If you were asked to name a restaurant in Hong Kong which has been included as one of the world's "Hot Tables" by leading culinary magazines and gained rave reviews from critics, the list would be long. But who would have conceived that Japanese cuisine and a wood fired oven would make a perfect match!

It took an innovative chef to propose that this combination could produce stunning outcomes but that's exactly what Nobu Matsuhisa and his signature chain of Nobu Restaurants worldwide have done.

Since opening the doors in December 2006, Nobu InterContinental Hong Kong has created a buzz. With panoramic views overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, the stylish and dynamic restaurant is an experience for the senses. The modern design and unique decorative materials contrast and blend to create a feeling of movement and energy. Striking materials including 7,700 river stones and 450,000 sea urchin spines combine to produce a spectacular dining environment.

This energy is further enhanced by a feature open display kitchen designed by legendary US consultant Jimi Yui of Yui Design. Japanese cuisine has always incorporated presentation as an important feature but the Nobu open kitchen presents the food to diners in an interactive experience that leaves a lasting impression. "People really love the way that we use the oven" says Executive Chef, Oyvind Naesheim.

Chef Naesheim explains that "We have found a way of using the oven for regular roasting. The high temperature seals in all the juices and the products bake very fast, while at the same time picking up the flavour from the burning wood."

The Beech 2 door multi-function grill oven has inspired an expanded menu offering main course dishes such as Tender Octopus with Peruvian Anticucho Sauce, Salted Baked Black Cod wrapped in Lotus Leaf and Japanese Tenderloin with Wasabi Salsa.

The successful inclusion of Beech Ovens in Nobu restaurants first began in the installation in Berkeley St London and has since continued to include ovens being used in another 5 locations including Fifty Seven St New York, Dallas, Waikiki, Hong Kong and the soon to be opened Nobu Melbourne. If the growing popularity of Japanese cuisine and originality exhibited by Nobu Matsuhisa are anything to go by this is just the beginning for the Nobu Restaurant chain.

For further information on Nobu Hong Kong or any other Nobu restaurant please visit the Nobu Restaurant website: www.noburestaurant.com