Executive Chef of RA Sushi, Tai Obata draws upon his rich culinary background and applies his passion for superior cuisine to achieve perfection in every dish he creates. Raising the bar for sushi restaurants across the country, Tai gained extensive experience developing his skills under world-renowned sushi chefs in Japan, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition to RA, his career highlights include work with restaurants such as Japan’s Hamasaku, as well as the esteemed Hatsuhana in Chicago.
His passion began to develop at the age of four in Kagoshima, Japan, helping his grandmother in the kitchen daily. He earned his culinary arts degree in Japan at the age of 18 and then spent the next 20 years working his way up the professional ladder, honing his skills not only in Japanese cuisine, but in Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and Indonesian fare as well. As a result, Tai has mastered what he calls “the flavors of the Pacific Rim.”
In 1997 Tai co-founded RA Sushi Bar Restaurant. He was a key figure in perfecting the balance between notable, quality food and an upbeat atmosphere. The combination has been a refreshing hit. Tai’s menus offer a huge selection of fresh sushi along with cooked fare such as tempura, teriyaki, seafood, and many signature dishes. With 22 restaurants open, and more preparing to open in 2009, RA has become a destination spot for sushi lovers, as well as those who just enjoy its stimulating ambiance.
Tai’s artistic talent does not end in the kitchen. He is also an avid painter and dabbles in the Japanese ceramic art of Raku. His artwork is displayed in the RA Scottsdale and Tempe locations. Tai’s paintings express his interpretation of traditional Japanese beauty with a modern twist—much like RA, the restaurant he helped create.
What made you decide you would become a professional cook?
I was inspired and determined when I realized that my culinary skills were versatile and important for making a living. Also, I believed that my culinary skills were universal and I could obtain a job anywhere across the globe.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely! I wouldn’t be where I am today without that training and time spent honing my skills.
Best piece of advice you would give a home enthusiast?
Study a lot and know the ingredients. Use and work with the natural flavor of the ingredients.
Favorite gadget?
For cooking - I cannot think of any at the moment…just my hands! I depend on them the most!
Funniest kitchen incident?
Pranks I did to the staff. One time…
- I asked a new employee to go and find a left-handed sauté pan.
- I asked a new sushi chef to borrow a tuna stretcher, which I claimed would stretch and maximize the uses of tuna, from neighborhood sushi restaurants.
Favorite food to cook with?
Seafood items.
Favorite dish to make at work?
Sushi / Sashimi, of course
When at home, what do you like to eat?
Believe it or not, but I like to eat pasta.
Which item in your home refrigerator would you least like to cop to?
Mayonnaise / Cream Cheese
Your favorite cookbook?
Les Dîners de Gala by Salvador Dali
To see a slidewhow of Ra Sushi photos click here