There may be Wagyu to be had at Mitsuwa

But it didn't look particularly "Wagyu-y" to me. There was ribeye and there were pre-cut slices for shabu-shabu amd sukiyaki. It looked good, but....there was none of the intense marbling that is present in the Kobe I've had (in Tokyo), nor in the Wagyu I've ordered over the internets here in the US and A.

It was in the >$25 per lb range and I wasn't inspired to drop that kind of cash on an untested product. And yes, I agree in advance that $25/lb does seem a bit on the low side, but that too was part of the decision. They also offered some prime and Black Angus, further muddying the decision-making process.

Anybody tried this? Is it the real deal? I'm inclined to trust Mitsuwa, since they've a great track record....

Super H-Mart also has had Wagyu. I seem to remember it being more on the order of $16/lb for shabu-style slices. I'm planning on heading there tomorrow, so I'll report back.

[reporting back]
Didn't see Wagyu at H-Mart today. Sorry.
Did see some wildly incongruous prices, like $11.99 Choice Skirt Steak and $3.99 rib eye (didn't check for choiceness).

Planning on Tandoori Shrimp and Gal Bi for tomorrows BBQ.

This isn't particularly relevant, but the Mitsuwa in Edgewater, NJ has what I believe is Wagyu beef. It's not the Washugyu, which I don't find to be very good. They had some sukiyaki-sliced top round (of all cuts?) with very nice marbling for about $50/lb. It's very good, though certainly not in the same vein as Wagyu from various, more luxurious, cuts.

So, Mitsuwa has the distribution channels, it's just a matter of finding the prize.

I have had long taks with the head butcher at Mitsuwa, Arlington Heights. He is caucasian but I believe one must belong to the Meat Cutter's Union in Illinois.
He purchases the lower end because people will simply not pay the prices for top quality. I have had the Wagyu many times and while very good, it is not Grade 12 and certainly not anywhere close to A5 Kobe beef. Tonight we are having 'Prime Waygu Chuck' cut for Shabu Shabu beef. It looks great and will be very good as is all the beef I get from Mitsuwa but if it's real top quality Waygu or Kobe you want, you have to go elsewhere.
You can do a search and read my search for the Ultimate Kobe beef.-Dick

Just fixed myself a plate of wagyu from Mitsuwa, and while I agree it's not the best wagyu/Kobe I've ever had, it was still unbelievably good. And since I can't afford the top-of-the-line stuff on a regular basis, I'm happy that someone does have the fabulous-but-just-not-the-best version available in a price range I can smile about.