i have not seen anything about the end of the japanese beef ban into usa for hoof&mouth.

cows used for "kobe" beef are about 3-5 different kind. in the usa, they are interbred with regular usa cows. about 50/50 at best. in australia, some kobe is 75% waygu. the australian 75% wholesales for about $2-300/lb.

the usa beef is available for $10-12/lb in nyc, wholesale, and about $20 when on sale at shops. there is very little difference between this and a good quality prime.

i think the 50/50 usa beef is terrific. think i'll have one tonight.

sf flyer, i don't know what you got for 80 bucks, but a few years back, i got a steak from a routh christ. it was about $45, and covered in butter???? for 80 bucks in a high end japanese restaurant, i don't think you even get chairs..........you gotta sit on the floor.