Rating: Two sideways thumbs.  Miko would make an effort to come back and Jenne would not, but with a few slight changes, this place could be great.  And that’s strangely frustrating.
Date: 2/11/11
Time in: 1:45 PM
Time out: ≈2:45 PM
Server’s recommendations: Beef & shrimp, beef & scallop, lamb, pork
What we ordered: Beef & shrimp lunch combo (Jenne), beef & fishball lunch combo (Miko)
Number in our party: 2
Final check amount: ≈$28 (I forgot to write it down because I’m a terrible secretary — Miko)

NOTES

• They slice up the meat in front of us on a big machine, which is cool.
• The rice is a little overcooked and mushy.
• The shrimp tasted a little like dirt.
• I love fishballs of any kind.  These were not the best fishballs, but I loved them anyway.  (Miko)
• It was my first time eating shabu shabu, and I was utterly charmed by how the hotpot turns into a bowl of udon.  (Miko)
• The servers were a little over-involved in the cooking process for me.  I wanted to do it MY WAY.  And also they seemed happy to let MIKO cook her own food!  Psh, I’ve spent more time in Japan than she has!  (Jenne)

RESTAURANT INFORMATION
Address: 4646 Convoy St, Ste 107
Phone number: 858.268.8648
Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabu-Shabu-House/351511476097
Accepts credit cards?  Yes
Parking: Private lot shared with rest of plaza — it can get a little crazy, but you can usually find a spot if you drive around a few times.  But the spaces are teeny.
Ideal group size: 2-4
Noise level: 2
Whom not to bring: Small children, people who don’t like interactive food
Chopsticks: On the table