White Smoke, Azabu Juban ホワイトスモーク麻布十番

White Smoke, situated on the main drag in Azabu Juban, has made quite an impact since it opened last year. With a modern decor and styled as a "Texas Smokehouse", it attracts more than its fair share of expats longing for some real American cooking, and is very popular. Bookings are essential.

During a recent visit on a Saturday evening I had to opportunity to try it out. I went away with mixed feelings. The atmosphere is pretty buzzy and the welcome from our American host was really warm. The local staff though are not that attentive (I had to chase them down for everything) and the cooking can probably come up a notch. Having said that it's a fun, albeit fairly expensive, place to go for a group party.

I suggest you try it for yourself and let me know what you think.


Bacon - crispy just how I like it!


This pie had been sitting around a while.


Smoked nuts were totally moreish!


These "dinosaur ribs" are 7,000 yen and are pretty big, even for two to share. To be honest I found them a bit on the dry side and the chilli sauce was not that interesting, and I would have preferred a choice of sauces with more volume.


Mashed potato was a bit lumpy for my liking.


Mushrooms with pepper were very tasty.


Pecan pie did the job!



http://thebettertable.com/
Tel: 03-6434-0097

Comments

Tokyo Dude said…
Dominic,

I just went to White Smoke recently also and was curious as to what other people thought about it... so I found your blog.

Let me tell you my thoughts...

Bacon - also had it and it totally rocked.

Empanada - a little dry but great flavor.

Nuts - didn't try

Big D - Freak'n awesome! I'm not sure what you're talking about because ours didn't need a sauce.

Potatoes - didn't try

Pecan Pie - didn't try

Mushrooms - didn't try

Apple pie - heavenly crust

Pork belly - godd flavor

I thought this was the best american food in Japan i've ever had. REAL AMERICAN FOOD!
Tokyo Dude said…
I just went to White Smoke recently also. I had a good experience. Unusual for Tokyo but good.

I tried some of the things you did and others...

Bacon - GREAT!!!

Empanada - a little dry.... but great flavor

Big D - AMAZING. I'm from Texas and I talked to the owner... he told me the meat didn't need a sauce and he was right. It was totally awesome. In fact I can't think of any other place I could get something like that in Tokyo.

Tomato salad - very sweet but could have been bigger or more volume

Apple pie - a wonderful flaky crust... another can't find item in Tokyo.

So for us, we were able to get out of there for around 5,000 yen each... and I don't know where I can't that that quality or volume of meat food and drinks in Tokyo for that price. If you do... please tell me.
Anonymous said…
Great concept and loved the smoked nuts. I also tried the ribs and thought they were indeed a bit on the dry side too. They were served with a small bottle of red sauce which unfortunately did not add much taste. The service was a bit inconsistent. Luckily the owner came to the rescue to speed things up.
The pecan and ice cream was exceptional. You can taste the bourbon right in the pecan pie.

The ribs are improving. The BBQ sauce for the ribs need to be thrown out, though.
[ whether to sauce or not to sauce should be an individual preference. Only] Good sauce enhances the meat.

The smoked burger is good.

Modest wine selection. Recommend the gnarly grape.

Bar seating is essential for prompt service.
The pecan and ice cream was exceptional. You can taste the bourbon right in the pecan pie.

The ribs are improving. The BBQ sauce for the ribs need to be thrown out, though.
[ whether to sauce or not to sauce should be an individual preference. Only] Good sauce enhances the meat.

The smoked burger is good.

Modest wine selection. Recommend the gnarly grape.

Bar seating is essential for prompt service.
JB said…
It was just so so. not bad not fantastic. the sauce was really bland, the brisket was good but exspensive. Nothing to write home about. I went there once but have yet to go back again. Given the choice I think I would hit wakanui for a steak instead. Having said that, I would normaly kill for BBQ any day of the week 7 days a week.

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