World famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa returns to his Hong Kong restaurant on Monday, April 2 and Tuesday, April 3 for two “Hanami on a Plate“ Gala Dinners celebrating the beginning of springtime.

“Hanami” (Flower viewing) is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers. “Hana” most often refers to Sakura (cherry blossom) trees, which are in bloom from the end of March to early May.

Our NOBU Executive Chef Sean Mell and Executive Sushi Chef Kazunari Araki have specially selected seasonal ingredients and sakura (cherry blossoms), to create a menu to excite the senses. The “Hanami on a Plate” menu is visually stunning – while capturing the flavours and scents of springtime.

The “Hanami on a Plate” 8-course Omakase menu (HK$ 1,488 + 10% service per person) includes:

• Sakura Smoked Toro Sashimi with Spring Vegetables and Spicy Garlic Sauce
• Uni and Tako (Octopus) Sashimi with Sakura Dressing / Sayori (Needle Fish) Tiradito with Beetroot Yuzu Dressing /Hotaru Ika (Firefly Squid) with Kinome (Japanese Herb) Miso
• Deluxe Sushi Assortment
• Sake Simmered Awabi (Abalone) with Sakura Shiso Relish
• Sakura Cured Sea Bass Fillet with Ama Ponzu 
• Salt Baked Japanese Wagyu with Sakura Butter 
• Clear Onion Soup Udon
• Hanami – Mango Wagashi, Caramelised Almonds, Pear n' Rocket Sorbet

Click here for the full menu.

Of special note on the “Hanami Gala Dinner Menu” is the Appetizer Trio: Uni and Tako Sashimi with sakura dressing / Sayori Tiradito with Beet Root Yuzu Dressing and Hotaru Ika Kinome Miso. Commenting on his inspiration for this dish, Executive Sushi Chef Kazunari Araki shares: “I am using seasonal Spring fish and shellfish. The Sakura dressing is made with real Sakura blossoms, which are salted. To make the dish visually artistic and appealing, I have emphasised vivid shades of green, red and pink.

As per Executive Chef Sean Mell, “For the dishes I have created for the Nobu Hanami Gala Dinner, I am using Sakura in each course in a different way. For example, I am cooking the awabi in sake and finishing the dish with a Sakura relish. The fish will be cured with the salted Sakura then steamed and finished with a citrus based sauce. The Wagyu will be salt-baked with Sakura in the salt mix. We are also plating the dishes so they are visually artistic and convey a feeling of springtime”.

The result is a unique Omakase menu infused with cherry blossoms and innovative Nobu style dishes that tantalise the taste buds.

UPCOMING EPISODES OFTHE NOBU GOURMET JOURNEY OF JAPAN 2018:

Please click here for further details on the NOBU GOURMET JOURNEY OF JAPAN (2-4-8) showcasing the 4 main Islands of Japan (Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu and Hokkaido) with 2 prefectures from each island and 8 Promotions in 2018.

NOBU SAKE EXPERIENCE

Throughout 2018 NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong will also offer a Premium Sake Pairing package.

Full Package: HK$500. Alternatively, choose any 3 out of 4: HK$400

New Sake products from NOBU's exclusive sake maker and provider, Hokusetsu, will be featured each quarter to pair with the seasonal 6-course Omakase Lunch Menu and 8-course Omakase Dinner Menu.

NEW SAKE PRODUCTS IN 2018 include:

• Daiginjo Enshinbunri Nama Genshu
• Kinboshi Enshinbunri Nama Genshu
• Junmai Daiginjo Enshinbunri Nama Genshu
• YK35 Enshinbunri Nama Genshu

NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong is open daily for lunch from 12 noon - 2:30pm and dinner from 6:00pm - 11:00pm.

Attire: Smart casual. The NOBU Bar lounge is open daily 12 noon-2:30pm and from 6:00pm to midnight.

NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong
Second Floor, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Restaurant reservations: (852) 2313-2323 / Reservations fax: (852) 2366-5205
E-mail: fb.hongkong@ihg.com / nobuhongkong@ihg.com

Please click here for selected images of the NOBU “Hanami on a Plate” dishes and Nobu-san.
Please click here for a full selection of images of NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong and Nobu Matsuhisa.

For further press information, please contact:

Carole L Klein
Executive Director of PR & Communications, InterContinental Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2313 2335 / Fax: (852) 2721 5964                    
E-mail: carole.klein@ihg.com