Yoonie L.
Yelp
Kids are back at school this week and that means, back on my brunch game! Seems like Winter came overnight in Savannah, like it often does randomly every week LOL, so cold weather calls for soup. Friends and I decided to check out Splendid Shabu (SS) and why did it take so long to make it there? Same reason as always...too many places to try, not enough stomachs LOL.
According to their little note on the table, "Shabu-shabu" (Japanese origin) literally means "swish-swish". Isn't it interesting to learn the words of sounds in other languages? Haha. I do lots of cooking at home, but I also love the cook-your-own-food set up at restaurants. It's so much fun! But don't worry, all you have to do is literally watch it cook. No prepping, no measuring, just dunk, wait and eat.
- Parking -
Located right after you make a turn from Pooler Parkway, heading toward the Tanger Outlets, it's located in the same building complex as the famous Byrd's Cookies. Parking can be found in their private lot.
- Vibe -
It's casual, modern, clean, but dark. Closed shades are on every window, but I think that's typical of most restaurants in Savannah, trying to keep the heat out in the summer time. There are some booth seats as well as a U-set up of tables in the middle.
- TLC -
There was only one lady working the floor when we came in at the time of opening. She was all business, but very nice and took the time to explain the whole process. She was very efficient and looked like she could do it all with her eyes closed. Obviously not her first rodeo.
- Eats / Refreshments -
This is how it works: you pick your broth, noodle and your combo of meats and veggies or pick and choose from an extensive list of a la carte items. I chose, curry broth, udon noodles, and the Surf and Turf combo because if you look at the price, this is a steal. For the Surf, you have the choice between beef, chicken or lamb and I chose beef. The Turf includes shrimps, imitation crab, octopus, squid, clams, mussels and pieces of a white fish (not sure what, but it was good). The veggies include nappa cabbage, bok choy, zucchini, spinach, button mushrooms and enoki mushrooms, my fave! So, once you order, things start coming at ya fast. They bring out a pot that has a divider built into it, so make sure you go with a buddy or that you're super duper hungry haha. We were 4 people, so the pairing worked out, so keep in mind to keep your company at an even number...unless they have individual pots? I don't know. Anyway, the broth comes and she fires up the burners on the table. Then the veggies follow and the meat comes out last. The gradual release also allows you to start dumping stuff in the pot so that they can clear the dishes for the next element, so stay on the ball. Seriously, the tables aren't big enough! They also give you ladles, big bowls and scoopers.
Don't forget to go to the sauce bar! So many options. There are: chopped onions, green onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeño peppers, minced garlic, hoisin sauce (mixed with something else, not straight up), soy sauce, oyster sauce, peanut sauce (it was pretty basic, more like a runny peanut butter), hot chili oil, and a "House" sauce. My winning combo was the hoisin sauce with the hot chili oil. YUM! Put it in one of the small, green melamine bowls and shabu-shabu your meats, veggies and noodles and dip each bite in the sauce as you eat! The residue broth of each morsel will keep adding to the sauce and those flavor bombs will go off!
Note to self: In hindsight, I think I should have given back the big bowl and saved space on the table. I didn't need it at all and it was a bit of a nuisance. I also should have cooked each piece of beef one at a time as I was eating. They were sliced thinly so they cooked quickly. Also, I should have probably done that also with the seafood, especially some of the pieces that can overcook easily. I've had shabu shabu in the past and I also remember it being amazing with egg, so I'll have to order that as an extra next time. Usually, they'll bring you a raw egg, and then you scramble it with your chopsticks in a bowl and then add a bite of something and then swish it in the scrambled egg. I remember it being so good, so I'll have to remember that for next visit.
- Kiddos -
My kids would absolutely love it because it's asian food and they would have a ton of fun, cooking their own food. Everything is customizable so you'll find something for your kids to enjoy.
- Heads Up -
They also have "Express" bowls which are basically a bowl of hot pot prepared in the kitchen. Looks like the same system: pick your broth, noodle, and protein. This is a great option at a super sweet deal if you need a quick bite. For me, restaurants like SS is more about the experience and it's so much more fun doing it myself.
I definitely won't wait too long before I return! Places like SS are so fun with family or groups of friends. Great conversation starter and even greater eats!