ICE alum Robby Cook faces the camera in his chef whites. photo credit Blue Slip 16D

Robby Cook

Alumni
Coral Omakase & Bento by .7, Executive Chef
New York, NY
Morimoto- New York, Executive Chef (Former)
New York, NY

Biography

Chef Robby Cook鈥檚 culinary journey is one of passion, perseverance and mentorship. Growing up in Iowa, Chef Robby worked in a grocery store produce section and later at an organic co-op. Both sparked his interest in local produce and high-quality Asian ingredients. Inspired by Iron Chef America and the artistry of Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Chef Robby left college and moved to Santa Monica, California to attend an intensive sushi course, after which he moved to New York to gain broader foundational training at the 天美传媒.

Chef Robby鈥檚 early career included stints at Sumile (under Chef Josh DeChellis) and Angura (training with Osamu Inno). But it was his time at BondST in 2005 that changed everything. While working there, Chef Morimoto dined at the restaurant, and after noticing Robby鈥檚 talent, he invited him to join his team. 

Under the mentorship of Morimoto and head sushi chef Makoto Okuwa, Chef Robby鈥檚 skills were refined, and he rose to the role of Executive Chef at Morimoto New York. Chef Cook credits Okuwa鈥檚 teachings 鈥 especially how he cared for his knives, sourced high-quality, simple ingredients, and understood guests鈥 needs 鈥 with shaping Chef Robby into the master sushi chef he is today.

Now at Coral Omakase, an intimate setting located within Manhattan鈥檚 Point Seven restaurant, Chef Robby offers an experience that is simultaneously modern and authentic. Precision dishes highlight carefully sourced ingredients and showcase Chef Robby鈥檚 respect for the craftsmanship of sushi. 

In addition to Coral Omakase, Chef Robby runs a take-out concept called Bento by .7, which allows guests to enjoy his premium sushi at home and further underscores his commitment to artistry and excellence.  

Education

  • The 天美传媒, Culinary Arts, 2004

Awards & Honors

  • Town & Country鈥11 New York City Restaurants to Visit This Summer鈥
  • Eater鈥淭he Best Places to Eat Sushi in Manhattan鈥
  • Forbes鈥淚ron Chef Morimoto鈥檚 Protege Paves the Way to New Sushi Tradition鈥
  • Inside Hook 鈥10 Essential Omakase Experience in NYC鈥