Andalusian Adventure
At the Epicenter of the Costa del Sol
At the heart of the lively playground, known as the Costa del Sol, lies the Puente Romano Beach Resort, an oasis of refined pleasures and culinary artistry. With the winter sun as our companion and the promise of an unforgettable dining experience ahead, we embarked on our Andalusian adventure—where every bite tells a story and every sip evokes a memory.
Nobu Hospitality with a Visionary Approach
Marbella is a symphony of indulgence, where Mediterranean charm meets world-class luxury. What better location to be than the Puente Romano Beach Resort, where Nobu artfully combines the exquisite flavors and precision of Japanese cuisine with Peruvian zest?
The Nobu journey begins with the innovative collaboration of world-renowned restauranteur Nobu Matsuhisa, one of the most celebrated restauranteurs globally, actor Robert De Niro, and visionary entrepreneur Meir Teper. This partnership has shaped the flourishing success of the Nobu brand, marked by a dedication to providing exceptional memories.
Marbella, a city in southern region of Andalusia on Spain’s Costa del Sol, is recognized as one of the main epicenters of luxury. The resort boasts twenty restaurants and bars, each offering the finest gastronomic delights. Their commitment to quality and sustainable practices makes dining here a standout exposition, attracting fun-seekers to the vibrant Plaza - a compilation of restaurants and nightclubs.
For this reason, we decided to revisit Marbella last week for a refreshing winter getaway filled with Mediterranean sunshine.
Kanpai (“Cheers!” in Japanese)
On our first evening, our concierge had arranged reservations at Nobu, marking a delightful contrast to our previous visit in the spring. We were warmly welcomed by Krystyna, whose radiant smile and polished hospitality set the tone for the evening. Krystyna introduced us to a superb selection of wines and warm sake, ensuring that every aspect of our venture was marked by impeccable, heartfelt service.
We had the pleasure of learning volumes from Krystyna, a true sake connoisseur with a passion for philosophy.
Our discussions delved into the intriguing balance between beer and sake, exploring how they complement each other – beer, with its gluten content, contrasts beautifully with the lightness of sake.
We sampled the fabulous Chardonnay Bourgogne Elegance D.P. Maufoux 2021, which offered a refined palate. One of the highlights was the “Onigiroshi”, or Devil Killer Sake, served warm. Its dry, earthy, and neutral flavor profile captivated the taste buds.
The tasting was accompanied by a variety of luscious servings of Tiny Tacos with Salmon, Tuna, and Chicken. California Crab Roll, Shrimp Tempura, and the house special Sushi Maki. Each subliminally paired to enhance the overall impression.
Chef’s Narrative
It was a charming finish to a pleasant evening when Nobu’s Executive Chef Yannick Lohou, graciously joined us at our table to share his captivating narrative.
Chef Yannick hails from the stunning region of Brittany, famously known as the land of Belon oysters. With over twenty years as Chef de Cuisine in the hospitality industry, his journey has been remarkable.
Chef vividly described the landscapes of Brittany, painting a picture of the coastline where Belon oysters thrive, evoking the sounds of the sea and the scents of the land. ‘Food is the memory of a place’, and Yannick’s reminiscent narrative instantly transported me back to our Brittany oyster tasting travels!
Our conversations flowed effortlessly, weaving through his experiences at Nobu, where he has worked in San Sebastian, Warsaw, Barcelona, and Dubai. Each destination enriched his culinary repertoire, blending traditional French techniques with diverse global influences. A universal language bridging gaps between cultures.
Through his stories, we celebrate not just the art of cooking, but the profound sense of belonging that food fosters. A universal language bridging gaps between cultures. Chef Yannick’s journey was a reminder of how flavors of our origins shape our culinary identity, making every dish a story waiting to be told.
Thank You, Chef Yannick and your incredibly talented team for your gracious hospitality, time, and talent. We look forward to returning soon!
Stay tuned for my next article, where I’ll take you on an exciting adventure with panoramic views while exploring Marbella, along with a unique treat from the Sea Grill.
Sounds like a "must " place to visit!