IN THE KITCHEN WITH LESLIE GOMEZ

A rare moment of stillness sees Leslie Gomez open up to PRESTIGE, providing a glimpse into the workings of his culinary empire, the philosophy driving his success, and a few nuggets of entrepreneurial wisdom.

- COLIN GOMEZ

It's the Wednesday we're supposed to meet when I get a text from Leslie Gomez, the founder of The Olive Tree group behind beloved establishments including Luca, Rock Bottom, Rockafellers, and Frangipaani to name just a few. He wants to know if we can push our appointment back by 15 minutes.

It might sound like an odd request, but someone like Leslie can get a lot done in just 15 minutes. He's simply wired in a way that's different to most. Arriving at Luca in Bangsar Shopping Centre where the staff are well-informed, a table waits for our little chat. Leslie greets me with a firm handshake and his typically energetic countenance. Some of the more eagle-eyed among you may have noticed we share the same last name, but apart from that and a background in the F&B industry, that's where the similarities end.

He's always on the go, and from what I hear, he's extremely hands on, allocating specific times of the day to stopping by at his different outlets. His work is his life and his dedication seems to be the recipe for success. Even now, sitting across from me, he bristles with unspent dynamism.

STIRRING THE POT