Howoo Designer beef barbecued in very stylish digs at Howoo
With a Bitcoin ATM in the waiting area and a dark, gold-accented dining room that looks kind of like where the banker sits in Deal Or No Deal, Howoo isn’t your everyday KBBQ restaurant. We’d actually recommend booking this Nomad spot—an even more upscale option from the group behind Nubiani—when you’re trying to impress someone: a client, maybe, or a colleague who really appreciates A5 wagyu from Miyazaki.
photo credit: Urimat Hospitality
Though you can order a la carte here, Howoo is a place to go all out. So while the Prime package ($155 for two) includes four fatty, American wagyu cuts, plus a massive amount of of banchan, stews and noodle dishes, once you’re here, you might as well spring for the premium Japanese meats in the Elite package, which is $195 for two.
The meal is coursed out and several rounds of food arrive before the beef even touches the grill at the center of your table. Banchan first, with sesame-forward japchae and squeaky oyster mushrooms, then a sweet and jiggly egg soufflé. Then, it's the main event: various cuts of beef, which are aged for at least 35 days in a room you can peek at from the main dining area.
photo credit: Will Hartman
photo credit: Will Hartman
While all the wagyu is exceptionally marbled and tender, the three non-marinated cuts (filet mignon, short rib and striploin) do blend together a little when surrounded by so many louder flavors. But the staff do a wonderful job of the grilling, which leaves you and your dinner partner in a sort of black box-type space to cut deals and talk shop. They'll be adding lunch soon, if you're looking for more of a power lunch situation. Just come hungry—when you factor in the round of kimchi stew or noodles at the end, it’s a lot of food.
These spicy cold noodles are a must order. They’re loaded with hot mustard and vinegar, which helps deglaze all the beef fat still clinging to your teeth.
photo credit: Urimat Hospitality
In a vacuum, we like this kimchi stew. It’s spicy, the broth is nice and tangy, and it comes with fluffy aromatic rice. But between this and the noodles for your “second round” choice after your meats, we’d choose the noodles—they just work a little better with the rest of the meal.
photo credit: Urimat Hospitality
This little paper cup of smooth, grassy green tea ice cream is the perfect send off. And after all the salty things you’ve eaten, it’s a nice reprieve.
