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| World-renowned celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa (second from left) with Filipino food content creators Ninong Ry, Abi Marquez, and Jujumao inside Nobu Manila (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/City Of Dreams Manila) |
In line with City of Dreams Manila’s year-long 10th anniversary events, world-renowned celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa visited Nobu Manila where he shared the art of sushi-making with the country’s popular food content creators Abi Marquez, Ninong Ry, and Jujumao. The rare sushi masterclass was a key activity during Chef Nobu’s much anticipated visit in March where he also held a two-night unforgettable “Art Of Omakase” dinner and Canapé Night. In a one-on-one class with each of the content creators, Chef Nobu imparted the techniques on how to perfectly execute some of Nobu’s signature dishes including the New Style Sashimi, Whitefish Tiradito and Kakiage Donburi (mixed vegetable and seafood tempura atop a rice bowl). In the group masterclass, Chef Nobu taught the content creators his distinctive six-step process of making onigiri.
Abi, a 2024 James Beard Media Award Nominee also known as “Lumpia Queen”, had Chef Nobu sample her creation, Wagyu Bistek Crispy Rice, taking inspiration from the iconic Nobu Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna. Infused with Filipino flavors, specifically the Pinoy bistek (beef steak) and calamansi, the dish was described by Chef Nobu as having a “good and very balanced flavor”. In a social media post, Abi shared her thoughts on her innovation, saying, “Had an amazing opportunity to cook with and for the legendary Chef Nobu. I wanted to honor both his legacy and our Filipino flavors.” Jujumao also excitedly shared the experience through a social media post, stating, “Had the absolute pleasure of meeting and cooking with the legendary Chef Nobu!” On learning how to make onigiri, he said, “It’s always on my bucket list, and I never imagined I’d be learning it from a chef of his caliber! Chef Nobu was incredibly kind, and I’m beyond grateful for the experience.” Chef Nobu’s visit to Nobu Manila, his fifth since 2019, follows close on the heels of Nobu Restaurants’ global 30th anniversary celebration in October 2024. Accompanying him on the visit were key Nobu Restaurants Group executives Chief Operating Officer Hiro Tahara, APAC Regional Director and Nobu Tokyo General Manager Ichibaku Kobayashi, and Corporate Chef Herve Courtot.
The culinary legend, who is known for his inventive and the much-acclaimed Nobu Style infused with his service trademark “kokoro” (“from the heart”), is behind the fast-expanding Nobu Hospitality and the Restaurant Group which currently counts over 50 Nobu Restaurants, 38 Nobu Hotels, and 12 residence projects spanning across five continents. In addition, Chef Nobu also operates 11 Matsuhisa Restaurants in key cities in the US and Europe. Chef Nobu was appointed the official chef at the 81st and 82nd Golden Globes in 2024 and 2025, respectively. He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold, and Silver Rays by the Japanese emperor in 2024, and was accorded the Lifetime Achievement Award by GQ in 2017. For inquiries and reservations on Nobu Manila, call 8800-8080 or e-mail noburestaurant@cod-manila.com or guestservices@cod-manila.com. For more information, visit https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/en/whats-on/nobu-10. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.
