Renowned One&Only restauranteur, Nobu Matsuhisa
Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, known simply as "Nobu", names Robert De Niro as business partner and has 22 restaurants in 18 different cities around the world, including a branch at Cape Town's One&Only Resort and Hotel. By Jeanri-Tine van Zyl.
What was the first bottle of wine that all made sense and why?
The first wine I ever tried was Châteauneuf du Pape at the age of 23. I was thoroughly spoiled by this bottle!
What wine that you have not yet tasted do you most want to?
I would like to try something pre-1949, for instance a 1945 Claret. I understand 1945 was a great year.
What was the last wine that you bought?
Gevrey-Chambertin 2006, enjoyed with dinner last night!
What is your favourite meal?
Seafood and vegetables.
How big is your wine collection and where do you store it?
I have around 500 to 600 bottles stored at my home in Los Angeles.
Which are your favourite South African wine producers?
Stark-Condé.
What was your most memorable wine experience?
Twenty years ago a customer presented me with a gift for my birthday. When I opened it, I found a magnum of Chateau Haut Brion 1949, the vintage of my birth. I was so shocked I dropped it on the floor! When I went to a wine shop some time afterwards, I discovered the cost of this wine was $3 000!
What was your most embarrassing moment to do with wine?
Dropping that magnum on the floor.
What do you like least about wine?
There is nothing I do not like, however I tend to enjoy wine from smaller, independent vineyards as opposed to mass-produced wines.
Which three people would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
President Obama and his family!
What is your current state of mind?
Calm and quiet.
What is your most treasured possession?
My family.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My house in Hakone, a mountainous area west of Tokyo. My house is built around natural hot springs. The landscape is beautiful and the air is so clean.
How do you relax?
Laying down or taking in some sun.
Who are your favourite writers?
Toyoko Yamazaki, a Japanese author, who writes fiction based on true stories.
What is your favourite city in the world and why?
Tokyo, because I was born and grew up there and because you find the world's greatest food in Tokyo!
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Health, wealth and family.
