Word of mouth
SHADES OF SUMMER
The season’s latest lightweight sunglasses for men are ideal for a beach holiday
From top: Sunglasses, Tod’s 25,200; retro-inspired rounded sunglasses, Gucci, price on request; sunglasses, Hugo Boss, 11,900; Impulsion Pilote Black sunglasses, Louis Vuitton, price on request; acetate aviators, Ermenegildo Zegna, 17,900; sunglasses, Alexander McQueen, 21,400
Q&A: Nobu
When did you realise you wanted to be a chef? “I still remember the ?rst sushi restaurant my brother took me to when I was young—it in?uenced me to pursue this career.” Who are some of the culinary innovators you admire and why? “Though not an innovator, my true admiration goes to my master MatsueiZushi. When I was 18, I trained at his restaurant in Tokyo and he taught me the basics of sushi and food in general.” What places would you recommend to a tourist in Tokyo? “I’d suggest a visit to Tsukiji Market, one of the world’s largest; the main shopping district of Ginza; and the Asakusa district, to get a feel of old Tokyo.” Which restaurants around the world do you think serve
Nobu Matsuhisa talks about his sushi inspirations—and why Indian diners love his restaurants
authentic Japanese food? “I love the sushi at Araki, in Tokyo, and Sushi Zen, in New York.” If not Japanese, what cuisine are you most happy eating and why? “I love Italian and Chinese. Italian, because the dishes are simple and full of ?avour. Chinese, because it’s Asian and I can identify with it.” Tell us about your ‘Enchantments of India’ package at Nobu London. “London has a large Indian community, within which there are diverse dining preferences. We add spicy and vegetarian versions of dishes on our menu, so more guests can enjoy the food. I have also compiled these dishes into Nobu’s Vegetarian Cookbook (PIE Books; 2,170).” PRASAD RAMAMURTHY
Rooms with a clue
Guessing the identity of the ‘owner’ is part of the fun at Vienna’s newest homestay
Bella, the air hostess’ room at Chez Cliché
I
See Directory, page 227
Taking your dog to the Big Apple? NYC’s Soho Grand hotel has introduced an outdoor Dog Park for its canine guests. (www.sohogrand.com) 80 Condé Nast Traveller Apr-May 2013
TEXT: ISHITA DHARNIDHARKA; PHOTOGRAPHS: UK PRESS/ GETTY; BINAIFER BHARUCHA
magine one of the oldest houses in Vienna, its stone stairways and low, bowed corridors dating back to the Middle Ages. Imagine it belongs to an accomplished French soprano. Now imagine she invites you to stay. For the traveller wearied by characterless hotels and rental apartments, Chez Cliché’s personalised lodging solutions offer a charmingly quirky alternative. The eight apartments, in prime locations throughout Vienna, are essentially boutique homestays kitted out for modern, urban life—the key difference being that the owner of each home is ?ctitious. Each apartment is peppered with personal items re?ecting the personality of the ‘owner’—whether it be Bella the air hostess’ uniform hanging on the coat racks; music and art journalist Beat’s vinyl records strewn in every room; or Koloman the director’s use of a stage light as a bedroom lamp. The homeowners also provide personal recommendations for bars, restaurants, boutiques and galleries. (www. chezcliche.com) Doubles from €169 ( 12,240)