Sitting across from us, in the private dining room that allows guests a direct view into the kitchen, chef Sebastien Lepinoy wants to make something expressly clear. "Les Amis is not an institution. I hate that term. Once you call something an institution, it doesn't move; it doesn't change."
And yet, as we speak to others for this story, the term is constantly used. How else are people meant to describe a restaurant that celebrates 30 years of continuous operations and, that is, for all intents and purposes, the country's first independent fine-dining restaurant.
Les Amis opened on March 15 in 1994, but its roots trace back to 1983 when Desmond Lim, a young stockbroker, deepened his wine passion through the Draycott Wine Club, the now legendary wine appreciation group led by one of Singapore's most famous pioneer wine collectors and writers, the late Dr NK Yong. A gastronomic tour of France in 1984 inspired Lim to emulate Europe's independent fine-dining ethos in Singapore.
Singapore's restaurant scene, now a global culinary destination with approximately 5,400 restaurants, was markedly different in the late 1980s. Western fine-dining was then predominantly housed within five-star hotels. The big names back then were places such as Le Restaurant de France at Le Meridien, Latour at Shangri-La, Fourchette at Mandarin Oriental, Maxim's at Regent Singapore, and Harbour Grill & Oyster Bar at Hilton Singapore.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rohit Jha
Using lasers and a proprietary shoebox-sized device, this technopreneur’s company Transcelestial seeks to increase connectivity speeds and access around the globe—and soon, beyond it
Fashioning Heritage
Aqilah Zailan founded Studio Gypsied to honour her Javanese heritage and ancestral narratives, reimagining batik into everyday designs
Sound System
Through music and mentoring, ArtSee bridges cultural and educational gaps, nurturing marginalised youth and preserving heritage for future generations. Co-founder Nabillah Jalal reflects on its impact and vision to extend its reach to more communities
Island in the Sun
With its beachfront location and proximity to Singapore, and access to international schools and healthcare infrastructure, Batu Ferringhi makes for an ideal investment destination. Sean Lim of NWD Holdings tells us about the Singapore-based investment group's upcoming hospitality development in Penang
On the Flower Trail
Twenty years after their first collaboration, Louis Vuitton and renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami reunite for a vibrant re-edition collection, blending art and fashion in a bold celebration of creativity and craftsmanship
Toast to the New Year
Fashion designer Shuting Qiu brings her vibrant colour palette and intricate designs to Hennessy's Chinese New Year 2025 exclusive releases, which will be showcased at the Crafted, by Hennessy travelling exhibition in Ion Orchard.
To the Moon and Back
Be captivated by the moonphase displays on these A Lange & Söhne timepieces—the ideal companions for cherished moments with loved ones this season
Dreamy Hues
The innovative colour-enhancing and ultra-moisturising Dior Addict Lip Glow now comes in 20 vivid and exciting shades
A Call for Connection
Virtuoso pianist and Rolex Testimonee Hélène Grimaud masterfully bridges the worlds of art and advocacy, using her evocative performances and commitment to conservation to inspire a deeper connection between humanity and the natural world
Eastern Influence
Pascale Lepeu, director of the Cartier Collection, reflects on Cartier's latest exhibition, Cartier, the Power of Magic