Introducing our ANZA Soccer Sponsors

Oct 5 2020

“This season, ANZA Soccer extends a heartfelt thank you to our returning sponsors: Canadian International School, Carey Olsen, Expat Dental and The King’s School,” says Keith Thorn. “We are also delighted to welcome on board Edge Healthcare, Interactive Brokers, MUFG Investor Services, and Esteem Performance. These companies have stepped up to help ANZA Soccer continue providing the soccer programmes our kids love, while meeting the extra requirements imposed by COVID-19.”

Canadian International School (CIS), sponsoring the Gordons
“ANZA Soccer has a strong reputation amongst the expat community. We recognised it as an excellent opportunity to generate brand awareness of the school amongst expat parents.” – Sheena King, Marketing Manager
The Canadian International School caters to students aged 2-18 across two campuses- Lakeside in the west and Tanjong Katong in the east. CIS welcomes students from over 70 nations and is one of the few schools in Singapore to offer all three IB programmes: Primary Years, Middle Years and IB.
cis.edu.sg

Carey Olsen, sponsoring our coaches
“Local friends recommended that one of the first things that we should do upon arrival in Singapore in 2016 is enrol our two eldest boys (Tom and Matt) in the ANZA Soccer Saturday Club League. We liked that it was fun, social and run by volunteer parents, and that there were also opportunities for kids to develop more competitive skills in the Sunday Competition League. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed playing in both ANZA Soccer leagues and we’ve made some long-lasting family friendships with ANZA coaches, players, team managers and group coordinators, who each work so hard to make ANZA’s Soccer programme the tremendous success that it is.
It’s one of our priorities at Carey Olsen to give back to the communities in which we are based and so we are delighted to be offering our continued support to ANZA Soccer, one that my own family has a personal affiliation with. ANZA have established a fantastic social community and coaching programme that has become hugely popular with both junior players and parents in Singapore. We look forward to supporting ANZA Soccer in the years to come and see the ANZA leagues go from strength to strength.”
– Anthony McKenzie, Managing Partner
Carey Olsen is now in its third season of sponsoring the ANZA Soccer coaches, both parent and professional. Carey Olsen are one of the largest offshore law firms in Singapore with a ‘full service’ offering of banking and finance, corporate, investment funds, dispute resolution, litigation restructuring and insolvency services.
careyolsen.com

Edge Healthcare, sponsoring the Sailors
“One of our rockstar physios has been involved in ANZA Soccer on a volunteer basis for years. She told us about the fantastic community spirit, exemplary values, and quality coaching at ANZA soccer, and we couldn’t wait to be involved. We look forward to the journey and embracing the ‘kampung spirit’ that we feel both Edge Healthcare and ANZA soccer share!” – Joseph Harrison, Lead Physiotherapist / Director
Edge Healthcare provides physiotherapy, osteopathy and naturopathy services in Singapore. One of its core values is ‘quality not quantity’. The expertise of its small, experienced team allows it to specialise in children, adults, pre/post-natal and newborn care, and care for amateur and high-level athletes. Edge Healthcare aims to help all family members, and they want to extend that approach to the whole ANZA family as well.
edgehealthcare.com.sg

Expat Dental, sponsoring the Matildas
“A sponsor since 2017, Expat Dental feels it’s important to support girls in any field of sport. The healthy active lifestyle promoted by ANZA allows children to grow and learn skills, not just for physical, but for mental and emotional development too. We see ANZA as one of the premier social and community organisations for all nationalities. We are delighted to have the Matildas developing as a team, and we are very proud to put our logo on the team shirts.” – Lydia Astill, Marketing Manager
Expat Dental are a team of oral care professionals who value community and active family life. Whether you visit Expat Dental at its Novena location or its recently opened Raffles Place clinic, the focus is always on high-quality care, comfort and convenience. Dr. Shaun, Director of Expat Dental and a soccer parent, notes; “I have been blown away by the professionalism and organisation displayed by ANZA Soccer. The fact that so many volunteers commit to it week on week, year on year is inspiring. ANZA Soccer has a reputation for being the ‘go to’ youth soccer league and this is so rightly deserved.”
expatdental.com

Interactive Brokers, sponsoring our Competition Teams
“Interactive Brokers have just opened an office in Singapore and are pleased that our first sponsorship is with the ANZA Soccer Competition League. Many of the families in the program are clients of Interactive Brokers and we are happy to support them, and youth sports in Singapore. I’ve heard great things from close friends who have been very dedicated and involved with the league for many years. Now that we are in Singapore we are excited to be able to engage with the ANZA Soccer community.” – David Friedland, Interactive Brokers.
We welcome Interactive Brokers, a new sponsor this year for our competition teams at all age levels. Interactive Brokers is the world’s largest online broker, with capital of over US$8 billion. The firm offers a low-cost trading platform to invest globally in stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and funds. Interactive Brokers has just opened their new offices in Singapore and looks forward to partnering with ANZA Soccer to support its competition team programme.interactivebrokers.com

The King’s School, sponsoring the Warriors
“We were visiting our King’s community in Singapore and there were several families also involved with ANZA. Our partnership with ANZA Soccer is very positive. It extends our involvement with our own community in Singapore and supports them in a very practical way. More Australian and New Zealand expats are reaching out to get to know us and we are exploring ways of helping those families consider their education choices.” – Michelle Petrovic, Marketing Manager
The King’s School, currently in its second season as the Warriors’ sponsor, is Australia’s oldest independent school and enjoys a peaceful setting in the heart of Sydney. The King’s School offers education to boys from Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 12. A Christian community, King’s is also proudly one of the largest boarding schools in Australia with unique links to the rural sector, along with a significant enrolment from the city as dayboys and weekly boarders.
kings.edu.au

MUFG Investor Services, sponsor of the U4 through U7 programme and the Gunners
“Part of our company ethos is to support the communities we operate in and we feel ANZA is a great organisation to carry our brand. I joined ANZA Soccer last year having tried a couple of other academies. I could not be happier with the setup. It’s professional, yet community-based, a great place for parents to meet new people and for kids to enjoy themselves.” — Paddy Kirwan, Managing Director
We welcome MUFG Investor Services, new sponsors this season of the U4-U7 programme and of the U8–U17 Gunners. MUFG provides administration and finance services to alternative investment managers globally. The company prides itself on having the best technology and people in the industry, and, as part of the fifth largest bank in the world, offers a diverse range of services to its clients.
mufg-investorservices.com

Esteem Performance, sponsoring the Vikings
“We are honoured to play a part towards the ANZA community as we understand the challenges you face in Singapore. We also support the growth and development of your future generation as we believe in building a long-lasting relationship through multiple generations. With this engagement, we hope it will bring satisfaction and smiles to every members’ faces while enjoying every moment during their time in the community.” – Coleen Kwok, Company Director

Esteem Performance in Sin Ming offers a one-stop auto service, importing and dealing new and used cars from all over the world, and offering leased cars for short or long term use. They also offer the highest standards of repair and services for their customers. Their staff are experienced mechanics, committed to continued training in order to stay in touch with the latest auto industry technologies. esteemperformance.com

Maxnerve TravTrek
“We connected to the ANZA Soccer community through Head Coach Yakob Hashim, a close buddy of mine. It’s an awesome feeling to be part of ANZA Soccer, and we are proud to offer our support. We would like to extend our services to ANZA so that members of all ages can benefit from the programmes and products that we offer.” – Noor Hassan, Maxnerve Travtrek Consultant
Maxnerve offers teambuilding for corporates, and custom-made outdoor activities, including fitness and mountaineering trips, essential travel equipment, bicycle sales, recreational and educational programmes.
facebook.com/travtrek

Hotspots: P.S Cafe Great World & Greenwood Fish Market

Sep 30 2020

PS.Cafe at Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade, #01-155, 237994
pscafe.com/pscafe-great-world

PS.Cafe has settled into a leafy, spacious setting in the newly refurbished Great World mall. We take a seat next to the impressive, lush green wall that anchors the chic interior, and peruse the extensive menu. We’ve tried PS.Cafe’s famous truffle fries, pizzas and pastas and instead decide to journey down this outlet’s exclusive “Spice Route” – a series of dishes that incorporate house-blended Indian spices and herbs. To kick things off we order summery, refreshing Rosé & Berries cocktails – a light wine, laced with rose buds, mixed berries, fruits and a spitz of lemon soda.

The Spiced Biryani Salad ($26) arrives first – a bright, colourful bowl of basmati rice, whipped goat’s curd, pumpkin, pomegranate, cauliflower, raisins, cashews, spinach, and honey masala vinaigrette. The hearty, moreish Impossible Bombay Koftas ($28) are a good match for the fresh salad. Plant-based Middle Eastern meatballs are paired with cauliflower and potato hash, and a tomato, cucumber and mint garnish. Masala Roast Chicken ($33) is the café’s modern take on the traditional Indian dish. The half chicken is first marinated and sous-vide, before being roasted. The result is succulent white meat, with a side of spinach saag and creamy, buttery potato mash.

PS.Cafe is also known for its tempting desserts, so we leave room for the Giant Eclairs ($9), available in three different flavours: lemon and passionfruit, dark chocolate and nougat, and espresso. We choose lemon and chocolate. Encased in a fluffy, oversized pastry log, the chocolate mousse filling is rich and decadent, while the lemon and passionfruit is light and tangy. It’s a struggle to finish them both, but we do try!

Verdict: Lovely service, a garden inspired setting and delicious, innovative spice dishes make for an excellent lunch outing.

Greenwood Fish Market @ Asian Cuisine
31 Ocean Way, #01-03, Quayside Isle, Sentosa
greenwoodfishmarket.com

Greenwood Fish Market opened its first Japanese and Asian-style restaurant in March this year. Appropriately located alongside the tranquil yacht marina at Quayside Isle, Sentosa, there is alfresco seating for diners, with gentle breezes wafting along the open terrace.
Coldwater seafood, flown in three times weekly, is elevated into delicious creations. Japanese-trained sushi chefs prepare California roll (crabmeat, avocado, cucumber, shrimp roe), dragon roll (eel, avocado, seasoning) and spider roll (soft-shell crab, avocado, cucumber), alongside other sushi and sashimi.
Grilled crab cake onigiri is recommended for its full flavour, as is cold noodle somen for its al dente texture. Try Boston lobster chee cheong fun, various maki and don, hot or cold salmon, barramundi, oysters, Hokkaido scallops, Manila clams and Japanese goldline snapper, among other dishes. Meat is available for those who prefer, including Korean-style fried chicken, plus a child-friendly menu. Take-away favourites are also available.
Flaming Poppy is the catchy name of the restaurant’s plush lounge-bar specialising in sake and gin.

Verdict: Enjoy open-air seating, fresh seafood and creative tipples in a serene, family-friendly resort setting

Singapore’s Cult Foods

Sep 30 2020

Vijay Pillai found his way into the food industry after realising he wasn’t cut out for the finance game. “I started off in the finance industry after graduation, worked for about 1-2 years, before I realised I wasn’t meant for it,” he says. In 2013, Vijay went from dollars and cents to flour and sugar, introducing Singapore to New York pastry store, Lady M, and its world famous paper-thin crepe stacks. His company, Caerus Holding, which began as a wine distribution company, gambled on diversifying their portfolio and hit on a winner. “Today we have five Lady M cake boutiques located at Orchard Central, South Beach Avenue, Scotts Square, Westgate and Jewel Changi Airport,” says Vijay.
The company didn’t stop there – bringing more buzzed about foods to the island – including LA soft serve specialist Little Damage and more recently Leckerbaer, a specialty pastry brand from Copenhagen and Luke’s Lobster, famed for their Maine-style slightly chilled lobster rolls from New York. “I don’t really see ourselves as specialising in cult food brands,” says Vijay. “We are a lifestyle company that brings unique experiences and brands from around the world to the local market.”

Leckerbaer, a specialty pastry brand from Copenhagen

Trend spotting
Based in Singapore, Vijay says his eye for unique food experiences stems from a love of eating and travelling. “As a frequent traveller, I’m quite particular about where I eat and sleep,” he admits. “I’ll usually do research prior to departing and make restaurant reservations – including back-up ones. This quirk has allowed me to tap into the foodie psyche of the locals and from there, I get a sense of the brands that could potentially excite Singaporeans’ palates.”
So, what makes one soft serve or speciality treat stand out from the rest? “Uniqueness and quality aside, the brand needs to be relevant to local tastes,” says Vijay. “There has to be potential for expansion, both locally and regionally, before we take the plunge.” And then there’s the ‘Insta-Factor’ – how good a food looks on camera. “It’s extremely important,” says Vijay. “Humans are very much visual creatures – we get drawn to beautiful things – including food.”
Vijay is aware that new food recommendations are likely to be delivered via our phones or tablets. “Nowadays, consumers are more likely to learn about a new brand or food through their friend or favourite influencer via social media,” says Vijay. “That first impression makes the brand. The colours, how we plate the product, it all adds up to whether it’s deemed Insta-Worthy enough. The more visually appealing our product is, the more likely our customer is going to snap a picture and post it on the ‘gram, which is more exposure for the brand!”

Dining details
From the fit-out of the restaurant, to the taste of the product – all the small dining details count. “We had to ensure we were able to give our customers the same experience as going to Lady M in New York,” explains Vijay. “Product quality and re-creating the entire experience was of utmost importance.”

Vijay’s latest venture, Leckerbaer, recreates the cosy, warm atmosphere of the original bakery in Copenhagen, where Vijay first tasted the cookies. “Leckerbaer offers Singaporeans a taste of the Nordic experience,” says Vijay. “It also brings about a sense of nostalgia – many of us ate the classic Danish butter cookies with their blue metal tins as kids, but this product is brought up to date with current times and trends. Through Leckerbaer, we want to also convey what we call “Hygge life”, which is the concept of enjoying life’s simple pleasures.”

Lobster with a difference
Lobster rolls are not a new trend, but Vijay saw something special in Luke’s Lobster, which has perfected its dish of lobster chunks in a toasted buttered bun with mayonnaise, lemon butter, and a secret seasoning blend. “What attracted us to Luke’s Lobster is how they’ve invested fully in their supply chain from start to end,” says Vijay. “Which meant that we’d be getting a constant supply of quality products, giving us confidence to invest in the brand.”
Luke’s Lobster was built on core values of traceable, sustainable seafood, and working directly with fishermen. It’s a concept that resonates with today’s more mindful customer. “Today’s diners want to know where the food they eat comes from, and how it is treated,” says Vijay. “All that paired with the popularity of the brand in New York and Japan – foodie capitals of the world – makes us confident that Luke’s Lobster will be a welcome addition to our city’s foodscape.”
Like many in the F&B industry, 2020 has presented challenges for Vijay and his team, but it’s pushed them to be more creative. “Recent times have indeed proven to be challenging for the business, but it has also made us more nimble. We had to quickly adapt to remain relevant and accessible to our customers.”

Luke’s Lobster, #01-K4, Isetan Shaw House, 350 Orchard Rd
Leckerbaer, #01-K2 & #01-K3, Isetan Shaw House, 350 Orchard Rd
leckerbaer.sg
Lady M, Orchard Central, South Beach Avenue, Scotts Square, Westgate and Jewel Changi Airport
ladym.com.sg

Vijay’s Faves
Food that reminds you of home? Nasi Lemak
Favourite Bar? Manhattan Bar
Favourite Singapore restaurant? It really depends on my mood, but I frequent Cut, Jade Palace, Aoki, Shabu Gen and lately, it’s been Thevar.
Favourite hawker dish? Prawn Mee

Meet the Team: Joint Sports Coordinator Sommer Dunham

Sep 29 2020

Current role: Semi-retired lawyer and mum to two very active kids.

Years in Singapore: 7

Why did you want to join the ANZA Exec? My children benefit from partaking in ANZA sports; Netball, Athletics and Soccer specifically. As a beneficiary of the hard work of ANZA volunteers I’m keen to give back and help ANZA grow.

What skills or experience do you bring to the committee? My background is in law and compliance with experience in risk and change management. I also sat on a not for profit educational board while living in Hong Kong. My strength lies in organising and pushing projects to completion.

For more info on ANZA’s Executive Comittee roles go to anza.org.sg/executive-committee-positions

How to Lease a Car in Singapore

Sep 28 2020

Sponsored Content

There’s nothing like the convenience of having your own wheels in Singapore.

“We aim to provide quality services at affordable and reasonable prices, says Company Director Coleen Kwok. “We pride ourselves on providing top products, with exceptional customer and after-sales service. We put our clients’ interests ahead of all else and committed to building lasting, meaningful relationships with them.”

Coleen answers more questions about driving a car in Singapore and the benefits of leasing over buying…

1. Why are cars so expensive in Singapore?

Because Singapore is a small country, the government has created policies to control the number of cars on the roads. They introduced a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which gives you the right to own and use a vehicle in Singapore, plus taxes and other costs to drivers.

2. What are the benefits of leasing a car versus buying a car?

The person who leases the car will not have to bear the cost of owning a car like maintenance, insurance, tax etc. They will also not have the trouble and headache of solving issues like breakdown or accident claims. They can also have a specific term contract, depending on their usage, so they’re not stuck with the car for a long period of time.

3. Is it expensive to lease a car?

This really depends on the car’s age and type. The leasing company also needs to factor in all other expenses to own the car.

4. What’s the minimum amount of time you can lease a car in Singapore?

A month or even shorter on special request.

5. What happens if it breaks down or you have an accident?

The leasing company will take care of the vehicle. We have our own breakdown support team to do this for instance.

6. How can I lease a car in Singapore?

For Esteem Performance, you can contact us through walk-in, online or calling. After which, we will check on your profile. If approved, you can choose to collect the car in our showroom or we can send it over to you.

7. What sort of cars can I lease?

It all depends on your budget. You can lease all types of vehicles (SUV, Sedan etc.) and makes, from Japanese to European. As Singapore pricing is high, the more popular cars are Japanese made.

ANZA Member Benefit

If you currently have a vehicle, Esteem Performance are offering a special discount to ANZA members from their auto service department:

First-time service fee $88 (normally $118) for Japanese cars
$128 to $148 for continental cars; plus
15% off parts when ANZA Members show their membership card.

Discover more at the Esteem Perfomance website.

Missing Travel? Tips for Itchy Feet!

Sep 28 2020

No leisure travel for 2020. Although understandable, the announcement that globe-trotting is off-limits until next year is likely to have hit hard for many eager travellers. Let’s face it: easy and exciting travel is one of the benefits of living on this Little Red Dot. Without the ability to scoot off for a quick getaway, many ANZA members may be yearning for a sense of adventure, expansion and change. Thankfully, there are ways we can each mitigate the boredom or resistance that comes from being island-bound:

1. Ignite your sense of curiosity and wonder at home
We can easily become blasé about even the most wondrous sights and experiences here. However, with a little effort, it is possible to rekindle a sense of awe and excitement in your own backyard. Seek out culturally diverse neighbourhoods, eateries and events; visit unfamiliar corners of the city; search for natural or cultural wonders on the island; revisit places you haven’t seen in a while. The trick is to view Singapore with fresh eyes and reinvigorate a sense of wonder at the sights, sounds, smells and people that share your home space. Post your experiences on social media and allow others to experience the wonders and secrets of this island through your fresh perspective.

2. Aim for ‘well’ instead of ‘wow’
As invigorating as it can feel to venture into your discomfort zone, it’s incredibly beneficial for your wellbeing to also seek out destinations and activities that promote calm, nourishment and relaxation. Being in natural spaces improves a multitude of physical and cognitive processes, including lowering stress hormones, and slowing our heart rate. So, why not seek out the more remote areas of Singapore that are teeming with nature, such as MacRitchie, Sungei Buloh and Pulau Ubin? It’s okay to allow yourself to slow down in this uncertain time. Our modern world is based on the concept of constant doing and action. However, there is a desperate need for us to do “nothing” on occasion.

3. Slow down.

Try finding domestic locations that allow you to slow down, like a reflexology session in Chinatown, a day trip to Sentosa’s beaches, or a relaxing family picnic in Gardens by the Bay. While seasoned travellers yearn for adventure, many local businesses are struggling without the much-needed tourist dollar. By choosing to become an eager local adventurer, we can lift our own spirits and support our local business owners – the perfect win-win situation.

Kim Forrester is a holistic wellbeing author, consultant and educator.
kimforrester.net

ANZA Racing Teams are Go!

Sep 25 2020

ANZA Cycling has a long history of racing in Singapore, dating back to 2002. Over the years our cyclists have raced in triathlon, road and mountain bike disciplines and we are honoured to include Steven “The Wongster” Wong, the reigning Veteran Singapore National Champion, among our members. The club is probably best known, however, for its friendly atmosphere, social activities and events, and broad riding membership base.
In 2020, ANZA Cycling has taken the opportunity to mobilise formal men’s and women’s road racing teams in various divisions (Veterans, Masters, Supermasters, Open), to complement the existing and successful ANZA-affiliated Elite men’s division, currently known as the ‘Allied WorldTreknology3’ team.
Mid global pandemic might seem like an odd time to assemble racing teams, given the closed borders and lack of events on the near-term calendar. However, the Circuit Breaker has given us time to take stock and renew our focus on fitness. This, coupled with ANZA Cycling’s recent racing success, including five podiums in Supermasters at the 2019 Tour de Kepri and podiums in both the Women’s and Men’s divisions at the Cycosports Tour de Phuket in March 2020, saw a good number of club members fired up and inspired to train for competition.
Under the current Circuit Breaker Phase Two regulations, ANZA Racing teams are organised into designated ‘Max5’ groups, which means we can support and encourage each other and build a stronger presence, ready for the resurgence of the growing Singapore road racing scene.

The broader objectives of ANZA Cycling Racing teams are to:
– Proudly represent our club
– Be a strong addition to and presence in the Singapore race scene
– Race as a team and support our ANZA Cycling teammates
– Provide a pathway for riders to break into racing and become stronger on the bike
– Be shining examples in upholding the Club’s ‘Code of Conduct’

The men’s team is organised by Jock Hughson and the women’s team by Stephanie Lim, and overseen by the ANZA Cycling Road Director, Chris Bloch. We have already recruited a core group of riders with varying race experience and are on the lookout for more interested members. Even though racing is on pause right now due to COVID-19, expect to hear more from us in the future!
We encourage all ANZA Cycling members who are keen to become involved with ANZA Racing teams to contact us at racing@anzacycling.com to find out what it takes to join and how to get involved.

Meet the Team: ANZA Joint Sports Coordinator Marnie Watson

Sep 22 2020

Current role: CEO Pathways, UP Education

Years in Singapore: 8

Why did you want to join the ANZA Exec? I love being involved in events which foster a welcoming environment and help people find networks. As I have relocated multiple times in Asia over the last 20 years, I understand the positive and powerful impact a warm community welcome can make to the expat experience.

What would you like to achieve for ANZA? I look forward to providing more support to the amazing ANZA office team and continue raising the profile of ANZA to gain increased membership and volunteers for our groups.

For more info on ANZA’s Executive Comittee roles go to anza.org.sg/executive-committee-positions

How to Insure your Jewellery & Valuables

Sep 21 2020

Sponsored Content

Whether it’s a wedding ring, a luxury handbag, or a family heirloom, everyone has prized possessions. Often, their value is more symbolic than financial. For example, it’s the memory of a surprise proposal at your favorite restaurant or a gorgeous painting you fell in love with at first sight. It’s natural to want to protect these valuable possessions and safeguard them against losses or damage. The experts at Pacific Prime Singapore offer some tips on jewellery and valuable insurance options in Singapore and beyond.

What does jewellery insurance cover?

Jewellery insurance, such as the Jewel Plus policy from Pacific Prime Singapore and Chubb Singapore, protects your treasures from a variety of losses, including;

All-inclusive coverage: From gemstones to watches to sculptures, jewellery insurance covers a wide spectrum of valuables.
‘All risks’ coverage: Protects you against thefts, losses, damages, disappearances, fire, and natural disasters.
Worldwide coverage: Misplaced your necklace on a trip to France? You’re covered.
Coverage for new items: Shop to your heart’s content knowing that whatever new piece you buy will be automatically covered up to 25% of the sum insured.
High replacement value: Replacement value covered is up to 125% of jewellery value.
Sets and pairs coverage: Lost only one item in a set? You’ll get full coverage anyway.

How to evaluate and insure jewellery

Your premiums depend on your valuables. Usually, an insurer will ask you for the estimate or appraisal of your items. You may need to hire a specialist to evaluate family heirlooms and art pieces. Alternatively, you can provide purchase invoices to determine the insurable value. Don’t have any of these available? Jewel Plus offers a free appraisal through its partners.

Secure jewellery insurance with a trusted insurance broker

Reputable insurance brokers, such as Pacific Prime Singapore offer a free, personalised quote. Feel free to contact them for impartial advice, and answers to any insurance questions you have. Jewel Plus is also exclusively distributed by Pacific Prime. Interested to learn more? Check out their guide to jewellery insurance.

Aside from jewellery insurance, they also offer a wide variety of insurance products, such as private health insurance, and business insurance.

Chef interview: Oliver-Truesdale Jutras, OFC

Sep 21 2020

What drew you to Singapore?
My partner Phoebe (who is also in the kitchen at OFC) and I have always dreamed of having a garden/farm located on restaurant grounds. Cynthia Chua, founder of Spa Esprit Group, came to eat at a pop-up we were running in France and we got to chatting. Long story short and a few flights later, we loved the spot which had a lot of untapped potential. Here we are, three years later.

What does your current role involve?
The core of my work involves interpreting and executing the concept of the restaurant, which is to provide a vision of what food could look like if it was responsibly curated. The most important part of my role has been reaching out to a diverse array of local suppliers for interesting products, and connecting with the most responsible international operations for a supply of ethical products to fill any gaps. We also try to interpret traditional ingredients in innovative ways and offer a new take on what it means to be a sustainable restaurant. We’re not fully there yet, but incremental improvements all the time is the only way to achieve something resembling sustainability in the long run.

Where did you learn to cook?
My father is a retired chef and my mother is an accomplished vegetarian cook. I didn’t necessarily train with them but there was always interesting food around and after I broke out of my youthful fussy palate there was plenty to keep me engaged. Formally, my culinary education was at The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts on Granville Island in Vancouver. I am also a voracious reader of cookbooks, so the learning doesn’t ever really finish.

What do you offer at OFC?
A unique blend of food that is creative, responsibly sourced, and tasty. We have positive collaborations with responsible farms; we support a few organic farms within Singapore and many more in Southeast Asia. And we have committed to have any meats we import be carbon neutral, which is a huge step in footprint reduction. Protein sources tend to be the highest impact goods that restaurants deal in, so it’s a massive move towards sustainability just to commit to that. We also support local fish farmers and crustacean suppliers to keep the local economy vibrant and we’re trying to encourage them to do their best in terms of responsible farming as well.

How did COVID-19 impact OFC?
Like many others, we went to a delivery system. But we also wanted to support and promote local farms, so we set up a small grocery. Initially at OFC, but we expanded for a short time to Tiong Bahru Bakery’s Eng Hoon flagship for a wider audience. We were very lucky to have people coming out to support the grocery, buying pasta kits, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) bags, and our homemade pickles. It was really an honour to feel the genuine care and warmth so many people had for the restaurant.

How has the past year affected you personally?
Personally, it was morale. My team was great, stalwart and loyal, but I really suffered from not having people in the restaurant. I feed off the energy of having people in the restaurant and I think a big part of the reason I’m in hospitality is because of the direct engagement I have with guests. My team and Phoebe were amazing at keeping my spirits up. I focused a lot on eating healthy food and lost some weight that I’ve been struggling to jettison with my day-to-day chef lifestyle. I hit the books again, which I haven’t done for a few years, and we conceptualised a lot of things for the future here at OFC which we’re very excited about.

What’s next?
We are hoping to keep forging ahead with plans for an in-soil farm beside the restaurant and to engage our guests even more deeply on the concept of getting to know your food.

openfarmcommunity.com
shop.openfarmcommunity.com

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