there certainly are not many.
You have the option of an appetizer or salad. You will then be served lightly toasted white bread with butter.
The restaurant only serves Kobe beef for the main dish. The options you do have include the grade (premium and super premium) or weight (12, 16, or 20 ounces). They do not ask you what cut of beef you want or how you would like it cooked.
The steak is seasoned with pepper, grilled, then served with only a side of mustard. The restaurant is known for having the juiciest, fattiest, and most tender Kobe beef. Despite the large price tag, many people find this to be worth it. Others argue that they will never return because it is far too expensive.
No dessert is served at Aragawa.
Kobe Beef
True Kobe beef can only be found in Japan. Kobe beef cows are raised in a very specific way. The average Kobe beef cow in Japan is treated better than most people. These cattle are massaged by hand daily, fed a bottle of beer, listen to classical music, go for regular walks, and are brushed. The idea behind this is that happy cows make tastier beef.
Aragawa has a relationship with a specific farm that they get all of their beef from, so customers know they truly are getting the best.
Kobe beef can be sold for up to $800 per pound, so many believe that the profit margin for the restaurant is very small.
Conclusion
If people are planning on dining at Arawga, they must make reservations well in advance and be willing to pay a pretty penny for their meal. Although this restaurant is popular among many people, others think it is ridiculous.
It is worth researching fine dining restaurants before you decide to attend so you know what you are getting yourself into.