Nobu Downtown
As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Japanese cuisine. And, among my favorite restaurants is any one owned by my friend, and acclaimed chef, Nobu Matsuhisa. Nobu is the highly influential chef proprietor of Nobu and Matsuhisa restaurants located around the world - every one of them serving delicious, fresh and innovative meals.
Recently, I went to a wonderful reception at Nobu's newest establishment, Nobu Downtown, right here in the financial district of Manhattan. The expansive restaurant is located in the majestic former headquarters of AT & T. I have known Nobu for many years, and always try to visit his restaurants whenever I can. It was a wonderful time, and an exceptional dining experience.
Enjoy my photos.
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- Chef, restaurateur and author, Nobu Matsuhisa, and I, always enjoy catching up. He’s been on my television shows numerous times to share his excellent recipes. It is always an honor to see him and to dine at one of his restaurants. Here we are at Nobu Downtown, which replaces the smaller TriBeCa flagship. http://www.noburestaurants.com
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- Here I am with David Rockwell, designer of the first Nobu, Nobu Downtown and 20 locations in between, along with Nicole Miller, Kim Taipale, and Palmer Taipale. Nicole and Kim have brought Palmer to Nobu since he was a baby.
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- Nobu Downtown is a bi-level, 12,500 square-foot restaurant located in the ground and sub-level floors of the landmarked former AT&T headquarters. It has dramatic architectural details, such as these bold limestone columns. Look closely to see the window coverings – they are made by graphic and textile artist Chelsea Plumb – deep blue and persimmon “curtains” crafted using hanging strands of dip-dyed rope.
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- The upstairs includes a 4,500 square-foot street-level bar and lounge with the 350-foot wooden ash brushstroke sculpture designed and conceived by Rockwell Group and realized in collaboration with New York-based artist John Houshmand.
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- Look at the tall ceilings and stately decor – it is the perfect space for Nobu Downtown.
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- To get to the main 187-seat dining room, guests descend this beautiful staircase.
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- At the bottom, guests are greeted by a river rock wall – a special nod to Nobu’s original TriBeCa flagship location – these stones were actually moved from the old Nobu to this one.
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- The rock wall is so pretty, and shows Nobu’s love for natural style influences.
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- The design of this large space was inspired by Nobu’s upbringing in the Japanese countryside, along with his unique cooking style. Rockwell incorporated ash-wood tree sculptures and black scorched ash wood tabletops to accompany the comfortable and inviting seating.
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- I admired the dining room’s ceiling filled with blond-wood slats inspired by the Japanese origami called kirigami, which utilizes paper cutting in addition to paper folding.
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- Drop-ceiling perimeter banquettes provide more intimate dining spaces for groups and families. The ceramic mural is by Pascale Girardin in collaboration with Rockwell Group – it provides a dramatic backdrop for the plush banquettes.
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- Here I am joined by President and CEO of Vector Group Ltd., Howard Lorber, and publisher and entrepreneur, Jason Binn.
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- At the far end of the main dining room is a 13-seat sushi bar located in front of an open kitchen where guests can watch the master sushi chefs at work.
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- Nobu wanted to keep the kitchen area full of light, so they topped the kitchen ceiling with mirror.
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- Nobu’s kitchens are all extremely efficient. The spacious new kitchen also includes a new plancha grill, expanded tempura station and a pastry kitchen.
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- Here is a 12-seat private sake table. Nobu’s tables have very simple, yet elegant settings.
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- These handmade ceramic sake carafes by Canadian artist, Pascale Girardin, adorn two walls of the sake area.
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- Here is Nobu posing for a quick snapshot with my friend, Jane Heller, and her husband, Steven Gerard.
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- Here is the signature drum barrel that appears every time a new Nobu restaurant is opened – it is used as part of the traditional sake ceremony and launch party reception.
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- Nobu’s saki master, Hazu-san, or Fumio Hazu, serves the sake in these special sake boxes.
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- Nobu welcomed all the guests and spoke affectionately about his restaurants and his excitement for Nobu Downtown.
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- Here are Nobu and co-owner, Robert De Niro, who also reflected on the nearly 23-years since the TriBeCa flagship restaurant was first opened.
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- Co-owner, Meir Teper, was also present for the special occasion.
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- And here is restaurateur and co-owner, Drew Neiporent, holding up the mallets that are used to crack open the drum filled with sake.
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- Drew added some of his favorite Nobu memories.
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- And then all the owners—Nobu, Robert, Meir, and Drew, along with David, cracked open the drum.
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- It was a great celebration – I am looking forward to many delicious dinners at Nobu Downtown.
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