By Our correspondent
Famed for his fusion cuisine blending traditional Japanese dishes with South American ingredients, celebrity chef and restaurateur Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa’s signature style was informed by his travel experiences of Argentina, Peru, Alaska and California.
Almost three decades after he opened his first US restaurant Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills in 1987 and two decades after he partnered with Robert De Niro and Meir Teper to open Nobu Tribeca in New York City, the master chef’s restaurant chain will storm Doha in style by the end of the year, and the Four Seasons Hotel Doha has now announced the appointment of Layne Nguyen as its General Manager.
Nobu, the world’s most recognised Japanese restaurant, will open alongside Four Seasons’ idyllic waterfront setting overlooking the Arabian Gulf. With its presence at two dozen locations across the globe, this tri-level restaurant is pegged to be the world’s largest Nobu.
Rami Sayess, regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Doha, said, “We are incredibly excited to welcome Layne to the Four Seasons team. Through his extensive tenure and in-depth experience, he has played a vital role in the success of Nobu restaurants and will lend this same level of expertise to Four Seasons as we embark on an exciting new culinary chapter at the hotel.”
In his new role, Layne will be responsible for overseeing operations at the 26,000 square-foot restaurant, which includes a 192-seat interior dining area, two private dining rooms, multiple lounges, and catering operations. Additionally, Nguyen will be at the helm of recruitment, training and development to continue Nobu and Four Seasons’ leading service cultures.
“It is an incredible honour to join a like-minded brand such as Four Seasons and be a part of this strategic landmark as we introduce the very first Nobu to Qatar, as well as to the luxury hotel’s discerning guests,” noted Layne.
Layne, who has had an extensive career with Nobu Restaurants, makes the move to Doha from Nobu San Diego in California, United States where he most recently served as assistant general manager.
While in California, he earned the coveted certification and title as the traditional Japanese beverage sommelier and created exquisite food pairing menus – such as ideal serving temperatures for each beverage, elevating the already exquisite dining experience for guests. Layne originally began working with Nobu Restaurants at Nobu Dallas in Texas, United States in 2006, in various management roles. He is fluent in English and Vietnamese.
Known for its innovative, new-style Japanese cuisine – Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, Tiradito Nobu Style, Lobster with Wasabi Pepper Sauce, and Black Cod Miso – and its melt-in-your-mouth sushi, the Nobu brand is now currently established in many locations around the world including London, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Milan, Hong Kong and Waikiki.
Designed by internationally acclaimed architect David Rockwell and his firm Rockwell Group, Nobu Doha will showcase renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature new style Japanese cuisine, as well as new creations infusing local ingredients representative of the region.
The refreshing atmosphere is set to offer guests a stylish and comfortable retreat-like setting blended with innovative cuisine, promising to fashion itself as Doha’s premiere epicurean haven.
APPETISING: Black Cod Miso, a Nobu speciality.
