Singapore culinary maestro joins SIA’s all-star cast

Will we now be having "Coffee Ribs" at 30,000 feet? On board Singapore Airlines (SIA), why not? The multi-awarded airline is proud to announce that one of Singapore’s prominent culinary personalities, Sam Leong, has joined its International Culinary Panel (ICP) of world-renowned chefs.

Leong has won numerous accolades, including his hat trick win of the prestigious World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence for "Asian Ethnic Chef of the Year" in 2001, 2002 and 2004. Leong has also been a guest chef at a number of premier culinary events, including the Wolfgang-Lazaroff American Wine & Food Festival in Los Angeles, where he first won adulation for his lip-smacking Coffee Ribs.

"With Sam Leong’s inclusion in the ICP, Singapore Airlines will be able to showcase the masterpiece creations of a Singaporean talent to an international audience while simultaneously raising Singapore’s profile in the international culinary scene," said Yap Kim Wah, Singapore Airlines’ SVP for product and services.

Leong is director of kitchens of the Tung Lok Group of restaurants in Singapore, and the maestro behind the modern Chinese cuisine served at renowned Singapore restaurants like Jade, My Humble House and Space@My Humble House; and Paddy Fields Thai Restaurant. Prior to joining the Tung Lok Group, Leong was part of the team responsible for the over-all Chinese food operations of the Four Seasons Hotel in Singapore.

From the infusion of Western herbs and a multitude of Asian spices in traditional Singapore Chinese dishes, to plating the dishes with a very contemporary touch, Leong’s creations are a reflection of Singapore’s diverse cultural milieu.

Leong will join eight existing chefs of international acclaim in the ICP in designing distinct signature dishes for Singapore Airlines customers in all classes and on all routes. These distinguished individuals are: Satish Arora (India), Georges Blanc (France), Matthew Moran (Australia), Yoshihiro Murata (Japan), Nancy Oakes (San Francisco, California), Alfred Portale (New York, New York), Gordon Ramsay (UK) and Yeung Koon Yat (Hong Kong).

Since its inception in 1998, the ICP has been responsible for transforming the concept of in-flight dining on Singapore Airlines. Tasked with satisfying the demands of an increasingly sophisticated traveler then, the ICP has evolved over the years to reflect the diversity of excellent cuisine around the world as well as to demonstrate the airline’s commitment to offer the finest in-flight dining experience to its customers.

As for what "Coffee Ribs" really is – is it a meat dish or a dessert? – well, you need to fly SIA to find out.

(For inquiries, log on to www.singaporeair.com)

24/7’s fab faves

From the party animals to the night owls, from foodies to people who simply love the good life, the presence of 24/7 Nocturnal Navigator, a free pocket size full-color monthly night life guide that has been in existence since 2003, comes in handy. Why not when this ultimate guide brings to the fore things that are in and stuff that are hot. Recently, readers were asked to text in their votes for their 2004 fabulous favorites (from December 2004 to February 2005 issues) in the fields of dining, night life and entertainment which were categorized from restaurants to restrooms and from DJs to design. Winners were recently awarded at the inaugural Nokia 24/7 Nocturnal Awards 2005 in glittering ceremonies at the plush Manila Polo Club in Forbes Park.

According to the poll, the following topped the list: M Café (Best Design), Prince of Jaipur (Best Service), Nuvo (Best Restroom), Zong (Favorite Restaurant), Café Havana (Favorite Bar), Dish (Favorite Live Music Venue), Subtext (Favorite Theater or Stage Event), CineManila (Favorite Film Festival), Sarah Brightman: Harem World Tour (Favorite Concert), Sound (Favorite Live Act), Manolet Dario (Favorite DJ), Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez (Favorite 24/7 Cover Model), ABS-CBN Publishing’s Metrowear (Event of the Year), and Uva’s Chocnut Ice Cream (Favorite Dish).

In memoriam, a special Lifetime Achievement Award was also given to Zenaida "Bibot" Amador for her immeasurable contribution to Philippine theater.

Nokia, the event’s main sponsor, also handed out a new Nokia 7260 mobile phone to Nokia Nocturnal Style awardee Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, who was one of the evening’s stunning presenters along with fellow 24/7 cover girls Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Phoemela Baranda, Angel Jacob, Wilma Doesnt, Kelly Misa and Carol Garcia.

The winners and presenters all received gifts from L’Oreal, Shu Uemura, Maybelline and Lancome. Live musical performances by popular new artists Drip and Live Act awardee Sound kept the crowd entertained throughout the night as well as a surprise DJ performance by Favorite DJ awardee Manolet Dario. They were backed by the sound and light system of Signum Events. The awarding ceremonies were attended by Nokia executives led by Philippines country manager Parikshit Bhasin, marketing communications manager Pamela Galang and product manager Luanne Erni. Witnessing the groundbreaking event were guests from the media, advertising industry, restaurant and bar owners, artists and business executives. Attendees were treated to Jack Daniels, Skyy Vodka and Amarula provided by Premier Wine and Spirits.

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