Rugby World Cup: for its stay in Toulouse, the Japanese team recruits a chef from the Pink City
During the Toulouse stay of the Japanese selection, Atsutoshi Hatamoto, manager of the Iori restaurant, officiates as chef for the players and the staff.
Atsutoshi Hatamoto is betrayed by his dark circles. The chef and manager of the Iori restaurant, located in downtown Toulouse, would have a hard time hiding these extras of the moment. The Japan rugby team has called on his services for the second time. “Already in 2017, when they came to Toulouse, the Japanese selection asked me to prepare meals for the players and the staff. I’m not sure how they found me. I imagine they typed “Japanese restaurant Toulouse” on the Internet search bar,” he laughs.
Excessive modesty? Just watch him work to see his talent behind the stove. Fitted kitchen bandana, burgundy apron embroidered with the name of his establishment, the man who no longer knows if he is “45 or 46”, cuts mushrooms, tastes the broth of a “slightly sick” player and watches soup.
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This Tuesday at 11 a.m., in the kitchens of the Mercure de Blagnac hotel – which is hosting the Japanese team – Atsutoshi Hatamoto is busy. “The team chose me because players have different eating habits. And a diet to follow, ”explains Atsutoshi Hatamoto, who designed the breakfasts, lunches and meals for athletes. When he leaves the hotel at 6:30 p.m., the Toulousain file in his restaurant to prepare the evening service. “I’m a little tired but above all I’m honored,” says the man who settled in Toulouse in 2009.
Since he officiates for the Japanese rugby team, his establishment has become the meeting place for Japanese supporters. Saturday, before leaving to encourage Japan against France at the Stadium, the manager of Iori will serve 40 supporters. this sport,” laughs the chef.
For the Rugby World Cup in 2023, the Japanese team will establish its base camp in Toulouse. Atsutoshi Hatamoto could well be there.