WASABI RESTAURANT HISTORY

Wasabi Restaurant was established on the 1st of April 2001 by Roy de Gouveia, since then it has evolved in so many ways, including 2 major renovations. The first in 2004 and the most recent in 2008. With the re-launch  of the new Wasabi, we added a beautiful fireplace and the new Dim Sum section in the front of the restaurant. We also took on a new partner, Warren Fisher, as well as a new head chef, Paul Fitchet. We have since evolved as a team and are doing the best to produce food at a consistently high level. Our focus has always remained sushi, but since the arrival of Paul, our cooked food menu has definetly upped it’s game.

ABOUT THE OWNERS AND THE TEAM

Roy de Gouveia (Director) Before starting Wasabi, owned 2 restaurants in Johannesburg. Montego Bay and Long Island Iced Tea Bar, Montego Bay was awarded best restaurant 2 years running. He also opened The very successful Wakame in Moulle Point as well as Salushi in Claremont. Roy also sat on the board of Cape Town Tourism and FEDHASA.  He has now evolved and started a new company called Bio Green, which turns waste oil into fuels used in cars, trucks and boats. This company was born from Wasabi’s waste oil.

Warren Fisher (Managing Director) Warren starts his career at Bergvliet Spur and after that was a waiter at Wasabi for 4 years, after that he studied wine and worked on the RMS Queen Elizabeth II for 2 years as a Sommelier. Warren re-joined Wasabi as a partner and is now running the restaurant in all aspects.

Paul Fitchet (Head Chef) Paul trained at Brooklands College in Weybridge, Surrey. Once returned to SA he helped open the Hilton Hotel in Durban, ran the Oatlands Country Manor for 2 years where he won the AA Food Rosette. In Cape Town ran Balduccis and opened Belthazaar, where he won best steak house in the country. Paul then travelled to Nigeria where he opened Bambuddha Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos and joined Wasabi in 2008 when he returned.

Darren Slabbert (Junior FOH Manager) Darren started his career at Mr Pizza Man in Kenilworth and after that moved to Primi Piatti in Constantia. He then joined Wasabi as a waiter and moved to,  our then, other branch Wakame. Darren re-joined Wasabi in 2009 and has since been promoted to management.