Celeb/Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s latest, Morimoto Asia, is a slick two-story behemoth. At the media preview, I learned that chef Morimoto loves his wife’s cooking, is prone to bursting into song (as he did prior to a traditional sake toast), and is a fan of Japanese baseball. But when I asked him what chef working today he admires, other than himself, he pounded his chest with both fists and said “ME!”

Yes, this grand restaurant seems to match Morimoto’s equally grand personality. At one point during last night’s preview, he methodically hacked and sliced a giant tuna, then proceeded to fashion a 60-foot-long tuna roll (along with the help of many attendees), much to the delight of the gathered media throngs.

09/29/2015
Photos by Faiyaz Kara
Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Morimoto Asia’s welcome committee Credit: photo by Faiyaz Kara
Chef Morimoto surveying his domain prior to the opening ceremonies Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Morimoto Soba Ale Credit: Faiyaz Kara
The chef smiles Credit: Faiyaz Kara
The dazzling interior Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Sake for the traditional toast Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Tiny tuna pizzette Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Lychee cocktail Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Chef Morimoto hacking and slicing a giant tuna Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Hamming it up for the crowd Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Making a 60-foot tuna roll Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Yes, his hands are that fast Credit: Faiyaz Kara
The scene below Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Dessert offerings clockwise: mochi-mochi, chocolate cream & crunch, chocolate cream puff, churro fondue Credit: Faiyaz Kara
A plateful of sushi Credit: Faiyaz Kara
A few pieces from the 60-foot roll Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Freshly cut tuna ready to roll Credit: Faiyaz Kara
Enjoying a plate of otoro at the sushi bar upstairs Credit: Faiyaz Kara