DESMOND LIM Chairman, Les Amis Group
It has been 25 years since stockbroker Desmond Lim and his friends Dr Chong Yap Seng, chef Justin Quek and sommelier-turned-restaurateur Ignatius Chan, first opened Singapore’s first independent European fine-dining restaurant, Les Amis, along Orchard Road. Today, the homegrown establishment is regarded as one of the top French haute cuisine establishments in Singapore, recently awarded three Michelin stars. Apart from Les Amis, the Group also consists of 21 other F&B concepts.
When you first started Les Amis with a group of friends years ago, did you ever think you would lead it to its 25th anniversary this year and better yet, be the owner of a three-Michelin-starred restaurant? What are your thoughts at this time.
When we first started Les Amis, I never imagined how we would grow to become a restaurant group with 22 concepts. At a time when fine dining was exclusive to hotel restaurants, we had an idea. Together, we would open Singapore’s first standalone fine dining restaurant. 25 years on, our silver anniversary is a testament to our people who have made Les Amis Group what it is today. Not many restaurant groups have this opportunity to make it this far, it’s a very tough industry so we are thankful. Even after all these years, Les Amis Restaurant is really the soul of the group, their dedication and passion for excellence has become the philosophy for the Group.
Regarding food costs, what are your thoughts on the way Les Amis and chef Sebastien Lepinoy hold firm to showcasing impeccable seasonal ingredients?
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