He’s the cool cat in the kitchen, and now officially also top dog among Asian restaurateurs. Julien Royer, the chef-owner of Odette, which topped the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 list, tells Chung Yi why his crew is kin and how they let him be the “good guy” .
From farm to city, from boyish talent to a confident, full-fledged businessman-restaurateur. Julien Royer had to sacrifice a lot to get to where he is today. Since he was young, he has always wanted to gain a Michelin star. Now, Odette, his four-year-old restaurant at the National Gallery Singapore, has two of them. If someone had told him 10 years ago that his restaurant was going to be No. 1 in Asia, he wouldn’t have believed it. “We’re happy, but it’s the beginning of our journey. We still have a long way to go. It won’t last forever. I’m very realistic when it comes to my profession,” the pragmatist says.
“This job is demanding. It’s crazy. The days are very long. You sacrifice your sleep, your personal life, your social life. You see your friends go out every night, but you can’t,” the 36-year-old says. “You’re constantly questioning yourself whether we’re good enough. We always try to think of what we can do better every day. If you don’t have this passion that drives you, it’s pointless. If you don’t love this job, you’ll not succeed.”
He notes that it is getting better now though, as he has trained his team and has people who give him support. “But I’m never satisfied with what I do. I’m always constantly thinking that there’s something to improve. Not necessarily just the cuisine, but the atmosphere, the lighting, the music, the tableware. Every little detail counts.”
Odette was named for his maternal grandmother, from whom he learned to cook as a child. Mid-June, Royer will introduce Louise (his paternal grandmother’s middle name) in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. His first overseas restaurant, which takes over the site of the now shuttered Aberdeen Street Social, will have a “bistronomy” concept – gastronomy in a bistro setting.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 2019-Ausgabe von Prestige Singapore.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 2019-Ausgabe von Prestige Singapore.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.