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Los Angeles Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
‘Nobu' strains to showcase a humble man at the center of a sexy global brand
It takes a little over an hour for 'Nobu' to marinate long enough to approach a point of complexity, not exactly bitter but no longer cloyingly sweet. Nobu Matsuhisa, the celebrated sushi master, is running quality-control checks in one of his restaurants. A poor chef is sweating the test so badly, he won't need soy sauce soon enough. His dish keeps being sent back: Chop the chives finer. Why is this pile of raw crudo smaller? Why did you paint a line of salt instead of a dot? The scene goes on, excruciatingly. A few minutes later, Robert De Niro — an early investor and co-founder — dominates a private board meeting with concerns about too-rapid growth. It's not quite the ominous Waingro showdowns of 'Heat' but in the ballpark. Fastidiousness, precision and a kind of reputational exclusivity are at the heart of Matsuhisa's enterprise. These are hard things to make a documentary about. But it's also why Nobu needed to come to Beverly Hills for his concept take root — not just any Los Angeles but the '80s-era boomtown of power lunches and spend-to-impress dining. Spago's Wolfgang Puck makes an appearance in director Matt Tyrnauer's half-interesting film, fawning over his longtime friend sitting next to him but not quite articulating the essence of their revolution: high-end branding. You wish more time was spent on that conceptual idea, enabled by celebrities throwing around money on food they barely ate. The kind of doc that 'Nobu' more often resembles (as do most foodie-targeted profiles) is a gentle chronology of a humble genius and everyday guy who just happens to fly private. Matsuhisa bows to euphoric local fishmongers, does a lot of hugs and selfies with his staff, visits his roots in Japan and Peru. There are family interviews and a detour to Alaska, where, years before he had a 300-person nightly waitlist, an early restaurant of his caught fire — in the bad literal way (Tyrnauer cuts to the Anchorage newspaper headline). These false starts are somehow exhausting, lacking in suspense. He contemplated suicide, then came to California. The food sails by: wedges of black cod with miso, delicate plates of thinly sliced fish adorned with tweezer-manipulated herbs. All of it is crazy-making and delicious. Still, apart from former Los Angeles Times food editor Ruth Reichl, who witnessed the rise of Nobu as it happened, there are few on-camera voices who speak directly to Matsuhisa's gifts and experimentation with form. 2011's 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi' does a better job of delivering the intimate discipline of cutting and shaping. More testimony to the experience of eating at Nobu would have helped this feel less like a commercial. 'Nobu' is a film oddly unconcerned with the communal experience of dining. We hear about the way his sushi workstations are elevated (a 'stage,' Matsuhisa calls them) and that's central to the performance going on here, also the remove. Something clicks when the film heads to Nobu Malibu and visits the table of supermodel Cindy Crawford, whose 'Cindy rice,' a dish he invented for her, adorns the menu. There's a deep mutual gratitude between them that goes back years. An appreciation of the finer things? No doubt. Game recognizing game? Definitely.
Sassy Mama
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sassy Mama
Best Restaurants With Private Dining In Singapore For An Intimate Gathering
Planning a romantic date night or a family gathering? From Chinese to Western, French restaurants and more, here's where you can enjoy private dining in Singapore. Looking for a restaurant that offers private dining in Singapore? We've got you covered. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion with your partner or planning a special family gathering, there is a private dining restaurant that will meet your needs. Choose from a range of cuisines including Chinese, Western, French, Italian and more, so you can enjoy a delicious gourmet meal that satisfies your craving. So, read on to bookmark restaurants that offer private dining in Singapore for a memorable experience with your loved ones. Read more: Best New Restaurants In Singapore Best restaurants with private dining in Singapore: Mott 32 Singapore: Multi-award-winning Chinese restaurant Offering authentic flavours from Canton, Shanghai and Beijing, Mott 32 is a multi-award-winning Chinese restaurant in Singapore that pays tribute to time-honoured traditions and innovative cooking techniques. Here, you'll find one private dining room and three semi-private dining rooms, in addition to a lounge and bar area, main dining area and outdoor terrace that can accommodate up to 146 seated guests and 250 standing guests. Mott 32 Singapore, B1-42-44, Galleria Level, The Shoppes Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956, Jiang Nan Chun: Private dining room with leather seats If you're looking for a super fancy private dining space in Singapore, this one's for you. Jiang Nan Chun at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is a Chinese restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine. Choose from four private dining rooms at Jiang Nan Chun, three of which come with leather seats, a 65-inch flat-screen TV and an adjoining cocktail area. Jiang Nan Chun, 190 Orchard Boulevard, Level 2, Singapore 248646, Saint Pierre: Two-Michelin-star restaurant with private dining Located at One Fullerton, Saint Pierre is a two-Michelin-starred French restaurant that overlooks the gorgeous skyline of Marina Bay Sands. This fine dining restaurant is perfect for an intimate celebration, thanks to their classy private dining rooms that accommodate up to 14 or 25 people. The chef can also craft personalised menus to suit your dietary preferences. Saint Pierre, 1 Fullerton Road, #02-02B One Fullerton, Singapore 049213, Spago: Private dining at Marina Bay Sands Spago sits on Level 57 of Marina Bay Sands, so you're sure to get stunning views of the city skyline. Indulge in Californian cuisine and enjoy refreshing cocktails at their alfresco bar. Keen to enjoy private dining with a view? No problem–simply drop them a line to start planning your private dining experience at Spago. Spago, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Hotel, Tower 2 Level 57, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956, Ginger: Halal-certified restaurant with private dining Looking for a Halal-certified restaurant with private dining? Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road offers local delights in a la carte buffets. The experienced chefs at this private dining restaurant can craft customised menus for your family celebration or an intimate private dining experience. Ginger, PARKROYAL on Beach Road Singapore, 7500 Beach Road, Singapore 199591, Singapore Flyer: Private dining experience in the sky If you're planning a proposal or celebrating an anniversary, Singapore Flyer offers a Private 165 Sky Dining Experience. At this private dining experience in Singapore, you'll get to enjoy priority boarding from the VIP Lounge, a personal host and three rotations on the Singapore Flyer (90 minutes). Treat yourself to a four-course dinner of your choice and make a toast with a bottle of premium champagne. Plus, you can take home exclusive souvenirs too! Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803, The Landmark: Private dining room with halal buffet The Landmark is known for its 1-for-1 Halal buffet that features over 40 mouthwatering dishes. The Grand Ballroom is ideal for larger events, while you can also find smaller private dining rooms for family dinners, birthday parties and corporate meetings. Customers have praised their world-class cuisine and exceptional service, so you can rest assured that The Landmark will ensure that your event is a success. The Landmark, 390 Victoria Street, #05-01 Poolside, Village Hotel Bugis, Singapore 188061, Tong Le Private Dining: Revolving Chinese restaurant Diners at Tong Le Private Dining can enjoy panoramic views of Marina Bay, as this is Singapore's only revolving restaurant. This Chinese restaurant puts a modern twist on age-old classics for a unique fine dining experience. Choose from eight private dining rooms for a momentous occasion and a sophisticated dining experience like no other. Tong Le Private Dining, 60 Collyer Quay, level 10 OUE Tower, Singapore 049322, Yi Qian Private Dining: Cantonese and Teochew cuisine Yi Qian Private Dining is a Chinese restaurant with private dining in Singapore. Look forward to their signature dishes like Pig's Stomach Soup and Chicken in Pepper Soup, Peking Irish Duck, Lamb Brisket and more. Book their private dining room and customise the menu for your party. Yi Qian Private Dining, 2 Leng Kee Road, #01-04 Thye Hong Centre, Singapore 159086, Saveur: Authentic French cuisine Keen to indulge in authentic French fare? Book a private dining room at Saveur so you can enjoy classic, hearty French dishes. Must-tries include their Signature Duck Confit, Steak & Fries, and Mussels & Fries. No matter your preference, Saveur can curate a menu that your party guests will be talking about for a long time. Saveur, 5 Purvis Street, #01-04, Singapore 188584, Read more:
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Johnny Carson asked sheriff to drive him home after drinking: book excerpt
While the world knew famed late-night host Johnny Carson as the funny man who America welcomed into their homes for 30 seasons, Howard Smith knew him as a kind, down to earth neighbor in Malibu. The pals first met when talent agent Jerry Weintraub and his wife, singer Jane Morgan, invited Smith and his wife Jane over for a star-studded dinner party. Morgan, now 101, asked the tech mogul if he could sit next to Carson — since despite him being an extrovert on air, he was more of an introvert at these functions. Advertisement 16 Johnny Carson, host of 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.' Jonathan Sotzing 'We talked,' Smith recounted in an exclusive interview with The Post. 'He had just moved four houses down and I have a tennis court and the reason Jane put us together was because he was shy.' '[Carson's wife], Alex [Maas], was with him that night,' explained the Malibu resident. 'I had never met John before but he was my hero. And at that dinner, we started talking about different things and he had just sold his beach house to John McEnroe and he said to me that one of the things he got John McEnroe to do in the sale was play tennis at Pepperdine.' Advertisement But Smith knew that despite hitting balls with a pro, playing on the college campus wasn't necessary. 16 Johnny Carson poses with his longtime friend and neighbor Howard Smith. 16 A tabloid captured a picture of Johnny Carson and Howard Smith after a tennis patch in Malibu. 'I said, well, I've got a tennis court anytime you want to,' the author recalled. 'I gave him my number and the next morning John called. I thought it was a prank. I couldn't believe he called me and he said, 'Can I come over and play tennis with you today?'' Advertisement From there, a friendship quickly formed and they went on to play the sport together weekly. 'We only played maybe three weeks when he said to me one day after a game, 'You know, next week I'm going to be 60 years old. I'm going to have dinner at Spago in Beverly Hills. I would love to have you and Jane come.'' 16 Howard and Jane Smith with Johnny Carson and Alex Maas. 16 Johnny Carson and Howard Smith. Advertisement Despite Smith thinking he was walking into a star-studded birthday bash, Carson invited the couple to an intimate dinner with only two other guests — proving how deep their bond became. 'I was anticipating this is a big party because I only knew him three or four weeks,' Smith said. 'So I get to the restaurant and it's Henry Bushkin, Joyce Dewitt, John, Alex, myself and Jane. I pinch myself going, 'Holy cow.' We played tennis and talked a little bit, but I didn't know him very well. I was so moved by being invited to his 60th birthday and being part of that little group.' That night one thing was clear: Smith became an intricate part of Carson's inner circle. While this year marks the 20-year anniversary of Carson's death at age 79 from emphysema, the retired businessman is now publishing his book — 'My Friend Johnny.' 16 Jane Smith, Johnny Carson and Alex Maas in Aspen. 'Knowing John for 25 years, when I used to go over to his house and we'd sit around and talk about different things and life, the wonderful thing that I've found while writing this book to me is I've reminisced and gone back to these memories,' Smith told The Post. The publication explores the 'neighbor turned close companion' and highlights many behind the scenes moments with Carson. In an excerpt from the book, exclusively obtained by The Post, Smith detailed a one-of-a-kind encounter that involved some booze and the Malibu sheriff. Advertisement 16 John and Alex on a toboggan ride. One night when Smith and Carson were out to dinner at La Scala, another table asked if they could buy the comic a drink. Well, one drink turned into another and another. The two realized they weren't in any shape to drive. 'The sheriff arrived and entered the restaurant,' Smith penned in his memoir. 'He seemed startled to see Johnny Carson and another gentleman waiting for him. 'Mr. Sheriff,' I said, as clearly as possible without slurring, 'We've both had too much to drink, and it would be a terrible tragedy if one of us tried to drive home. Would you do us the favor of driving us home?'' 'The sheriff looked at us, mainly at me, and said, 'This is highly irregular. I'm not supposed to do that.' He glanced at John and then back at me. 'For anyone.'' Advertisement 16 Alex Maas and Johnny Carson on their boat. With Carson's casual charm, he persuaded the sheriff to give them both a lift — a story that ended in flashing red and blue lights, lots of laughter and one confused wife. Smith also reflected on the bittersweet moment he and Carson had to put down the rackets for good. Carson was an avid smoker, but had quit shortly after tying the knot with Maas in 1987. Still, in his later years, his smoking had caused irrevocable damage. Advertisement 16 John and Alex at home in Malibu. 16 Johnny Carson and his high school teacher at her 90th birthday party. 'During an otherwise normal conversation at John's house after our regular match, he paused. With a wistful look in his eye, he said, 'Howard, we sure have had a lot of fun on many tennis courts, haven't we?'' 'Too much fun to count,' he replied. Advertisement ''Well, I'm so sad to say this, but … I'm afraid our tennis-playing days are over,'' Smith wrote. 'I wanted to push back. I wanted to tell him that we could play slower or set up rules so we wouldn't have to run as much. In reality, my (unfounded) fear was that no tennis would mean no friendship. Thankfully, our friendship blossomed into something much more than two guys playing tennis.' 16 Alex Maas and Johnny Carson in Aspen. Over the course of their 25-year friendship, many of Smith and Carson's memories included their spouses, Jane and Alex. Carson and Alex were wildly private — despite the tabloids trying to create explosive stories about the duo. 'With John being such a big star, the gossipers had to write something, so they wrote that their marriage was unusual and often troublesome. I think their marriage upset some of the media because Alex never played their game,' Smith recalled in his book. 'On the night of what would be his last birthday, John and Alex discussed that very topic. They knew the cost associated with being a Hollywood celebrity—mainly the invasion of their personal life—so they weren't angry with a particular writer or magazine. I'd seen him rant about so-called journalists before, but he didn't that night.' 'Rather, John said, 'We never cared what people said about our marriage. They get it wrong all the time. One day, they report on two people who are madly in love, and the next week, those same people file for divorce. As long as we'—he motioned to Alex, whose hand he held—'are happy, that's all that matters.'' 16 Johnny Carson holds Howard Smith's son Scott. 16 Johnny, Alex and Howard's son Scott. And that they were, up until Carson's passing on January 23, 2005. In the book, Smith recounted what he called 'the last supper' — an outing with the star just weeks before his heartbreaking death. 'Of the many dinners we had with him over 20 years, that was the longest time we ever sat at a dinner table together,' he shared. 'His memory was pin-sharp. It was as if he didn't want us to leave without telling us stories he had probably never told anyone. Jane and I had a blast. We were the last to leave the restaurant that night!' He wrote elsewhere, 'It made sense for John to behave that way. He knew he was dying, and he wanted to make sure he gave us the best of himself before he went.' 16 Johnny Carson, Doc Severinsen and Ed McMahon during the last episode of 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' on Friday, May 22, 1992. AP Photo May 22 marks the 33-year anniversary of Carson's final show, where 60 million people tuned in to watch 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.' Smith, of course, was in the audience. 'Jane and I were honored that he invited us to his final show, along with his wife, sons, and close family members,' Smith penned about the show, which aired from 1962 to 1992. 'He'd even ensured reserved private parking for us to make it easier. He'd decided not to bring in any guests that day. Rather, he shed the spotlight on Ed McMahon, his longtime sidekick, and his bandleader, Doc Severinsen.' 16 The finale episode of 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' on Friday, May 22, 1992. AP Photo Afterwards, the group celebrated when Carson 'threw an exclusive party at his home for his staff of many years.' The episode included a five-minute standing ovation, but Smith noted that Carson wasn't looking for an applause. 'In the end, John didn't want recognition,' his dear friend wrote. 'He wanted to recognize those who had helped him achieve so much. In fact, he even thanked the audience with a surprise gift from Tiffany's, a perpetual calendar inside a sterling silver frame made especially for those who attended his final show. John signed off for his last time by saying, 'And so it has come to this. I am one of the lucky people in the world. I've found something I've always wanted to do, and I have enjoyed every single minute of it.'' 16 Johnny Carson. AP Decades later, audiences are still as enamored by Carson and his late-night show. But now, Smith aims to pull back the curtain on the host's life without the cameras. 'I would say that John, looking down, would say, 'Howard, thank you buddy. I appreciate you doing this,'' Howard smiled, reflecting on how Carson may react to his book. After all, Smith simply wants the world to know his friend Johnny.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
'Australia's most sexually-active woman' wants to bed hundreds of American men
Australian OnlyFans star Annie Knight has revealed her desire to move stateside and continue her X-rated career. The 28-year-old first shot to fame in 2023 after boasting about bedding 300 men in a year, which earned her the nickname of 'Australia's most sexually-active woman'. Annie's currently a regular on Australia's biggest radio show and even had a major reality TV opportunity in the works at one point, but she's had trouble going mainstream given the country's more conservative media landscape. She has seen the fame and notoriety English OnlyFans stars Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips have gained in the U.S. and is keen to make her mark next. The sex worker gave the North American market a test run in February when she joined Bonnie in Cancun, Mexico, for Spring Break, where the duo slept with dozens of barely-legal partygoers. The endeavor was a huge hit, with the pair attracting plenty of attention from students who were desperate to film with them. Annie then spent a few weeks in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where she took meetings with some major porn studios and adult talent agents who are keen to make her a star in the U.S. And while in Hollywood, Annie even got engaged to longtime boyfriend Henry Brayshaw, who popped the question at Beverly Hills hotspot Spago with a three-carat diamond ring worth around $120,000. She was also spotted shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where she went into designer stores like Gucci to spend her OnlyFans earnings. The X-rated star has also launched her own podcast called Annie Knight Unhinged, which is another part of her plan to go global. She's already appeared on Adam22's popular Plug Talk podcast, which is one of the biggest adult podcasts on the planet. Despite her engagement, Annie is still forging ahead with her plans to have sex with 1,000 men - a figure that will include 500 virgins - by the end of 2025. One major porn agent told that Annie has the potential to make it in the U.S., but she may need to find a more jaw-dropping stunt to put herself on the map. The insider said: 'She's got the right look, but it's a tough market when you've got Lily Phillips hitting up nursing homes and Bonnie sleeping with 1,000 guys in a day. 'At this point, sleeping with 500 virgins just isn't going to be enough to cut it over here.' Speaking to about her engagement, Annie said that her fiance is completely monogamous and faithful to her and is forbidden from sleeping with other women - but the same rules don't apply to her. Not only did Annie allegedly have sex with 600 men last year, she's now got her sights set on doing 1,000 guys before the end of 2025 and says that wedded bliss with her husband-to-be isn't going to change a thing. She said: 'He is super supportive, he's just the best and he understands that I'm very work oriented and that I enjoy my job. 'We have ten years of history. He knows me better than anyone, better than I even know myself, we've been through so much together and the support and the love that we have for each other is unmatched - he accepts me for who I am.' Annie's fiance is so accepting of her that he even accompanied he to Cancun for Spring Break, where she teamed up with porn star Bonnie Blue. She said: 'He would stay at the hotel during the day and just chill out, and then he'd usually come out with us later at night. During the day, Bonnie and Annie would party with all the Spring Breakers and then take some back to their hotel to film with. She explained: 'Our number one priority was to get OnlyFans content and film with all the college boys. 'And it was so easy. They'd come up begging us to film with them, they'd mob us at the pool. It was honestly so much fun,' she gushed. Once they went back to the room to film, Annie and Bonnie's assistants would have the young men sign release forms and provide ID to prove that they were legal, and then schedule them into time slots to have sex with the two blondes. Instead of being jealous, Annie said her fiance would warmly greet her at the end of the day. She said: 'He'd ask how many people I filmed with and how it all went and if I was happy with the content I got. He was there for emotional and moral support.' While Annie admits that their arrangement may seem odd to some, she said that having open communication and honesty is the key to making their unconventional relationship work. She said: 'If I was sneakily going and sleeping with these guys then he'd he jealous for sure and upset, but it's the fact that he knows that it's my job and that it's important. 'It's very separate. It's not the same filming with random guys as it is when I'm intimate with him. It's such a different experience and I've told him that so many times, so he's just very understanding.'
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE 'Australia's most sexually-active woman' Annie Knight keen to bed hundreds of American men with move to Hollywood
Aussie OnlyFans star Annie Knight is already a big name Down Under, but now the leggy blonde is considering a move to America. The 28-year-old first shot to fame in 2023 after boasting about bedding 300 men in a year, which earned her the moniker of 'Australia's most sexually-active woman.' Annie's currently a regular on Australia's biggest radio show and even had a major reality TV opportunity in the works at one point, but she's had trouble going mainstream given the country's more conservative media landscape. She's now seen the fame and notoriety that English OnlyFans stars Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips have gained in the States and is keen to make her mark next. The stunning sex worker gave the North American market a test run in February when she joined Bonnie in Cancun, Mexico, for Spring Break, where the blonde bombshells slept with dozens of barely-legal partygoers. The endeavour was a huge hit, with the pair receiving rockstar treatment from students who were desperate to film with them. Annie then spent a few weeks in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where she took meetings with some major porn studios and adult talent agents who are keen to make her a star in the US. And while in Hollywood, Annie even got engaged to longtime boyfriend Henry Brayshaw, who popped the question at Beverly Hills hotspot Spago with a three-carat diamond ring worth around $120,000. She was also spotted shopping up a storm on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where she went into designer stores like Gucci to spend her OnlyFans earnings. The savvy Aussie has also launched her own podcast called Annie Knight Unhinged, which is another part of her plan to go global. She's already appeared on Adam22's popular Plug Talk podcast, which is one of the biggest adult podcasts on the planet. Despite her engagement, Annie is still forging ahead with her plans to have sex with 1,000 men - a figure that will include 500 virgins - by the end of 2025. One major porn agent told that Annie has the potential to make it in America, but that she may need to find a more jaw-dropping stunt to put herself on the map. 'She's got the right look, but it's a tough market when you've got Lily Phillips hitting up nursing homes and Bonnie sleeping with 1,000 guys in a day,' the insider said. 'At this point, sleeping with 500 virgins just isn't going to be enough to cut it over here.' Speaking to about her engagement, Annie said that her fiancé is completely monogamous and faithful to her and is forbidden from sleeping with other women - but the same rules don't apply to her. Not only did Annie have sex with 600 men last year, she's now got her sights set on doing 1,000 guys before the end of 2025 and says that wedded bliss with her husband-to-be isn't going to change a thing. 'He is super supportive, he's just the best and he understands that I'm very work oriented and that I enjoy my job,' Annie explained. 'We have ten years of history. He knows me better than anyone, better than I even know myself, we've been through so much together and the support and the love that we have for each other is unmatched - he accepts me for who I am.' James is so accepting of Annie that he even accompanied the leggy blonde to Cancun for Spring Break, where she teamed up with porn star Bonnie Blue to sleep with dozens of barely-legal boys. 'He would stay at the hotel during the day and just chill out, and then he'd usually come out with us later at night,' she said. During the day, Bonnie and Annie would party with all the Spring Breakers and then take some back to their hotel to film with. 'Our number one priority was to get OnlyFans content and film with all the college boys,' she said. 'And it was so easy. They'd come up begging us to film with them, they'd mob us at the pool. It was honestly so much fun,' she gushed. Once they went back to the room to film, Annie and Bonnie's assistants would have the young men sign release forms and provide ID to prove that they were legal, and then schedule them into time slots to have sex with the two blondes. Instead of being jealous, Annie said her fiance would warmly greet her at the end of the day. 'He'd ask how many people I filmed with and how it all went and if I was happy with the content I got,' she said. 'He was there for emotional and moral support,' she added. While Annie admits that their arrangement may seem odd to some, she said that having open communication and honesty is the key to making their unconventional relationship work. 'If I was sneakily going and sleeping with these guys then he'd he jealous for sure and upset, but it's the fact that he knows that it's my job and that it's important,' she explained. 'It's very separate. It's not the same filming with random guys as it is when I'm intimate with him. It's such a different experience and I've told him that so many times, so he's just very understanding.'
