Lifestyle I
A Flying Lunch
WORDS: PIA MANOURY | IMAGES: NOBU BARBUDA
Barbuda, often described as Antigua’s sister, is a coral isle covered in pink sand and untouched wildlife that sits a short helicopter ride away from its sibling. Its reputation as natural and unpolished is slowly changing, not least with the addition of its own Nobu restaurant.
Dominating a remote hideaway on the exclusive Princess Diana Beach since 2021, the beachside branch of the restaurant attracts a large number of Antiguans and travellers from further afield thanks to its international clout. The Japanese-Peruvian brand is renowned for its innovative ‘new style’ of cuisine, as well as its famous founders, chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro and film producer Meir Teper. But what makes this Nobu so unique is its location and resulting beautiful views, as well as the unforgettable experience of accessing it – either under sail, or, as we did, by air.
As we took off from Antigua, our journey had a surprising turn: our pilot Tom Hollyhomes was asked to assist in a ‘search and rescue’ mission for a lost diver along the west coast, near Sandy beach. All the crew set eyes on the wide open ocean, desperately trying to catch sight of him, until we finally got wind that he had been found.
Onwards we flew to Nobu. We were met with a warm welcome by a local Barbudan in a pick-up truck and taken directly from the helipad to our table, where a flavoursome Barbuda punch kicked things off followed by various types of sake, before the Japanese delicacies blended with local produce began to be set down.
A crispy rice roll with spicy tuna tartare arrived first to sharpen the appetite, followed by a variety of tacos: spicy miso salmon and tuna with Matsuhisa dressing among many others. Next, a dried miso spinach salad to refresh the palate before ending with an array of super-fresh sushi maki. All the while, we watched yachts anchor up in the most spectacular setting before us.
After emerging from the crystal waters following a quick dip, we tucked into a Barbuda cheesecake and an island rum roasted pineapple crumble served with coconut sorbet. There could have been no better way to end the day than with an aerial tour back to Antigua, accompanied by the sort of picturesque sunset that the Caribbean so often has on offer.
Nobu Barbuda,
Princess Diana Beach, Barbuda
noburestaurants.com
