Chef Nobu Matsuhisa

An icon in the restaurant business, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa has dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence. Building on its founder’s deep respect for traditional techniques, as well as his eye for innovation, the Nobu brand has continued to flourish and extends far beyond its culinary roots.

As a young, ambitious chef in Japan, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa received a chance opportunity to travel to South America, an experience that opened his senses to new and unconventional taste profiles. Chef Nobu continues to redefine and test the limits of culinary mastery, but always through the lens of a humble appreciation for ingredients and elements. That philosophy is evident in each Nobu Restaurant and Hotel worldwide, and is now woven into the very fabric of Nobu Residences Toronto.

Charles Khabouth

As a visionary, entrepreneur and the founder and Principal of INK Entertainment, Charles Khabouth has transformed the Canadian lifestyle industry since the early 1980’s. What began as a successful career in nightlife entertainment has evolved into an empire of acclaimed international restaurants, groundbreaking nightclubs, and his most recent venture, an opulent signature hotel at the heart of downtown Toronto. Taking an unconventional approach to hospitality, Khabouth’s venues are distinctively designed with elegance and edge. Referred to by his friends as the “King of Ambience,” his attention to detail and penchant for design are evident in the unique experience enjoyed in every one of his 17 venues.

Growing his empire from within Toronto’s entertainment district, he recently expanded his portfolio to include international locations for some of his hottest Toronto destinations, a Weslodge in Dubai and Byblos in Miami. Together through our long-term partnership, we have reshaped the expectations of Torontonians, always delivering a completely fresh and immersive space with every project; best seen through his first Italian restaurant, the award-winning Figo, and Rebel Nightclub, Canada’s most electrifying nightclub. As the purveyor of entertainment, Charles Khabouth’s influence will continue to reign over Toronto with the sensual 99 Yorkville, and the opulent Bisha hotel.

Chef Julian Serrano

For almost two decades, Julian Serrano has led the culinary scene in Las Vegas connecting the adult playground to his Liberian heritage. The award-winning restaurateur first pursed his culinary career in some of Europe’s most celebrated kitchens including Lucas Carlton in Paris, and L’Aubergine in Munich. Introducing his sophisticated palette and Spanish flair to the sunset trip, Serrano’s first Mediterranean-French restaurant, Picasso at the Bellagio has not only received two Michelin stars, but is also a three-time recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award. Offering guests, a taste of classic Spanish delicacies, Serrano opened a self-titled tapas destination at the Aria. And most recently, in 2015, collaborated with Studio Munge to create the inspired and futuristic Lago by Julian Serrano overlooking the legendary Bellagio fountain.

Chef Akira Back

From the half pipe to the cutting board, Akira Back is an exceptional talent whose skill can only be matched by his tenacious ambition to succeed. Prior to stepping into his claim to fame in hospitality, Akira expressed his lust for life as a snowboarding champion in Colorado. While supplementing his income at local restaurants, Akira found his true calling in the culinary arts.

Pursuing his passion, Akira began his new career studying at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute in Colorado. Driven by his adventurous spirit, Akira travelled through Japan and Europe studying under top celebrity chefs including Masaharu Morimoto and Brian Nagao. It was here that he fine-tuned his palette to appreciate exotic ingredients. As a rising star, he became the Executive Chef of Aspen’s iconic Nobu sushi restaurant in 2003. His skills and dedication shine through his first two Las Vegas restaurants; the Studio Munge designed and hot spot celebrity, Kumi Japanese Restaurant and Bar at Mandalay Bay and the famed Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant and Lounge in the Bellagio.

Energizing every dish with his inventive style, Akira Back embarked on a new international venture with his namesake brand of authentic Japanese restaurants. Studio Munge is honoured to see his journey go full circle, partnering with the visionary on his first restaurant in Las Vegas and now bringing his latest to Toronto.

Chef David Hawksworth

Celebrated Chef David Hawksworth has been at the forefront of the Canadian culinary scene since returning home after spending more than a decade in Europe, honing his talents at some of the world’s most recognized Michelin-starred restaurants, including Le Manoir Quat’ Saisons, L’Escargot, and The Square.

He opened his first restaurant Hawksworth at Rosewood Hotel Georgia in 2011, which continues to earn critical acclaim, including recently being named to the “World’s Best Restaurants” by Forbes.