MANILA, Philippines - City of Dreams Manila opened its doors on Dec. 14 at exactly 2:38 p.m. That same evening, Belle Corporation vice chairman Willy Ocier hosted a dinner for close family and friends for his advanced birthday celebration at Nobu restaurant. While there are numerous Nobu restaurants around the world, the one in the Philippines is extra-special because it is also the first Nobu Hotel in all of Asia — and the second one in the world!
Helming the signature Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in the Philippines is chef Zac Hillberry from Nobu Las Vegas. Our favorites included: the Alaskan cod with sweetened miso sauce — so delicate both in texture and flavor; the Wagyu Ribeye Yakimono with truffle sauce — no need for a knife, the meat was so tender that it fell apart with just a nudge with chopsticks; and the Miso Cappuccino — which underneath the froth and cream has hidden treasures in the form of candied walnuts.
For drinks, it would be a pity to miss out on Nobu Matsuhisa’s own Nobu sakes and Matsuhisa wines, as they can only be found at his namesake hotels and restaurants. I am normally a white wine drinker, but I am a huge fan of 2011 Matsuhisa Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. It’s robust yet friendly on the palate and washes down dishes easily. Highfalutin’ wine ratings aside, the general “public” of wine enthusiasts — at least on Vivino — has given it an overall rating of 4.3/ 5.
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Nobu is open daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Call 691-2882 for reservations.