An international team brings the best Japanese fine dining to Perth

Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, Founding Partner

Nobuyuki Matsuhisa – known to the world simply as “Nobu” – is the acclaimed and highly influential chef proprietor of Nobu and Matsuhisa restaurants around the globe.

Nobu, whose father died when he was just seven, traces his professional ambition to the day his older brother took him to a sushi restaurant for the first time. He knew then he was destined for a career in the kitchen.

After high school Nobu spent seven years living and working in a Tokyo sushi restaurant. Then at 24 Nobu accepted an offer to open a restaurant in Lima. He immediately began weaving Peruvian influences into his dishes – the beginnings of his signature style.

One decade and many setbacks later, Nobu opened ‘Matsuhisa’ restaurant in L.A. in 1987.

Matsuhisa was an instant success and became a magnet for food lovers and celebrities. It was here that his long time friendship and business relationship with Robert De Niro began. At De Niro’s urging they opened Nobu in New York City in 1994 - it too was an instant hit.

Nobu Matsuhisa was inducted into the ‘Who’s who of Food’ in America by the James Beard Foundation in addition to being nominated ‘Outstanding Chef’ in 1997 and then from 1999 – 2006.

Nobu currently presides over 27 restaurants spanning five continents. He is the author of numerous cookbooks and has appeared in several movies: “Casino” (1995), “Austin Powers Goldmember” (2002), and “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005).

Nicolas Mazier, Chef de Cuisine

As a young boy surrounded by French bistro cuisine, Nicolas was mesmerised by the chefs in his uncle’s restaurant, and at just 12 years old Nicolas started his apprenticeship, working for free on weekends.

Cooking school in Marseilles, plus patience and persistence, got Nicolas his first job as Chef de Partie at Les Trois Fort at the Sofitel Vieux Port working under Dominique Ferrard. In Dominique’s kitchen Nicolas was given the confidence to excel and to develop his own style.

Progressing rapidly, in 2009 Nicolas was offered the role of Executive Sous Chef at Nobu Miami, where he worked with Executive Chef Thomas Buckley, whose incredible knife skills and meticulous attention to detail provided valuable lessons. Spotting a rising star Chef Nobu Matsuhisa himself offered Nicolas the opportunity to open Nobu Perth.

“It has been a hectic and challenging few months establishing a new Nobu, but the local produce here is fantastic and I believe we can bring something very special to Perth diners,” said Nicolas.

Asao ‘Pepe’ Tsukayama, Head Sushi Chef, Nobu Perth

Pepe Tsukayama’s sharp knife skills, immaculate food presentation and calm nature are sure to have diners mesmerised at Nobu Perth.

Growing up in the coastal city of Lima, Peru, Pepe enjoyed both his mum’s traditional Peruvian cooking and his dad’s Japanese inspired food. Pepe brings the perfect blend of skills to Nobu Perth.

Over 11 years working in sushi bars in Japan, Pepe became a master in the art of sushi making, and in search for a new challenge, set off to work in the US, where working under Chef Nobu Matsuhisa was his dream.

Arriving in L.A. Pepe spoke with Nobu himself. Nobu told Pepe to work on his English, and promised a job when he had. After five years working at a sushi bar and improving his English, Pepe returned to Matsuhisa, and true to his word, Chef Nobu gave him a job.

In 2008, Pepe was part of the opening team for Nobu Los Angeles, and over the years has prepared sushi for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, the Beckhams and Stevie Wonder.

Casper Khamphouy, General Manager, Nobu Perth

Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Casper began his hospitality career in Grande Prairie, Texas whilst at University. Originally accepting a Football Scholarship at South Eastern Oklahoma State University, Casper’s Business Management studies were put on hold permanently as he grew a love for the hospitality lifestyle.

For the last six years Casper has been part of the Nobu family: starting as a trainer in Dallas, he then progressed to Assistant Manager in San Diego, Operations Manager in Dubai, Assistant General Manager in Los Angeles and now General Manager in Perth.

As part of the handpicked team to open Nobu Perth, Casper is thrilled to have been given another opportunity to travel the world with the brand, whilst imparting the knowledge and experience that he has gained through each of his different roles within Nobu.

“We have recruited a great team here in Perth. I am thrilled to be able to share our unique Japanese fine-dining experience with a whole new city. Nobu Perth will not disappoint!”