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Nobu Matsuhisa & PJ Kabos in Athens | PJ Kabos Journal

  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read

In the PJ Kabos Journal, you'll find stories from our family groves, memorable moments across Greece, olive oil tastings, company milestones, news items, inspiring people, travels, and discoveries from the wider world of olive oil. Together, they tell the continuing story of our passion for exceptional extra virgin olive oil and the Mediterranean way of life.


Today we'd like to share one of our cherished PJ Kabos family traditions. Every June, when Chef Nobu Matsuhisa returns to Athens, friends gather once again around the table. Over the years, this special dinner has quietly become part of the PJ Kabos family calendar.


Black-and-white portrait of world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, whose annual visits to Athens have become a cherished tradition for the PJ Kabos family.
More than a world-renowned chef, Nobu Matsuhisa has become a treasured friend whose annual visits are always eagerly anticipated by the PJ Kabos family.

A June Tradition with Nobu-san

This year's gathering at Matsuhisa Athens was less a business meeting than an evening spent enjoying one another's company. James Panagiotopoulos and his family joined Nobu-san for a relaxed dinner overlooking the sparkling Saronic Gulf, continuing a tradition that stretches back many years. As always, the evening was filled with wonderful Japanese cuisine inspired by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's signature creations, lively conversation and plenty of laughter.


Sunset over the Saronic Gulf from Matsuhisa Athens at the Four Seasons Astir Palace on the Athens Riviera, where the PJ Kabos family gathers each June with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
Some evenings are remembered for the view and the food. Others for the company. We will remember this one for all three.

Since first discovering PJ Kabos Extra Virgin Olive Oil in 2016, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa has continued to use it in both his restaurants around the world and in his own home. Over the years the friendship has grown beyond olive oil, with James meeting Nobu not only in Athens but in several other locations around the world.

 

One of the most memorable moments of the evening had nothing to do with food. James’ five-and-a-half-year-old daughter happily spent part of the evening sitting on Nobu-san's lap, a small moment that perfectly reflected the warmth between the two families.

 

At PJ Kabos, we have always believed that exceptional olive oil is about more than the harvest. It is also about the friendships that grow around the table. Some of those very special friendships have now lasted nearly a decade, and each year they are renewed in the wonderful setting of Matsuhisa Athens, at the Four Seasons Astir Palace.


The years have been marked by extraordinary meals, memorable conversations, and, above all, a lasting friendship.
The years have been marked by extraordinary meals, memorable conversations, and, above all, a lasting friendship.

We already look forward to next year's meeting with this remarkable man. Even after decades at the pinnacle of the culinary world, his enthusiasm, generosity, and extraordinary work ethic continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to spend time with him.


Thank you, Nobu-san!

Contents

PJ Kabos Guide to Olive Oil

Where ancient olive-growing wisdom meets modern science, your guide to choosing, tasting, and enjoying exceptional high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil. We hope it inspires you in your olive-oil journey.


How olive oil quality is defined — and why the difference matters for taste, health, and daily use.


Why extra virgin and high-phenolic olive oils shine in real-life cooking, from sautéing to roasting.


Your simple daily ritual for harnessing the powerful antioxidants in high-phenolic olive oil.


How phenolic compounds support heart, brain, metabolic, joint, and whole-body vitality across the years.


How cholesterol works — and how extra virgin olive oil supports balance and heart health.


A simple guide to the phenolic compounds in olive oil — what phenols and polyphenols are and why they contribute to olive oil’s flavor, stability, and potential health benefits.


How phenolic content varies from oil to oil and from harvest to harvest — and how to choose an olive oil that meets the EU Health Claim.


A clear look at whether extra virgin olive oil contains heavy metals, microbes, or allergens — and how its natural composition, along with laboratory testing, helps us understand what is — and is not — present.


A clear introduction to tasting notes and flavor in extra virgin olive oil — exploring how these natural characteristics arise from the olive, and how bitterness and pungency shape the oil's character and overall tasting experience.


A thoughtful exploration of aroma and appearance in extra virgin olive oil — how scent prepares the palate, how visual cues can mislead, and how these first impressions shape the tasting experience.


Learn how to choose a good olive oil with simple, practical guidance on freshness, origin, packaging, and what truly matters in quality. A simple checklist is included.


Subscribe and stay tuned — more chapters coming soon.


Please enjoy having a look around our websites and PJ Kabos Amazon Store for more about our many high-phenolic olive oils, recipes, history, etc.


And follow along with us on Instagram for photos concerning olive oil production, our groves in Greece, articles about olive oil, family history and more.





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