The chef shares with us about his adventure with the Nobu family and the responsibilities that come with it.

Can you tell us about your journey in the culinary industry?&nbsp;
Certainly! My journey as the head sushi chef has been an enriching and enlightening one, made even more fulfilling by the exceptional team that surrounds me. It&rsquo;s not just about creating delectable dishes but also about seamlessly orchestrating the entire sushi bar, which requires a meticulous balance between overseeing technical aspects in the office and engaging in hands-on food preparation. At Nobu KL, every aspect of our culinary venture is a collaborative effort, emblematic of our commitment to excellence.
My initiation into the culinary world began with a profound curiosity about Japanese culture, leading me to embark on my culinary career as a prep chef in a Japanese restaurant in my home country, the Philippines. During my initial two years, I devoted myself to handling vegetables and perfecting the art of rice preparation before earning the privilege of working with the delicate nuances of fish. Every step in this journey has been a learning curve, and my professional path has taken me through diverse environments, including the vibrant landscape of Dubai. Now, as part of the Nobu Kuala Lumpur family, I find myself continuously learning and growing. The emphasis is not on my contributions but more on what we, as a cohesive team, can collectively achieve. I am eager to apply the wealth of knowledge and skills I have acquired over the years to deliver unparalleled culinary experiences. My passion for Japanese cuisine finds expression in each meticulously crafted dish for our Nobu KL patrons.


What makes you an exceptional sushi chef?&nbsp;
I believe the techniques and skills required to be an exceptional sushi chef are accessible to anyone committed to the craft. What sets me apart is the value I place on respect throughout every facet of the sushi bar. This extends to the respect I have for each member of my team, the service staff and the ingredients that grace our kitchen. It is this sense of respect that, in turn, contributes to creating an extraordinary dining experience for our patrons.
In my opinion, the essence of exceptional food goes beyond technical proficiency; it lies in the ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia, the kind that brings to mind the warmth and comfort of home. This belief guides my culinary approach, as I strive to craft dishes that not only showcase skill but also resonate with the familiar and comforting, making each dining experience truly memorable.

How do you ensure the freshness of the seafood used in your dishes?&nbsp;
Ensuring the quality and freshness of the seafood in our sushi dishes is a thorough process that begins with sourcing ingredients from reputable suppliers. The first step involves establishing a reliable supply chain that shares our commitment to excellence. Once we secure our ingredients, the excitement lies in the application of my skills! The art of proper cutting, filleting and storage comes into play, with every movement reflecting precision and dedication. It is not just about maintaining quality but elevating it through careful craftsmanship. Throughout this process, strict adherence to basic food handling standards and SOPs is paramount. We place great emphasis on maintaining a pristine and controlled environment to preserve the integrity of each ingredient.&nbsp;


Can you describe your approach to sushi making?
My approach involves constant exploration &mdash; I explore different culinary experiences, absorb local flavours and stay updated on culinary trends. Drawing inspiration from these experiences, I blend traditional Japanese elements with innovative twists. We are fortunate to be in a fantastic era now where diverse cuisines meld seamlessly with Japanese traditions, and this fusion is reflected in our dishes, offering a unique and delightful dining experience that captures the essence of both heritage and contemporary tastes.


Kitchens&nbsp;can be an incredibly&nbsp;high-pressure environment. Can you share a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it?
Let me recount a recent incident! We encountered an unexpected shortage with two staff members on leave and another falling ill. On the day itself, one more was unable to report and the off-duty staff was unreachable. Left with only one other team member for the day, I promptly informed the manager and, despite the challenges, decided to forge ahead. We cut our break time short, did some superhero-level prep, and somehow turned chaos into a comedy act! Believe it or not, we not only survived but also threw in a few extra laughs amid the culinary acrobatics. It&rsquo;s days like these that remind us why we love what we do &mdash; the thrill of turning a kitchen crisis into a good story!


How do you stay up to date on the newest in sushi preparation and presentation?
Within the Nobu teams globally, all teams benefit from a seamless connection through the corporate network, ensuring constant updates on the latest trends and techniques! But on a more personal note, I thank social media for keeping me up to date with the latest trends! Weekend expeditions to new places also play a pivotal role, offering firsthand experiences that contribute to keeping our approach to sushi preparation and presentation both innovative and current.


What is your take on good customer service?
My philosophy is simple: home. Creating an atmosphere where patrons feel as welcome as they do at home is the essence of excellent customer service. To replicate that sense of comfort and warmth is, to me, the epitome of providing an exceptional dining experience.

Check out their menu <a href="https://noburestaurants.com/kuala-lumpur/home-2">here</a>.

Chef Renante Dominguez steps up at Nobu KL

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