Kobe is a Japanese restaurant located in downtown Ashland, Oregon overlooking Lithia Creek. The atmosphere in Kobe is a mixture of the best of Ashland: welcoming, bustling, casual, sophisticated, elegant, easy. No matter the mood however, Kobe always offers up delicious, high quality Japanese fare. Kobe has become a bi-weekly habit for me and friends due to the amazing and affordable happy hour menu offered from 5-6pm and 9-10pm.

Tonight’s orders:
Seaweed Salad $4
Edamame $3
Volcano Roll (tempura spicy tuna, topped volcano mix) $5
Dynamite Roll (albacore, avocado, topped dynamite mix) $5
Sake Steamed Clams $5

The only catch? Each person hoping to indulge in the excellence must also order a drink – what a shame. The cocktails are fresh, creative, strong and of big city caliber. Kobe also offers an impressive sake menu topped by local, organic Oregon sake from SakeOne in Forest Grove, Oregon.

Kobe is the kind of restaurant one leaves feeling satisfied and healthy, not overfull and regretful. I realize now that I have taken a Buddhist liking to Kobe – the website quotes:

when you find what is
wholesome and nourishing to you
partake in it often – Buddha

I certainly will, thank you.