Irvine has two new hot-pot destinations – Moo-Moo Hot Pot in Northpark and Fast Hot Pot at University Center.
Step one at Fast Hot Pot: Choose a soup base – from nonspicy chicken broth to flaming hot classic red chile – or dry mix options, notably the numbing Sichuan pepper version. Step two: Choose a noodle such as potato or glass wide. Step three: Select from a cornucopia of ingredients that please the most jaded palate. Cheese-striped rice cakes and shrimp purses monogrammed with Chinese characters dress up any bowl. Weight determines the price: $15 per pound, typically $18 to $20. The dish is prepared within minutes, thus the name.
A large bull sculpture greets you at Moo-Moo. Shabu-style wagyu is the signature at the all-you-can-eat eatery. The $37 menu brings eight meat selections – including beef shank, lamb shoulder, pork belly and chicken breast – and nearly a dozen broths such as sukiyaki, golden pumpkin and house spicy beef tallow. The $59 menu features about two dozen meat and seafood options, among them wagyu brisket and abalone. Both menus include endless appetizers, hot dishes, marinated meats, tofu creations and dipping sauces for hot pot heaven.
