[MEDIA INVITE] Prime Gyu-Kaku @ CHIJMES – Bras Basah, Singapore

Recently I was invited by my long time lovely friend Cathryn to another media tasting hosted by REINS International (S) Pte Ltd at their Prime Gyu-Kaku outlet at CHIJMES and was organised by TheAsiaMedia folks. To be honest, I have not been to CHIJMES ever since my media tasting at Lei Gardens, and it was great to be able to visit the place again after 6 years.

Gyu-Kaku, meaning “Horn of the Bull” in Japanese provides the authentic Japanese Yakiniku (barbeque) dining experience where customers share premium cooked meats over a flaming charcoal grill while sipping on Japanese Sake, Shochu and frosty cold beers. Founded in 1996, this chain of restaurants is committed to provide fresh foodstuffs and to offer good food at reasonable prices with excellent ambience and services. In addition, the group looks into developing the best equipment for their restaurants especially the on-the-table smokeless roasters, which makes everyone a chef as soon as they sit down. Using the Down Draft System, customers will not leave the restaurant smelling like the restaurant!

Smokeless Roaster
Smokeless Roaster with the down draft system

Anyway, this media tasting is for us to try their new menu offering Kuroge Wagyu beef directly imported from Kagoshima, Japan. We were told the difference between these Japanese beef is that they are all farm based and do not run about like those in Australia, which they have been serving. Hence the marbling and meat is a lot more tender. And as usual, I’ll let the pictures do the talking:

Facade
Facade
Greeted by the lighted signage
Greeted by the lighted signage
Ambience
Ambience
Hardwork from the kitchen staff
Hardwork from the kitchen staff
Table utensils
Table utensils
Dips for the meat
Dips for the meat
Appetisers of Assorted Kimuchi being served. It's basically the Japanese version of kimchi. Very nicely done with the right salt and spicy level.
Appetisers of Assorted Kimuchi ($3) being served. It’s basically the Japanese version of kimchi. Very nicely done with the right salt and spicy level.
Calpis to cook me down from the Singapore heat!
Calpis to cook me down from the Singapore heat!
The on-the-table roaster. The staff changed a couple of times when it gets a little dirty.
The on-the-table roaster. The staff changed a couple of times when it gets a little dirty.
Directors welcoming us with a short little speech.
Directors welcoming us with a short little speech.
Japanese Prime Wagyu from Kagoshima ($35). Lovely marbling, I can imagine the taste already even before the eating starts!
Japanese Prime Wagyu from Kagoshima 80g ($35). Lovely marbling, I can imagine the taste already even before the eating starts!
Director Yuki-san showing how it's being done!
Director Yuki-san showing how it’s being done!
Wagyu, in!
Wagyu, in!
Omg, look at the browning taking place...
Omg, look at the browning taking place…
King! Japanese Prime Wagyu from Kagoshima ($41). The marbling is just amazing...
King! Japanese Prime Wagyu from Kagoshima 120g ($41). The marbling is just amazing…

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Next up is the Fire! Karubi with Garlic Chilli Oil ($7), hand cut into thin slices
Next up is the Fire! Karubi with Garlic Chilli Oil ($7), hand cut into thin slices

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the chilli oil with very aromatic crispy garlic inside. Not spicy at all though.
the chilli oil with very aromatic crispy garlic inside. Not spicy at all though.
King! Harami ($9)
King! Harami ($9)
Director Yuki-san was trying to show me which part of the cow is Harami... Pointed to the armpit and I assumed it was there until I researched that the meat is actually around the diaphragm area which is nice and tender. ;P
Director Yuki-san was trying to show me which part of the cow is Harami… Pointed to the armpit and I assumed it was there until I researched that the meat is actually around the diaphragm area which is nice and tender. ;P
Lettuce and condiments to wrap the Harami
Lettuce and condiments to wrap the Harami
Cutting into smaller pieces
Cutting into smaller pieces
Look at the succulent meat!
Look at the succulent meat!
If you're in the mood for some alcohol, try this Yuzu Mojito... Really good and refreshing!
If you’re in the mood for some alcohol, try this Yuzu Mojito… Really good and refreshing!
Shrimps in Garlic Butter ($5). all the juices soaked inside and you can request for toppings at only $1 like mozerella cheese, chopped leek, etc.
Shrimps in Garlic Butter ($5). all the juices soaked inside and you can request for toppings at only $1 like mozerella cheese, chopped leek, etc.
Assorted Mushroom Foil with Butter ($8) - I use to make this when I was based overseas as well. The juices will be forced out of the mushrooms to give you a very nice broth at the bottom.
Assorted Mushroom Foil with Butter ($8) – I use to make this when I was based overseas as well. The juices will be forced out of the mushrooms to give you a very nice broth at the bottom.
Garlic Fried Rice ($4) Special request from us as we know Japanese fried rice has always been good and wanted to try their too. Really good, tossed in golden egg and topped with crunchy garlic slices.
Garlic Fried Rice ($4) Special request from us as we know Japanese fried rice has always been good and wanted to try their too. Really good, tossed in golden egg and topped with crunchy garlic slices.
Seafood Chige Soup ($12). A little on the spicy side so if you don't take too spicy, please request for less spicy. This pot is loaded with ingredients and lovely broth
Seafood Chige Soup ($12). A little on the spicy side so if you don’t take too spicy, please request for less spicy. This pot is loaded with ingredients and lovely broth
Aburi! Wagyu Sushi ($8 for 2pcs) - Same wagyu cooked to perfection over sushi rice.
Aburi! Wagyu Sushi ($8 for 2pcs) – Same wagyu cooked to perfection over sushi rice.
Sweet Potato with Vanilla Ice Cream ($3.90) - First cook over the grill and let the butter melt
Sweet Potato with Vanilla Ice Cream ($3.90) – First cook over the grill and let the butter melt
Then in goes the damn awesome vanilla ice cream. A dessert you must eat very fast cos the ice cream melts faster in there!
Then in goes the damn awesome vanilla ice cream. A dessert you must eat very fast cos the ice cream melts faster in there!
Matcha Ice Cream ($2.80) - Served with brown sugar syrup and soya bean powder dusted over. Lovely!
Matcha Ice Cream ($2.80) – Served with brown sugar syrup and soya bean powder dusted over. Lovely!
Vanilla Ice Cream ($2.80) - Same syrup and soya bean powder. This vanilla ice cream is really of high quality. Vanilla pods can be seen in the ice cream.
Vanilla Ice Cream ($2.80) – Same syrup and soya bean powder. This vanilla ice cream is really of high quality. Vanilla pods can be seen in the ice cream.
Signature Milk Pudding ($3.90) - Nice, smooth and creamy.
Signature Milk Pudding ($3.90) – Nice, smooth and creamy.
Matcha Milk Pudding ($3.90) -  Served with red bean.
Matcha Milk Pudding ($3.90) – Served with red bean.
Bidding farewell to the directors, thanks for hosting us and the wonderful dishes we experienced!
Bidding farewell to the directors, thanks for hosting us and the wonderful dishes we experienced!

Rating: 5/5. I kid you not.

Taste: I can only say, “WOW!” I think I can say this for the rest of the media invitees that we enjoyed every bit of it! Aesthetically and gastronomically satisfying!

Portion: Good Size

Service: Blardy good! Thank you front house and kitchen team for putting up such a goodnahgood performance!

Ambience: Comfy, great for groups or romantic dates. Guys can show off you can cook! 😉

Pricing: As you can see the prices here and on their website, very surprisingly affordable!

RTE: Definitely!

Location: Check out all the outlets and opening hours here –> http://www.gyu-kaku.com.sg/branch.php. Reservations strongly encouraged.

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