Vegetarian foodies will not want to miss this: Chef Nobu Matsu­hisa, who published "Nobu’s Vegetarian Cookbook" (PIE Books, $39.95) in February, is in his Nobu Waikiki kitchen through Friday, and again Monday and Tuesday to whip up select dishes from the cookbook and a special New Year’s omakase. Also expect the venerable chef to visit with guests.

Matsuhisa said he didn’t intend the cookbook solely for vegetarians.

"Many people prefer to eat more vegetables now," he said. "Our customers ask for vegetarian dishes very often."

The exclusion of nonvegetarian ingredients hasn’t hindered Matsuhisa’s creativity a bit.

"My basic cooking is the umami base," he said. "I started using vegetable umami and am more convinced at how vegetables such as tomato, asparagus and broccoli make great umami. So it hasn’t been a challenge for me."

It’s not hard to figure out what his favorite vegetarian dish is if you’ve seen the cover of the cookbook, which displays a couple of dozen vegetarian nigiri sushi to dramatic effect.

"As you can imagine, every vegetable has a great texture and taste," Matsuhisa said.

To make reservations at Nobu Waikiki, call 237-6999 or visit www.opentable.com.