In Houston, billionaire Tilman Fertitta's Mastro's Steakhouse is offering a $1,000 A5 Japanese wagyu long bone-in ribeye. Sourced from Japan's Kagoshima region, this nearly four-pound steak makes Mastro's the first in Texas, and one of the few in the U.S., to offer this exclusive cut of beef. According to Houston Chronicle, Mastro's executive chef Michael Colbert remarked, "There’s no better place to do this than in Texas."
The steak, featuring marbling that resembles spider webs, exemplifies the high regard for wagyu beef in the culinary world, often compared to fine wine. According to a statement obtained by Chron, wagyu comes from purebred Japanese cattle, known for their endurance and quality fat distribution, which contributes to its tender, lean meat. Due to factors such as Japan's limited farming land and specialized feeding practices, prices for wagyu can be high, with a single cow sometimes costing up to $30,000.
At Mastro's, the ribeye is served with a certificate of authenticity, confirming its quality. The steak is simply seasoned with salt and pepper, then cooked in a 1,500-degree broiler to the customer's preferred doneness. "The fat looks like spider webs going through the steak," Michael Colbert told Houston Chronicle, emphasizing the exceptional quality of the meat.
The exclusivity extends beyond the steak. Mastro's is known for catering to high-end tastes, including H Bar at the Post Oak Hotel, which offers a collection of nearly century-old French wines priced at over $10,000. Fertitta has also acquired iconic venues like Keens in Manhattan, as well as well-known chains such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Rainforest Cafe, establishing his presence in luxury dining. According to Chron, while Mastro's is recognized for its steaks, it is the only restaurant within Fertitta's portfolio to offer this particular wagyu cut.
The cost and quality of Mastro's A5 wagyu ribeye position it as a notable offering in Texas' steak scene. Whether customers are drawn by its exclusivity or by the pursuit of a unique dining experience, the introduction of this thousand-dollar steak into Houston's food landscape establishes Mastro's as a prominent presence in the American steakhouse industry.
