Recipe For Success
Prestige Singapore|June 2019

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” .

Chung Yi
Recipe For Success

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.

Denne historien er fra June 2019-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra June 2019-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA PRESTIGE SINGAPORESe alt
Double Take
Prestige Singapore

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.

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024
Plugged Into Wealth
Prestige Singapore

Plugged Into Wealth

Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Going for Green
Prestige Singapore

Going for Green

SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024
TABLES TURNED
Prestige Singapore

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Prestige Singapore

PRECIOUS HISTORY

Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
Prestige Singapore

MARKS OF DISTINCTION

A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
Colours of the Season
Prestige Singapore

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
MAKING OF AN OPUS
Prestige Singapore

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.

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024
Everywhere Care
Prestige Singapore

Everywhere Care

Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
Pucker Up
Prestige Singapore

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024