Shabu & Shabu on Pleasant Hill Road is a lively new addition to Duluth's booming Korean culinary scene. The tidy storefront spot offers diners the DIY cooking experience of swishing meat, seafood and veggies back and forth in seasoned broth at special mini hot pot tables equipped with sunken induction burners.
The look: The cheery, contemporary space is arranged with a row of tables down the center, booths on one side, and a section of semiprivate snugs hung with curtains on the other side. Wherever you sit, everyone gets their own pot and utensils to play chef.
The scene: One recent Sunday evening, the mostly Asian crowd included multigenerational families at long tables and stylish young couples perched in booths. Friendly, attentive servers worked to the beat of pop music, as clouds of steam wafted above multiple pots bubbling up around the room.
The menu: Shabu-shabu translates to "swish-swish," and the selection of raw ingredients includes beef, pork, chicken, fish, assorted seafood, lobster tail, mixed mushrooms, vegetables and combos, priced from $11.99 to $29.99. A plate loaded with the likes of bok choy, bean sprouts, corn, pumpkin, noodles, enoki and shiitake mushrooms, tofu, egg and the odd hot dog are part of the meal deal. Your server will bring hot, medium or mild dipping sauces and condiments. And you can order a la carte extras, such as Korean noodles, to add to the pot.
The drinks: Shabu & Shabu doesn't have a pouring license yet, but look for sake, beer and wine soon. In the meantime, there are soft drinks and iced and hot tea.
The extras: The bargain-priced shabu-shabu lunch menu offers beef, pork, chicken or seafood for $9.99. If you're in the mood for a sweet treat or a cup of coffee after dinner, Hansel & Gretel Bakery, next door, features an array of fancy Korean-style cakes, cookies and pastries.
Dining Out
Shabu & Shabu, Duluth
11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Appetizers, $2.99-$4.99; shabu-shabu menu, $11.99-$29.99; extras and sides, $1.49-$9.99.
2605 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 300, Duluth, 678-584-1111
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