60688 Sat Jun 05 11:08:30 -0700 2004 7 2 Los Angeles Area 0 321180 Japanese BBQ joints like Gyu-Kaku use use Binchotan charcoal to cook with. Do any local Korean BBQs in OC/LA that cook over charcoal use it too or do they just use "Kingsford" charcoal? Gyu-Kaku's website says Binchotan protects the meat from protein breakdown and promote the buildup of amino acids which adds flavor. Can you taste the difference using one charcoal versus the other? And is Binchotan readily available to purchase at markets like Mitsuwa or Marukai? Sat Jun 05 11:08:30 -0700 2004 0 NinoHB 1 321181 Restaurants that use charcoal for cooking, whether at the table or in the kitchen, are most likely using hardwood charcoal. They would never use briquettes due to taste concerns, ash production, etc. Based on previous posts, it seems like you have some insight into the Asian culture, its products, and their mystical claims. The Binchotan charcoal claims are just more of the same b.s. It's just plain ol' oak lump charcoal. P.S. If you want to score some great oak charcoal (and other hardwoods), check out: California Charcoal & Firewood 1518 S. Eastern Ave. Los Angeles, CA 323-780-6000 M-F, 7am to 3pm One of the very few suppliers of lump & wood in the area... Link: http://www.healthygourmetstore.com/index.html?binchotancatal2.html Sat Jun 05 11:35:49 -0700 2004 321180 0 Joe B. 1 321189 FYI, it was in the Daily News yesterday that a new Japanese charcoal dining place is going to open up in the former site of Golestan restaurant on Ventura Blvd in Encino. New place is not open yet but will be called Gochi and is located at 17970 Ventura Blvd. Phone is 818-774-9621. Since you are a BBQ fan, perhaps you can check it out and report back to us Hounds? Sat Jun 05 13:47:09 -0700 2004 321180 0 ChefLisa 2 321190 Thanks for the info. I'm down in OC, but I'll keep that in mind the next time I visit a friend who lives in Encino. Sat Jun 05 13:53:05 -0700 2004 321189 0 NinoHB 3 321191 Tsuruhashi in Fountain Valley is fantastic and only uses the finest quality Meats. Their Charcoal is imported from Japan and doesn't leave as much smoke smell on your clothes. Sat Jun 05 14:00:36 -0700 2004 321190 0 russkar 4 321194 I've eaten at Tsuruhashi several times. I've never seen them add charcoal when a table turns over. There are blocks under the grill to hold the heat, but I'm pretty sure it's just gas grill. Sat Jun 05 14:11:20 -0700 2004 321191 0 NinoHB 5 321195 On a side note, on Wednesday my sister tried the new Bamboo House Buffet in the same strip mall as Tsuruhashi. It just opened on 5/20. She said the food was just terrible and the place probably won't last very long. Sat Jun 05 14:32:04 -0700 2004 321194 0 NinoHB 5 321202 That's what I thought too. So the owner showed me the Charcoal under the Grill. The Gas is supposed to be for lighting the Japanese Charcoal(looks different than reg). I always wondered why they always come around turning down the gas, the reason is so the Char can cook the food not the Gas. Sat Jun 05 16:49:19 -0700 2004 321194 0 russkar