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Barbecue? Korean BBQ

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:01:28 GMT

southern bbq, korean bbq, & the zaya difference

In the South, barbecue means smoke, patience, sauce, and tradition. It is pulled pork, ribs, brisket, slaw, beans, and the kind of meal people gather around.

Korean barbecue is built around that same love of grilled meat and shared food, but the experience is different. Instead of low-and-slow smoking, Korean BBQ is usually grilled hot and fast at the table, served with banchan, sauces, and bold flavors like garlic, sesame, soy, chili, and fermented vegetables.

Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse brings a more elevated approach to that experience. We are not traditional Southern BBQ, and we are not the typical Korean BBQ restaurant where guests cook their own food.

At Zaya, our team grills premium cuts tableside for you. Guests enjoy the interaction and flavor of Korean barbecue with the service, sourcing, and quality of a modern steakhouse.

One of the biggest differences is our dry-aging program. While many Korean BBQ restaurants focus on marinated meats and quick grilling, Zaya features steakhouse cuts that are dry-aged in-house, including ribeye, New York strip, and tomahawk. Dry-aging deepens the flavor, creates a richer texture, and gives the meat a bold, concentrated steakhouse character before it ever reaches the grill.

Our menu also includes galbi, American Wagyu, and A5 Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu, paired with banchan that brings balance, brightness, spice, and texture to the meal.

Southern barbecue is about smoke and time. Korean barbecue is about fire, flavor, and sharing. Zaya brings those ideas together with dry-aged steaks, guided tableside grilling, and a dining experience built for Chattanooga celebrations.

If you are searching for Korean BBQ in Chattanooga, Zaya offers something different: premium dry-aged meats, bold Korean flavors, and a modern steakhouse experience where every cut is grilled for you.

Best Burger in Chattanooga

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:12:04 GMT

Winner best overall burger in chattanooga

Zaya 1943 Wins Best Overall Burger in Chattanooga for 2026 Burger Week

What makes this win even more exciting is how it started. The 1943 Dry-Aged Reserve Burger was originally crafted by Chef Erick Cielo as a special creation just for Chattanooga Burger Week. Built with the same attention to quality and flavor that defines Zaya, the burger quickly became a standout. After earning the title of Best Overall Burger in Chattanooga , it was clear this was not a one-week-only moment. It deserved a permanent place on our menu.

The burger features a blend of wagyu and dry-aged beef , topped with golden-crisp panko-crusted cheese , toasted sesame aioli , and marinated tomatoes on a buttery brioche bun . Rich, balanced, and full of character, it reflects the same premium ingredients and care guests know from Zaya.

This recognition also highlights something more people in Chattanooga are discovering. Zaya is not just a destination for dinner. On the weekends, lunch at Zaya brings a different side of the restaurant to the table, with favorites like our 1943 Dry-Aged Reserve Burger and bulgogi dosirak, all served with the same quality and hospitality that define the Zaya experience.

We are grateful to everyone who came out during Burger Week, supported us, and helped make this happen. To be named Best Overall Burger in Chattanooga is an honor. To now serve that same award-winning burger as a permanent part of our menu makes it even better.

If you missed it during Burger Week, you can still try it. Join us for weekend lunch at Zaya and taste the burger Chattanooga voted best.

Why Dining at a Local Steakhouse Beats Big Chain Restaurants

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:54:53 GMT

When you choose Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse , you are choosing a locally owned and operated restaurant in Chattanooga built around premium ingredients, warm hospitality, and a dining experience that feels personal from the moment you sit down.

Zaya is not a chain restaurant, and that matters. Our team takes pride in every detail, from the quality of our meats to the way each course is paced at the table. As a modern Korean steakhouse in Chattanooga , we are known for in-house dry-aged steak , A5 Miyazaki Wagyu , marinated short rib galbi, and bold Korean flavors that make every meal feel distinct.

What makes Zaya different is the experience itself. Our servers cook premium cuts for you right at the table, guiding the meal with care so you can relax and enjoy the moment. It is interactive, polished, and rooted in the kind of hospitality that keeps guests coming back for date nights, celebrations, business dinners, and weekends in the city.

Being locally owned also means being part of the Chattanooga community. We are proud to serve this city with a restaurant that reflects quality, character, and a genuine sense of place. When you dine at Zaya, you are not just going out to eat. You are supporting a local Chattanooga restaurant that values great food, memorable experiences, and doing things the right way.

Celebrate Your Big Moments at Zaya Korean Steakhouse

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:22:49 GMT

why zaya works for special occasions

You get a live grill and tableside cooking without lifting a finger. We pace each course so the night feels smooth and celebratory. Choose premium cuts like dry-aged ribeye and NY strip, add a small A5 Miyazaki Wagyu tasting, and reset between bites with bright banchan and rice.

Easy ways to plan your night

Choose your Feast: The table selects four cuts, served with banchan and rice, and our servers cook everything at the grill right at your table.
Add a signature moment: A5 by the ounce, prawns for surf and turf, or a favorite dry-aged cut for a second round.
Tell us your pace: Slow and romantic or lively and festive. We time the grill to match.

Occasion playbooks

Valentine’s Day
Reserve as soon as possible. Prime time slots start filling in January. Our once-a-year Valentine’s Feast features a special presentation and reveal you will not want to miss.

Birthdays
Bring a group and keep it fun. Choose a mix of dry-aged and marinated cuts, then add prawns for variety. Ask about upstairs seating for bigger parties.

Anniversaries

Go classic and elegant. Dry-aged NY strip plus a small A5 tasting. We will pace service for conversation and a quiet toast.

Private dining for celebrations

Hosting 15 to 72 guests? Our second floor offers private and semi-private options with AV support and dedicated service. Ideal for corporate affairs, milestone birthdays, engagement parties, and anniversaries. Planning something even bigger? We also offer full restaurant buyouts.

FAQs

Dress code
Smart casual suggested. You will see everything from well-kept jeans to date-night looks.

Can we add more mid-meal
Yes. Ask for another round. Add-ons are priced à la carte.

Allergies or dietary needs
Tell us when you book. We will guide you to the right cuts and sides.

Ready to celebrate in Chattanooga

Book your table at Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries. Tell us the occasion and your ideal pace. We will handle the fire, the timing, and every perfect slice.

Discover the Unique Charm of a Modern Korean Steakhouse in Chattanooga

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:18:01 GMT

inside a Modern Korean steakhouse

Zaya 1943 is a modern Korean steakhouse in Chattanooga. Think live grill and tableside cooking , not DIY. Your server cooks premium cuts at your table, paces each course, and guides you through sauces and banchan so every bite lands at its peak.

How it works:

Tableside grilling: We sear, rest, slice, and serve right at your table.
Banchan refreshers: Crisp, tangy sides that keep your palate fresh between cuts.
Clear guidance: New to Korean flavors. We explain the flow and help you order.

The steak lineup

We focus on dry-aged steak and high-quality cuts that shine on a hot grill. Guests love our in-house dry-aged ribeye and NY strip, plus A5 Miyazaki Wagyu for a few unforgettable bites. Seafood and seasonal items round out the experience.

Why guests choose Zaya:

You get the energy of a live grill with the polish of a curated steak night. It is relaxed, celebratory, and built around flavor. If you searched for Korean BBQ Chattanooga , this is the next step up. You sit back while we cook.

Great for celebrations

Date night, birthdays, small groups, and private events upstairs for 15 to 72. We plan pacing, menus, and AV so hosting feels easy.

Drinks that fit the food:

Champagne or Chablis for lift, Pinot Noir for savor, Japanese whisky for balance, and mocktails for those who prefer something non-alcoholic or zero-proof.

Plan your visit: Book a table at Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse in Chattanooga. Try a dry-aged cut, add a small A5 Miyazaki Wagyu tasting, and use banchan between bites. If you came looking for Korean BBQ in Chattanooga, come see how a modern Korean steakhouse takes it further with tableside cooking and premium cuts.

Zaya On-Location Catering at Your Favorite Venue

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:54:10 GMT

Zaya + Kals Events and Catering

Bring the Zaya experience to your favorite venue with Kals Events and Catering , the catering division of Kals Group . Our team includes chefs, sushi chefs, servers, bartenders, and gauchos who deliver restaurant-level service on site. Explore options at kalsevents.com .

Kals Group flavors you can book

Zaya Korean Steakhouse: Live grill with dry-aged steaks, marinated short rib galbi, lettuce wraps, banchan, and sauces served with precise pacing.
Totto Sushi & Grill: Fresh-rolled sushi on site by our sushi chefs and visually striking sushi-cuterie displays that double as décor. Hot bites like dumplings and rice dishes available on request.
Rodizio Grill Hamilton Place: Brazilian churrasco carving station with gauchos serving skewered meats table to table, plus salad and hot bar style sides tailored for events.

Service styles

Live Grill Station: Steaks and galbi seared on site, carved hot, finished with salt.
Sushi by Totto and Kals Events and Catering:
Fresh-Rolled Sushi on Site for a made-right-now experience.
Sushi-Cuterie Display with rolls, garnishes, sauces, and nigiri accents.
Churrasco Station by Rodizio: Fire-grilled meats carved by gauchos for an interactive service moment.
Chef-Attended Stations: Yakitori, Carving Meat Station, Sushi Station, Street Taco Station, and more
Passed Bites: Dry-aged poppers, prawn skewers, street tacos, and so much more.
Full Bar Service: Classic cocktails, wine, beer, and zero-proof options.

Who it is perfect for

Weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, holiday parties, client receptions, milestone birthdays, graduations, and private home dinners across Chattanooga.

What we bring

Chefs, sushi chefs, gauchos, servers, and bartenders. Professional grills or induction equipment as needed. A full plan for menu flow, staffing, and timeline, plus coordination with your planner and venue.

What you handle

Venue booking and approvals, basic rentals if required, power access, and a weather plan for outdoor events. We can help source rentals and advise on layout and guest flow.

The planning process

Inquiry: Share your date, guest count, venue, and goals.
Menu design: Choose Zaya, Totto, Rodizio, or a blended experience. We tailor for dietary needs.
Walkthrough: Confirm layout, power, ventilation, and flow.
Run of show: Finalize timeline, staffing, and bar.
Event day: Our team arrives early, builds stations, rolls sushi on site, grills live, and serves with polish.

Why hosts choose Kals Group catering

One team, one standard: Zaya, Totto, and Rodizio quality delivered by Kals Events and Catering .
Experience first: Live cooking, fresh-rolled sushi, and interactive churrasco that guests remember.
Premium sourcing: Dry-aged beef, galbi, and optional A5 tastings, plus Totto sushi favorites.

Frequently asked questions

Do you offer tastings?
Yes. We can schedule a tasting at Zaya in Chattanooga.

How far do you travel?
Chattanooga and areas within a three-hour radius such as Atlanta, Knoxville, Nashville, Huntsville, and Birmingham.

Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Yes. Clear options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian guests.

Is A5 available off site?
Yes by request as well as our dry-aged premium meats.

Do you provide bar service?
Yes. Bartenders, mixers, curated lists, and service for client-provided alcohol where permitted.

Bring Zaya, Totto, and Rodizio to your event

Ready to plan on-location catering in Chattanooga or beyond? Visit kalsevents.com or contact us with your date, guest count, and venue. We will design a chef-driven menu with live grilling, fresh-rolled sushi , sushi-cuterie , and churrasco that feels like Kals Group hospitality from first bite to last.

Service at the Grill: The Art of Cooking Tableside at Zaya 1943

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:02:40 GMT

Why tableside service matters

Great steak is more than a cut. It is heat, timing, and care. At Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse in Chattanooga , your server manages the grill so every bite lands at peak flavor. You relax. We handle the fire.

What to expect

A warmed grill and a welcome. Your server sets the temperature and confirms doneness preferences.
Banchan and salad to start. Crisp, tangy sides keep your palate fresh between rounds.
Cook, rest, slice, serve. Each cut is seared, rested, and sliced at your table for the ideal texture and temperature.
Pacing to match your night. Slow and conversational or lively and celebratory. Tell us your style.

How we cook with precision

Heat zones: We build hotter and cooler areas on the grill. Rich cuts like A5 and Denver Wagyu get a fast sear. Dry-aged ribeye and NY strip get a balanced crust and a patient rest.
The rest: A brief pause after searing keeps juices in the steak and lets the aroma bloom.
The slice: We cut across the grain for tenderness and portion for easy sharing.
The finish: Only a light sprinkle of salt. Sauces are accents, not cover-ups.

Reading the room

Our team watches the details. Are you deep in conversation. We slow the cadence. Celebrating. We speed up the show. Water topped, plates cleared, grill refreshed. Quiet adjustments keep the focus on your table, not the logistics.

Tips for first-timers

Try your first bite with only salt . Add sauce on the second bite if you want contrast.
Alternate bites with banchan to keep flavors bright.
Tell us your doneness preference and any must-try cuts when you order.
If you are curious about A5, start with a small tasting to share.

Why this service style tastes better

Temperature control means consistent doneness across the table.
On-the-spot resting keeps steaks juicy with a clean finish.
Right-sized portions prevent palate fatigue, especially with rich cuts.
Attention to timing turns a grill into a guided tasting.

Private events with the same care

Host a celebration with us in Chattanooga. Our tableside service scales beautifully for groups of 15 to 72 in our private upstairs space or full second-floor buyout. We plan pacing, menus, and AV so you can host corporate events, holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, graduation parties, retirement celebrations, client dinners, networking receptions, team dinners, engagement parties, and bridal or baby showers without stress.

Quick FAQ

Can I request specific doneness?
Yes. We cook each cut to your preference.

Do I have to grill anything?
No. Our team handles the grill from start to finish.

Is the Feast mix and match per person?
The table chooses one set of four cuts, and each Feast guest receives that set for smooth pacing.

Can I add a cut mid-meal?
Absolutely. If you discover a favorite, ask for another round. Additional orders are priced à la carte.

Inside the Butcher's Feast at Zaya Korean Steakhouse

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:14:36 GMT

What the Butcher’s Feast is

The Butcher’s Feast is the easiest way to experience Zaya in Chattanooga. It is $49 per person and includes a Zaya salad and a spread of banchan side dishes. You choose any four different meats from the feast list and we cook everything for you at the grill, pacing the meal so each bite lands at its peak.

Step-by-step: ordering your Feast

Tell us your party size. The Feast is priced per guest and served family-style.
Pick four premium meats for the table. Choose from the Feast list below.
Share your preferences. Tell us doneness and pacing. Date-night slow or celebratory and lively.
Enjoy the flow. We grill, slice, and serve in rounds with banchan and rice to keep your palate fresh.
Add on if you like. Many guests add a small A5 tasting or a second dry-aged cut once they find a favorite.

Feast menu highlights

Delmonico steak
Zaya steak
Pork ribeye
Top sirloin
Australian prawn
Dry-aged 60-day ribeye
Dry-aged 60-day NY strip
Marinated short rib galbi
Non-marinated short rib galbi
New Zealand prime lamb chop

Smart combos for first-timers

Balanced for two: Dry-aged 60-day ribeye, Marinated short rib galbi, Zaya steak, Australian prawn.
Beef lovers: Dry-aged 60-day NY strip, Ribeye, Delmonico steak, and Zaya steak.
Rich and silky: Delmonico steak, Zaya steak, Pork ribeye, Marinated short rib galbi.
Surf and turf: Dry-aged 60-day ribeye, Australian prawn, Zaya steak, New Zealand prime lamb chop.

Add-ons that make sense

Stew and rice for comfort and contrast.
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu tasting for a few luxurious bites.
Extra premium cuts for the table.

Quick FAQ

Is it four different meats for each person?
Pick your four cuts as a table. We will cook that same set for each feast guest.

Can we repeat an item?
Yes. If everyone wants dry-aged ribeye, choose it more than once.

How much food is it?
Plenty for a full meal, especially with banchan and rice. Rich cuts go a long way.

Can I request doneness?
Yes. Tell us your preference and we will cook each cut to your taste.

Is this good for first-timers?
Absolutely. The Feast lets you try a mix of cuts with guidance at the grill.

Dry-Aging In-Restaurant at Zaya Korean Steakhouse

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:01:36 GMT

Why dry-aging matters

Dry-aging concentrates flavor and tenderizes the steak. Time, airflow, and precise humidity draw out moisture and let natural enzymes relax the muscle. The result is a steak that tastes richer, cleaner, and more complex. The texture becomes incredibly tender. The finish is long and savory.

What makes Zaya different in Chattanooga

Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse is the only restaurant in town that dry-ages beef in house inside a restaurant facing two-story locker. You can see it as you walk in. Cuts rest on racks with steady airflow, stable temperature, and dialed-in humidity. We trim each steak by hand and cook it to order at your table. It is a full experience, not just a steak on a plate.

How dry-aging works

Airflow: Keeps the exterior dry and clean.
Temperature and humidity: Stay steady so enzymes can do their job.
Time: Flavor develops day by day. The outside forms a protective crust that is trimmed away before cooking.

Which cuts we dry-age

Ribeye and NY strip are the primary cuts we dry-age 55-60 days. You will also see large format cuts like tomahawk. On rare occasions we may even have a porterhouse. Ask your server for suggestions.

Dry-aged vs wet-aged

Wet-aged steaks are simply stored in a wet environment. They stay juicy and consistent. Dry-aged steaks breathe. They lose water on purpose, which concentrates flavor. Think bright and beefy versus deep and nutty. Neither is “better” for every taste. Dry-aged is for you if you want more complexity and a tender bite.

How to order if you are new to dry-aged

Start with a classic. Try a dry-aged ribeye or NY strip.
Share a tasting. Ask for one dry-aged cut and one wet-aged cut to compare.
Keep seasoning simple. Salt first. Add a touch of citrus or wasabi only if you want contrast.
Use banchan between bites. Crisp, tangy sides refresh your palate so each slice pops.

How we cook it at your table

We sear hot and fast to build a crust. We rest and slice so juices stay in the meat. We pace the service so every bite lands at peak temperature. Tell us your preferred doneness and your ideal tempo. Slow and romantic is fine. Lively and celebratory works too.

Pairing ideas that build the flavor

Wine: Cabernet Franc
Spirits: Soju
Cocktail: Smoke Old-Fashioned

Frequently asked questions

Does dry-aged taste “funky”?
Expect nutty and savory, not blue cheese strong. Our program aims for tender depth with a clean finish.

Is it less juicy?
It is concentrated. The first cut still runs with flavor. The finish feels clean, not heavy.

Can I try dry-aged and A5 in the same meal?
Yes. Many guests enjoy a dry-aged ribeye for structure and a small A5 tasting for a few silky bites.

A Guide To Your First Korean Steakhouse Experience

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:10:43 GMT

Korean steakhouse vs Korean BBQ

This is not your typical Korean BBQ.

Zaya Korean Steakhouse in Chattanooga is a modern Korean steakhouse where your server cooks premium cuts right at your table. Think thicker steaks, precise searing, and thoughtful pacing so you can relax while each bite arrives at its peak. Zaya is known for in-house dry-aged steaks, A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, and Australian Wagyu, all presented with the warmth and rhythm of Korean dining. You get the fun of a live grill with the focus and service of a premium steakhouse.

What to expect when you sit down

A welcome and a warm grill. Your server sets the pace, manages heat, and times each course.
Banchan arrives first. Small seasonal cold side dishes that refresh your palate throughout the meal.
Cuts are cooked to order. Sear, rest, slice, and serve happens at your table so each bite is at peak flavor.
You choose the tempo. Tell us if you prefer a slower flow for conversation or a faster service for a showtime feel.

What is banchan

Banchan are small, seasonal side dishes that come with your meal. Think of them like picnic favorites such as coleslaw or potato salad, but with Korean flavors. You might see crisp kimchi, lightly dressed veggies, tangy pickles, and savory bites that brighten rich steaks. Use banchan to refresh your palate, add contrast, and explore new flavors between cuts. If you find a favorite, tell us and we will bring more.

Sauces and seasonings

Great steak needs very little. At Zaya, the grill and salt do most of the work. Sauces are there to add a lift, not to hide flavor.

Cuts first timers love

Dry Aged Ribeye or NY Strip: Bold flavor with a clean finish. Great benchmark steaks that show off the grill.
Delmonico: Rich and tender with a smooth taste. Ideal for memorable bites.
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu: A signature at Zaya. Try a small tasting to understand why this grade is in a class of its own.
Marinated Galbi: Short rib with a savory sweet glaze that caramelizes on the grill. Familiar and very shareable.

How to order for a first visit

Start with an appetizer. Our dry-aged poppers are a fan favorite.
Choose a Feast. A Feast is a selection of four cuts served with banchan and steamed rice. The Butcher’s Feast is a popular pick.
Pick your favorite cuts. Guest favorites include Dry-Aged Ribeye, NY Strip, Delmonico Steak, and Marinated Short Rib Galbi .
Mix bites with banchan. Alternate steak with crisp, tangy sides to keep your palate fresh.
Set the pace. Tell us your style. Date night slow and relaxed, or celebratory and lively. We will time the grill to match.

Why Zaya feels different in Chattanooga

Servers cook to order at your table so you enjoy restaurant level precision without lifting a finger.
Premium sourcing that includes in house dry aged beef , A5 Miyazaki Wagyu , and Australian Wagyu as part of the core experience.
Thoughtful pacing that turns a grill into a guided tasting with contrast, balance, and moments to savor.
Private upstairs space for 15 to 72 if you are planning a celebration that needs its own room.

Quick FAQ

Do I need to know how to grill?
No. Your server handles the grill from start to finish.

What if I like a specific temperature to my meat?
Our servers will ask you how you like your meat cooked. We will cook each cut to your preference.

Can I bring someone who prefers classic steakhouse cuts
Yes. Dry aged ribeye and NY strip are guest favorites, and they shine perfectly on the grill.

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu at Zaya Korean Steakhouse

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 18:28:13 GMT

a5 miyazaki wagyu: a class of its own

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu sits at the very top of Japan’s grading scale for beef, which means ultra-fine marbling that melts at lower temperatures, a silky texture, and a long, clean finish. At Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse in Chattanooga, it is not a rarity. It is a staple cut that we source with care and cook tableside so you taste the full range of sweet, nutty, umami depth in every bite. A5 delivers flavor you cannot fake, it is richer so a few ounces feel complete, and our guided, tableside sear helps every bite land at its peak. If you have been curious about A5 in Chattanooga, this is the place to try it right.

The simple why

Flavor you cannot fake. A5 has fine marbling that melts at a lower temperature. That means a buttery, clean finish and a long, savory flavor you will not get from regular steak.
Richer, so you need less. A few ounces feel complete. You can add A5 to a meal instead of building a whole meal around it.
Rare in Chattanooga. Zaya treats A5 Miyazaki Wagyu as a true staple cut. Most restaurants do not carry it at all, or only as a special. If you have ever been curious, this is where you can always find it on the menu.
Guided at the table. Your server cooks it for you, so there is no guesswork. Quick sear, warm plate, first bite at peak flavor.
A memory, not just a steak. It is a check-the-box experience for steak lovers. Think of it like tasting a top wine once, so you know what the benchmark really is.

the first bite

Texture: Soft and buttery, not chewy. Melts in your mouth.
Heat bloom: Flavor grows as it warms on your tongue.
Finish: Surprisingly clean. Rich, but not heavy, when portioned correctly.

A5 vs Prime cuts

Prime: Classic steakhouse chew, bold beef flavor, great for a hearty entrée.
A5: Silky texture, deep umami, a few perfect bites that feel special.
Both are excellent. A5 is the one you try to understand what the top end tastes like.

Quick FAQs

Is it too fatty?
It is rich, but the finish is clean when served in small portions. That is how we serve it.

Do I need sauces?
No. Salt and heat are enough.

Is it really worth the price?

Yes, if you want a truly memorable taste that you can't get from any other cut of steak. A5 Miyazaki Wagyu is definitely worth the taste.