While in Kobe, Japan several years ago, my partner and I had decided that we would enjoy a nice Kobe steak dinner at a well known upscale restaurant that specialized in preparing Kobe beef. Expecting that the cost would be high, we were a little shocked when out final bill, without drinks, came to just over $700.00, the singlemost expensive meal my partner and I have ever had between the two of us.

After paying, we rationalized about the cost and eventually became comfortable with it - it was a 4 course meal, so not only was the Kobe beef cost included, but the foie gras appetizer and other side servings. Would I do it again, perhaps so, the beef was the most tender I've ever had, even compared to the best Prime cuts served at some US restaurants that I've been to.