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My new friend and wok cooking guru Eleanor Hoh, “wok star”, is one of my respected sources on Asian restaurants in Miami. She told me about Gyu-Kaku, 34 SW 13th Street (in the Infinity), T.305-4008915, a Japanese barbecue restaurant in the Brickell area.  I had also heard it was fun and affordable from some other people.Something different (no sushi or sashimi here), I set off post haste. It turns out the restaurant is a wildly successful Japanese chain with 800 outposts around the world and many already over the USA. This is the first of what will be several in Florida.

People seem to love anything interactive these days and so, not surprising the idea of cooking your own barbecued meats and vegetables over a recessed charcoal grill (or, as they say, “be your own chef”  appeals. They’ve teamed up that concept with the “hot” small plates approach, and it’s an appealing combo.

With the exception of the bar, all seating is at tables for 4 which can be expanded to 8 with its own grill. Diners choose from a wide selection of starters, beef, meats, vegetables, soups, salads, rice and noodle dishes. It’s a crowd pleasing menu to appeal to many, so along with Japanese food items you’ll find dishes like broccoli cheese fondue and chocolate lava cake.  If you can’t find something you like here, you have a problem. Order small plates or dining “packages” they call “courses”. Courses are one of the best values. For instance, the Geisha Course for two includes four meats including ribeye, vegetables, and starters for $60. The Meat Lover’s course for six people at $160 features 7 meats, an assortment of starters and vegetables.

We ordered several appetizers to start – hot oil seared salmon in citrus and spicy tuna volcano, good choices.Then we took the waiter’s suggestion and had several different meats each — skirt steak, kobe and toro beef — along with a medley of mushrooms (shitake, enoki and button) and shishito peppers (take note, spicy). One puts oil on the grill and then cooks the thinly sliced meats 45 seconds to several minutes depending on thickness. Meats are served with three dipping sauces including ponzu, spicy and sweet and sweet soy and you tell your server which of six marinades you want ranging from traditional Japanes Taro to basil pesto and teriyaki. Everything was very tasty.

For dessert would you believe – s’mores that you grill yourself. If you order a lot of small plates, the bill can add up. That being said, there are all kinds of deals such as the courses,  lunch specials for $9.95 and $12.95 with two meats and miso soup, bar food and happy hour everyday from 11:30 to 7 with low prices on wine and food.

Gyu-Kaku Miami is a different, fun place to go for a casual, affordable date and family outing.

Photo of exterior from www.soulofmiami.org; s’more photo by William Oberheiser