W
e got up close and personal with Wong Man to talk about his career and lifestyle and see what he thinks about his life.
Wong Man, you are currently a signature chef of Conrad Macao, Cotai Central do you think what inspired you to be a chef? Do you have any secret to be a successful chef? I was first inspired to start cooking because one of my family member is a chef. I also once met a famous chef, and his cooking skills and personality really impressed me. I always keep trying to create new dishes that reflect the essence of Chinese food. I try to add some western cooking techniques while making the food, but also keep it simple. A signature dish I like the most is Steamed Egg White with Cristal Prawn and Bird’s Nest.
Can you please describe your personality and lifestyle? Do you think how the food you have created can represent your personality and lifestyle?
I have a simple life and love to spend time with my family. I also bring the same idea to Dynasty 8 – so I try to deliver original home cooking.
So, how do you relax after work? Do you think whether or not relaxation is important to your life? In what ways? I like to stay home, read a book, or watch TV food programs. I would love to see food presentation of the others; The plates are varied by number and mixing of colors and ingredients. This activity helps me develop my own cooking techniques. Well, relaxing is important for me, and normally I also spend some time meeting friends for ‘yum cha’ (a Chines style morning or afternoon tea that involves eating dim sum dishes).
Apart from cooking, do you like traveling? What sort of traveling do you like the most, luxury, adventure, or summer leisure? Mostly I go to different provinces of China to try various foods. It always inspires me to create new recipes for the restaurant.
Do you have any specific place you always love to visit? Is there any destination you have dreamt about for so long but never been yet? I always love to go back to visit Singapore, as I still have a lot of friends there. It seems lots of them happen to be great chefs. Singapore is really international. It represents a mix of East and West that I like. I have also dreamt about visiting Egypt though, just want to see the pyramids one day.
Can you give us and our readers certain suggestions about how to keep a balance between work and relaxation? I think reading, eating and sleeping is the best relaxing activity for everybody. However, we still have to be determined to succeed. As for me, I would live to become part of executive Chinese chef for one of Sands China Ltd.’s properties!
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1/12/13 11:07 AM