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Wagyu really is wonderful. It is also expensive and one of the most mistreated meats in Australia.
Possibly the worst way to eat it is an a hunking great steak; possibly the best way is to prepare it with care in small quantities, even as sushi.
Charles Greenfield, the owner and chef at Jamon Sushi in South Yarra, has probably worked with more different types of wagyu than anybody else in Australia. And there are more pure and mixed blood wagyu herds here than you’d believe.
Once or twice a year he holds special wagyu weeks. Next week on Wednesday 30th April there is an opportunity for up to eight bloggers to sample what he does at his bar. Usually the cost is $250 but he is prepared to offer a slightly parred down menu for $120 plus drinks.
This time around it is Sher wagyu with a fat marbling score of 9+.
Although this seems expensive it is a bargain bearing in mind the price of the meat. A while ago I was lucky enough to sample his work with Wagyu. You can see here what I wrote on it for The Australian and the pictures here on this blog.
Sitting at the bar as Greenfield prepares the dishes is an educational experience. I’ve probably learnt more about Japanese food eating here than anyhere else although Greenfield’s approach is not traditional.
You’ll find yourself comparing the textures and tastes of different cuts, cooked and raw. And you’ll get to smell that special unmistakable smell of wagyu cooking.
If you are interested let me know in comments. First come first served. And I’m at the front of the queue, which means there are seven places left. And yes, I am paying my way rather than taking a free meal which brings the price down for you.
Popularity: 28% [?]
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I’d be tempted - if i ate meat.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Oooh…oooh…we can’t resist this!
Count the tummyrumbles crew in (that is, two of us!).
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Great deal Ed! I can’t make it that night, but can’t wait to read everyone’s reviews!!
xox Sarah
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
God that is tempting, but unfortunately, I can’t make it. Blog it good.
Hope you have a great night, Ed.
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Ooh! Yes please, can I come along? Tres exciting!
claire
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:52 am
I’ll be in. And AOF, it doesn’t sound like meat…more like manna.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:23 am
Neil - I’m up for raw fish any day. That’s my idea of manna
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:24 am
AOF, sadly no fish this time around though you could mistake wagyu sushi for tuna.
Tumyrumbles, that two for you.
Claire, one for you.
And Neil, one for you.
I’ll set a time with Charles and we should treat it liek a proper booking as its only a small restaurant. Cool.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Thanh from I Eat therefore I am is in two but had a problem leaving a comment. that makes six - two places at the bar left.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Sounds like such an excellent opportunity. Enjoy yourselves. I look forward to the post.
April 24th, 2008 at 7:55 am
I seem to be having trouble emailing you, is your spam filter on to me again?
April 24th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Hi Neil, I got and replied to both emails. i think you may have a filter that’s eating you up. You’re not with Telstra are you? My new boss is and I can’t get through to her either. In answer I thought Grossi may be a bit exe as its going to be difficult to eat a prpoper meal for $20 most of the time - let me know if I’m wrong.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
No filter here, but yes, Telstra it is.
April 24th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Ed, unless my maths abilities have decreased dramatically after uni, I believe there is only one place left.
So far, we have going
Yourself
Mellie and Danny from Tummy Rumbles
Claire
Neil
Myself and my work mate John
That’s seven all up isn’t it. And I thought it was only 8 people in total?
April 24th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Sorry, my fault Thanh - Seven. That leaves one. correct
April 24th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
And one more via email. Please email me if anybody else if having problems with comments. i’ve reoptimised the databses so it should be okay.
April 24th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I wish I got this sooner
Sandra and I would love to be included
Any chance?
April 26th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Elliott, just sent an email. Yes.
April 26th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
What a pitty I missed this earlier. If there is still a space or anyone drops out pls. let me know as I’d love to attend. Otherwise, enjoy and I look forward to reading about it.
Jon!
April 26th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Jon, there is space but probably at a table. Are you in? If so that leaves just two places in the whole of Jamon.
April 27th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
With Cin & hubby that now makes a full house - 14 with Jon too.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Looking forward to Wednesday! Ed, what time should we get there?
April 29th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Me too. 7-7.30 we start.