I heart you, Kobe

I love me some Kobe. I could stare at Kobe's glistening glory for hours...if it weren't that Kobe would get cold. Kobe beef (not Kobe Bryant...I hate that kid), for those who haven't had the opportunity to experience it, is some of the tenderest meat on the planet. I first enjoyed it at BLT Steak in DC in the form of a burger. While the price was ridiculous for a lone burger, it was the only way I could fathom affording that cut of meat. The menu there charged $20 per ounce of Kobe if you were ordering a steak.

Hailing from Japan, these animals get some extra TLC that goes a long way. I've seen YouTube video of  Japanese farmers massaging the cows and feeding them beer to relax them. No wonder they're so tender.

Last night while dining at Wolfgang Puck's The Source in honor of my little brother's birthday, I got to experience the Kobe again. I ordered the Kobe Short Ribs for my main meal, and despite the fact I could've easily eaten two platefuls, I was taken away to a happy place. The ribs were de-boned and resting on top of pureed Indian-style lentis and a saffron raita. The sauce in which they slow-cooked was silky and layered with depth upon depth of flavor.

Although that happy place faded after the quick five minutes it took me to consume my humble portion, at least I snapped a picture of it to carry with me forever. Me thinks that after months of pondering, I have at last found the picture I will put in the locket I've started wearing again. Too weird? I think this shot would nicely complement the picture of Sebastian that's already in there.