Chef Nobu Matsuhisa returned to Manila for a one-night-only eight-course Omakase dinner last March 17 to oblige his fans to get a taste of his signature cooking. This is the first time he visited the eponymously named Nobu Hotel in City of Dreams Manila after its lavish opening last year.
In a luncheon press interview prior to the dinner, Chef Nobu charmed members of the media with his light, humble and funny personality. He was in Manila for the pre-construction and opening of the hotel but the renowned celebrity chef has yet to experience the Philippines, and he joked about the sights he has seen so far. “We’ve seen a little of the city, its traffic,” he laughs, “an old church, and a grass park.” But he says that next time he visits, he would love to see sights outside of the city, particularly mentioning Cebu and other parts of the country to fully experience what Philippines has to offer.
The 67-year-old Nobu has had an expansive career and a successful partnership with celebrity actor Robert De Niro that skyrocketed his fame in the hospitality and restaurant industry. After the two opened the first Nobu restaurant in New York, the Nobu brand has now turned into an empire that spans worldwide with locations in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Milan, the Bahamas, Melbourne, Dubai, Cape Town, Moscow, Mexico City, Budapest, Perth, Monte Carlo, Kuala Lumpur, and United States locations in Las Vegas, Malibu, Miami Beach, Dallas, San Diego, Los Angeles, Waikiki, Lana’I, and now in the Philippines which marks the first Nobu hotel in Asia.
Clad in his chef uniform and tennis shoes, his humble demeanor makes everyone feel at home and comfortable around him. And he jokes, “I don’t want to say who I am, sometimes I do the joke, “Do you know who I am?” he laughs, adding, “but I respect the people. In my life, a lot of people supported me, and I have much appreciation for these people,” he says. “My philosophy never changed since I was a kid,” he continues. He likewise shares the lessons that his grandmother taught him: that one cannot be two faced and should deal people with just one straight face. “Don’t go the easy way, and always try your best. I never changed my philosophy; I love people,” he avers.
During the interview, his Manila team was all praises for the humble Chef. “It doesn’t feel like you’re working when you’re around him,” shares head chef Mike de Jesus. “He walks around and enjoys his tennis shoes, a very humble man. When you meet Nobu he is down to earth for a man who amassed such a great career. The first time I met him, he asked to cook beside me. He is someone who enjoys cooking with his staff and knows your name. It has set my tone for my career,” De Jesus shares.
Nobu Restaurants Group COO Hiro Tahara adds, “How he lives, how he treats us, that became our company’s philosophy. It is a very humble way, we always need to act like him. He treats every one like a family. He is a boss, business owner, plus he acts like a father and a mentor.”
Nobu restaurant is known for its simple but flavorful dishes with a surprising and unforgettable kick. Asked about the kind of dish that his life and career can be related, he answered: “Any dish. Cooking is not only technique; the most important for me is how much heart you put into the food. Like mother makes food for her kids, it cannot be lazy.”
For reservations, contact City of Dreams Manila’s hotline at 8008080 or the restaurant’s direct line at 6912882. You may also email [email protected].