Chef Raymond, Master Chef – Asian at By The Mekong brings with him over 28 years of rich culinary experience.

As a young lad, Chef Raymond spent time listening to his father’s sage advice on following his passion of travelling the world.  Hospitality was the perfect backdrop and he started his career as a chef at the tender age of 16, working towards his passion.  At age 20, Raymond got his opportunity to start his ambition of seeing the world as he took up his first-ever international role in Brunei.  There was no looking back for him.  He spent the next two decades living his dream, traveling and honing his skill with each role.

With his South East Asian roots, Chef Raymond trained in Asian cuisine, specializing in Asian, a cuisine that is a favorite in India.  He observed his mother keenly in the early years of his career, a role model who created delicious and authentic meals for the family and a de facto cost controller of the kitchen.  Her training and input proved invaluable as he moved up in his career over the years.

He started his career with stand-alone restaurants where he got opportunities beyond the realm of culinary.  English, a much-needed language for global travel, was his focus as he embarked on a role with Dragon Palace Restaurant in Mauritius.  This appointment changed his course as he was given charge of the venue at the age of 25 and the opportunity to learn spoken English which he mastered in no time.  Soon he moved up the ladder, adding to his experience, the chance of helming venues in leading hotels like Radisson, Conrad, and Novotel.  He also fulfilled his zest for travel with a ten-year stint with Star Cruises, as he continued keeping up with the latest global food trends.  

Chef Raymond soon reached the Indian shores joining Hakkasan Group, consulting as Head Chef with a Pan India roll.  Post his stint here, he joined Marriott International’s Autograph Collection in Baku, Azerbaijan.  His prowess in Asian and Asian cuisine in his varied roles over the years soon led him to The St. Regis Mumbai, where he will lead the culinary team of the very popular specialty restaurant – By The Mekong.

With a gold medal award from The World Golden Chef Competition 2010 under his belt, Chef Raymond lives his life with simplicity and fortitude.   His mantra in his words is: “I enjoy working in the world of food and the satisfied smile of my guests after a hearty meal is my most precious reward.   I love to take on new challenges to explore the new and wear my chef whites with pride and joy.”

His sunny nature extends to his personal life as he joyfully curates and creates exotic and exquisite food for his family, hand-picking the ingredients over two days, much to the delight and satisfaction of his wife, daughter, and son.  He enjoys his downtime with a fitness regime of swimming and often regales his family with his songs rendered in Asian and Cantonese. 

ABOUT ST. REGIS HOTELS & RESORTS

Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, St. Regis is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at nearly 40 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by signature St. Regis Butler Service. The ultra-luxury brand is set to expand its legacy to 50 hotels by 2018. For more information and new openings, visitstregis.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®, in which members can link accounts with Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer.

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