issue-18

World Gaming’s culinary expert
The Panda gives some insight
into one of Crown Melbourne’s
hottest and most fashionable
dining venues.
Robert De Niro is my partner and
he trusts my cooking. We do not discuss
food, but we talk about the
business.
nce
I
am one furry bear that loves choice. I don’t mind if it’s a great
sandwich or black caviar as long as it’s of the best quality. I want
to feed my ravenous hunger on food that I crave, when I crave
it. Crown gives me this choice. Great steaks and French, Italian
and Asian cuisine are just a few of the fantastic dining options
available, and Crown always has something new and exciting
to offer. Asian food is probably my favorite, from a steaming hot
bowl of noodles all the way up to silver service dining. I am often
seen at one of my favorite Japanese teppanyaki restarants, Koko,
and Silks does fantastic contemporary Chinese.
The most internationally famous of all Crown’s dining
outlets must be Nobu. Dining here is an experience that should
be on top of everyone’s list. Contemporary Japanese fusion is
about as close as I can come to describing Nobu, but even then
I am not doing it justice. I am not usually a fan of restaurant
chains, but the fact that Nobu has managed to maintain its high
standard across 26 restaurants worldwide is quite remarkable.
Each and every individually renowned establishment continues
to impress food critics around the globe.
The breathtaking interior design, which boasts decadent
décor in dark and warm colors offers the perfect surrounding to
match the cuisine. The helpful staff, innovative bar and extensive
wine list further adds to the Nobu experience. If you are into
stargazing then Nobu won’t disappoint as a host of international
and local celebrities enjoy being wined and dined at one of
Melbourne’s hottest “places to be”.
It has been a while since I last dined at Nobu and I have never
had the pleasure of meeting Chef Nobu in person. I called some
of my fellow “foodies” at Crown and asked if they could get me
an interview with Chef Nobu, and to my surprise they already had
an interview on hand, so let’s hear from the great man himself:
You started out working in a sushi restaurant in Tokyo, and then by
chance a customer offered you the opportunity to work and live in
Lima, Peru. Did you ever think this invitation would amount to all
of the success your restaurants now have?
Chef Nobu: When I was in Tokyo, I wasn’t expecting to be able
to work in foreign countries, but I always had a dream to go to
other countries to live.
How influential was your relationship with Robert De Niro in helping
get your first Nobu restaurant off the ground?
Chef Nobu: Robert De Niro is my partner and he trusts my cooking.
We do not discuss food, but we talk about the business. We go
out for a drink sometimes. Nobu New York was my first Nobu
restaurant, and I couldn’t have opened it without his support.
#18 WSOP 2012 SPECIAL ISSUE
35