Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will be aboard Crystal Cruises’ first expedition ship Crystal Endeavor when she sails from Bali to Cairns in October 15, 2020.
Chef Nobu will join the 16-day “Indonesian Immersive & Great Barrier Reef” expedition to host omakase dinners, a cooking demonstration and cookbook signing, giving guests plenty of opportunities to mingle with him.
The 70-year-old chef only comes aboard Crystal once every 18 months; the last time was on Crystal Serenity back in June 2018 as she sailed from Stockholm to London on the “Baltic Bliss” itinerary.
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Nobu back as he sails for the first time aboard Crystal Endeavor,” said Toni Neumeister, Crystal’s senior vice president of hotel operations.
“A highlight of every Crystal Ocean voyage, and now expedition voyages, is the phenomenal cuisine served in Umi Uma on board, and it’s an even greater pleasure to have the master himself join our guests for these special occasions. Not only famous for his innovative approach to classic dishes, Nobu is known for his warm and engaging character, which makes every guest feel at home even as they learn and dine alongside a master.”
There are three special dinner events on this sailing. Umi Uma will have two omakase dinners hosted for 30 guests each, featuring a menu of Nobu’s specialties selected and prepared by him and his chefs and include a signed cookbook.
Another exclusive is Omakase Sushi Bar & Ultimate Vintage Connoisseur Wine Dinner hosted by Nobu, Sake Master Hazu and Crystal’s own head sommelier in the expedition yacht’s Vintage Room. The multi-course feast is limited to just nine guests and will have each dish paired with specially selected sake and wines.
The hosted omakase dinners in Umi Uma will be offered for US$200 per guest, while the omakase Ultimate Vintage Room experience will be offered for US$1,000 per guest.
Guests will also be able to experience sake tasting with Sake Master Hazu and learn floral design from renowned floral artist Nicolai Bergmann, who incorporates both western and Japanese design concepts.
Chef Nobu has partnered with Crystal since 2003 to offer his signature Japanese-Peruvian cuisine at Umi Uma & Sushi Bar. The restaurant will be one of six dining venues on board Crystal Endeavor, which debuts August 2020, allowing guests to enjoy this specialty dining experience even as they sail to the farthest corners of Earth in the Arctic and Antarctic.
Guests can look forward to signature dishes such as his black cod miso on the menu as well as new dishes that are introduced periodically, featuring the freshest seafood and seasonal ingredients.
