Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa born March 10, 1949 is a Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur known for his fusion cuisine blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients. Nobu Matsuhisa means dining at his finest. He is one of the world?s most respected chefs. In 1987, he opened his first own restaurant "Matsuhisa" on La Cienega Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California. The restaurant quickly became a hot spot and was frequented by Hollywood celebrities, including Robert De Niro, who invited Nobu to set up a restaurant in Tribeca, New York City. In August 1993, the two opened up in partnership NOBU to critical acclaim. Nobu restaurants were later opened in Milan, London, Qatar, Greece, Dallas, Tokyo, Honolulu, Moscow, Dubai, Mexico City, Budapest, and Hong Kong................ a total of 51 worldwide ! Nobu's friendship with Robert De Niro landed him a role in the 1995 Martin Scorsese film Casino, as a wealthy businessman who was a guest at De Niro's casino. He also had small roles in Austin Powers: Goldmember, as well as Memoirs of a Geisha, in which he played a kimono artist.