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Published on 03/20/2024
“It wouldn’t be Crystal without having one of the most popular restaurants, Umi Uma,” said Bernie Leypold, Crystal’s Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, in a recent interview. It's true; celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa serves up exquisite innovation in showstopping dishes. Here, he reveals how he has brought his unique Japanese-Peruvian concept exclusively to Crystal’s ships.
How would you describe the Umi Uma experience?
“Umi Uma is a mix of homely, friendly, and comfortable, with really good food and service. It is a 60-seat restaurant, so not too big, and because it’s on a cruise ship, it’s homier – you get to know the customers. That means you get to make it more like a family.
“In the restaurant business, the most important things are good food, good service, and good atmosphere. Design is an important part of that, too. I’m not looking for Michelin-style service at Umi Uma, it’s more casual, with good food and people eating while they’re comfortable.”
What first attracted you to working with Crystal to create a restaurant concept at sea?
“In the beginning, it was a big challenge for me. We had restaurants in cities, but we had never done it on a cruise ship because I worried about how I could get fresh products every day. But I brought the concept of Matsuhisa, with exactly the same menu and the same service, to Crystal. Little by little, I started to understand how it could work.”
How did you go about finding that fresh produce?
“When I go to another country, I like to see the fish and vegetable markets. I like to find new products and bring them to the restaurant and start cooking. And, as much as possible, I try to use everything and not waste anything.”
Will you be cooking on any of the cruises? Can we expect to see you behind the counter at Umi Uma?
“Of course. I go on cruises, and I’m a guest chef. I do cooking demonstrations, and I create new dishes with the chefs in the kitchen. Cooking is my life.”
Do you think you’ll ever retire?
“I like to keep working and spending time with my team. I like to see my customers as much as possible. You know, life is beautiful. And I enjoy my life. That means no retirement.”
