Nobu Malibu, California

In 2001 Nobu was a mythical place I heard about in rap songs. It was the paramount Japanese restaurant. In 2005 I went there for the first time. My boss made a dinner with him at Nobu seem as the ultimate reward for working 60 hours a week at 20 grand a year. The first time I went I got into it with a well known publicist who had a car crashing problem. I felt very uncomfortable the whole dinner, but I held my own when she came at me. The second time I went there Nobu actually came to our table to say hello. We saw Jay-Z walking in as we walked out, and my boss got a half hearted hello, which I thought was pretty lame. In 2009 I lost my job because my boss decided that eating at Nobu was more important than paying our salaries. In 2011 my Dad went to the one in Vegas and enjoyed the food so much he sent me pictures of each dish. At least one person in the Pappas family could enjoy the place.

This time I found myself in Nobu in the same financial situation as 2005. Minus the wack boss. I guess the place has left a bitter taste in my mouth. They are serving the same menu I had in 2005. It is very outdated. Expensive Japanese food in 2011 has become something to experience at a sushi bar with the chef deciding what cut of fresh fish you can eat with soy sauce. Not rock shrimp tempura.

Nobu does do a few things very well. Lobster salad is one of them. All negativity aside, I had a fun meal at Nobu Malibu. I am also very fortunate to have such a meal in these strident economic times. The people watching is always interesting and the food is dependable. I just wonder if a restaurant like Nobu will turn into the standard steakhouse where old people spend lots of money to eat outdated cuisine. Granted old steakhouses have charm and character on their side to keep them alive. Nobu has 6 series Benzes and lots cleavage.