Our Lalaland 4Ever: A Visit to EIGHTEEN CHEFS

After much deliberation we decided to visit somewhere beyond the usual makan places. 18 Chefs was the name Shirley suggested. Previously she had shared with me the story behind this set up.

The restaurant was started by Mr Benny Se Teo who had gone in and out of prison due to drug addiction in his younger years. Fortunately he was offered a second chance in a restaurant specially set up to hire ex-offenders. He held the position of executive chef. Being given a second chance in the society again, he is helping juvenile delinquents to re-integrate into society by equipping them with culinary skills and jobs in his humble restaurant whenever possible.

Se Teo eventually learnt about Fifteen, a restaurant set up by Jamie Oliver to help bring young peeps led astray back on track by teaching them culinary skills. Se Teo saw something he could identify with: making an purposeful effort in helping delinquents via a common set up in Singapore. So there he went, a one month stint with Fifteen. Culinary skills he learnt, but more importantly, it was how to successfully create an environment that encourages and enlighten young misled minds that they could be identify as chefs than gangsters.

The place is a cosy simple restaurant with an affordable menu. We arrived early evening with the restaurant half filled. Half an hour later the place was packed, we saw that there was good crowd of mainly students in their 15s to early 20s. Well.. since we were still not that far away from school, we opted for the student menu. Interestingly you get to mix and match your meal. 1. Pick a sauce 2. Pick the ingredients 3. Pick the additional toppings. Ta da! $6.50! But an additional topping will cost $1.5 to $3 (it comes with another free topping) So.. hehe we gave in to temptation plus in addition I ordered a soup so all in all a meal cost around $10. Well I chose 'red and white' as the sauce and scrambled egg, mushroom and fish as the ingredients. Shirley picked tangy tomatoe for sauce but what were the ingredients again?? Oops.. The lemon tea was good the soup? Its alright..

Not known as a refined eating place with extra fine dishes, I thought its still value for money and a refreshing concept. 4 thumbs up out of 5 I would say.