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Nobu Review
This affectionate portrait of chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa finds surprising emotional depth beneath the glossy surface of the Nobu brand – with a cameo from Robert De Niro
TL;DR
- Nobuyuki Matsuhisa's Nobu chain has achieved global reach, departing from traditional sushi bar formats.
- Matsuhisa's culinary style, exemplified by dishes like black cod with miso, incorporates foreign ingredients and techniques but is described as open Japanese food rather than fusion.
- After early career challenges and time spent abroad, his Los Angeles restaurant gained recognition, leading to a partnership with Robert De Niro for the Nobu chain.
- Maintaining a consistent brand culture and culinary standard across global ventures is highlighted as a significant challenge.
- Matsuhisa's sensitivity to failure, possibly linked to personal trauma and early career setbacks like his Alaska restaurant burning down, is suggested as a driver of his meticulousness in the kitchen.