In Australia they’ve got hats. In Europe the Michelin gives out stars. In Asia there’s a list. Well, a few lists actually (San Pellegrino’s 50 Best Restaurants is another one that separates the men from the boys, but that casts the net globally, not just in this region), but the Miele Guide is Asia’s big one.
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I wrote a bit about what happened last week, but now I’m back in Jakarta I’ve got a little more time to give you the lowdown.
Usually they opt for a lavish 4-course dinner for the big bash, which I was in the kitchen cooking for last year. Ingredients were a bit of a lucky dip as sponsors weren’t that generous, and I ended up with duck. We had enough duck for 350 guests, but at the last minute the final tally was increased to 550 seated for dinner. Talk about pulling a rabbit out of a hat. I have an inkling of how Jesus must have felt when he had that situation with the five loaves and the two fish to feed thousands. A little pressure in the kitchen is an understatement!
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This year was a very different affair. I got to be on the guests who just enjoyed things, while others faced the kitchen heat. Tamarind Hills in Singapore is quite the venue. I was late, as usual. The dress code was cocktail chic. I’m not sure how that plays out when most of the chefs are overweight and balding. (Oops, maybe that’s just me.) Luckily my wife Wati saved the day in a batik dress which really showed off her Indonesian heritage. She’s a keeper.
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Bali cleaned up this year, 3 restaurants in the Top 20. Chris Salans from Mozaic hit No. 6, while Doudou and Said from Metis made their entry onto the list at No. 19.
This year Sarong hit the list at No. 13, which was a five-place jump from last year. There’s no way it would have happened with out all of our friends, fans and loyal guests, so we were thrilled but also humbled. We have a brilliant team, from the army of chefs to the floor staff, who all work incredibly hard and are instrumental in making sure that Sarong hums with happy bellies night after after night.
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It’s always about the support you receive. I never forget that and I’m very thankful. So for everyone who’s been a part of that, who’s eaten with us at Sarong, come back again and again, and who took the time to vote (22,000 votes!) – a big shout out of gratitude.
Fingers crossed we can do it with E&O in Jakarta. Oh, did I mention that the new restaurant is called E&O? You heard it here first.
For the serious foodies, check out the list here: http://themieleguide.com/asias-top-20
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