Chef Benny (pictured in bottom left photo), an ex-convict himself, mainly hires and trains those with conviction backgrounds in an effort to give them a second chance to live a good, happy life
Orchard’s Cineleisure houses Eighteen Chef’s third outlet and this was the venue for yet another fun-filled culinary adventure. Nine OpenRicers were present for this particular Food Tasting session led by chef-owner Benny Se Teo.
Known as Uncle Benny to many, the charismatic chef is a firm believer of second chances as he hires and trains mainly ex-convicts and troubled youths (some with zero culinary skills) to work in his kitchen. As an ex-convict himself, Chef Benny believes that positive social reintegration is crucial for folks like him and his beliefs and actions are nothing but inspiring.
Clockwise from top left: French Loaf with Roasted Garlic Confit, Heart Attack Fried Rice, Salmon Fillet in Orange Butter, Dory with Lemon Caper Sauce, Cheesy Snack Platter
With eight dishes on the tasting menu (plus a few extra special orders here and there), the only problem our OpenRicers had was finding space in their stomachs for so much food! For starters, the foodies had the French Loaf with Roasted Garlic Confit ($4.80) – a must-try for all garlic lovers!
Moving on to the mains, there was the healthy Salmon Fillet in Orange Butter ($15.80), the buttery Dory with Lemon Caper Sauce ($12.80) and the “star of the show”, the Heart Attack Fried Rice ($28.80). Loaded with 400 grams of New York strip beef and served with butter garlic fried rice, this sinful creation is good for two and is as awesome as it looks.
After the hearty mains, there was the Cheesy Snack Platter ($14.90) to share. A crazy combination of chicken nuggets, fish nuggets, onion rings and calamari with a cheese fondue dip, was this the ultimate pre-dessert choice to whet the appetite? Definitely!
Clockwise from main centre image: Just Chocolate in a Jar, Raspberries & Vanilla Ice Cream Waffle, Black Beauty
For desserts, it was pure sugar rush as our OpenRicers were presented with not one, but three different kinds of sweet treats – starting with the chocolate brownie, Black Beauty ($4.90), followed by the Raspberries & Vanilla Ice Cream Waffle ($7.50) and finally the colourful M&M-sprinkled Just Chocolate in a Jar ($5.90).
For more juicy details and expert foodie opinions, read the OpenRicers’ reviews here!
Good food makes everyone happy, don’t you think?
Needless to say, our OpenRicers were left satisfied and of course, incredibly full – all thanks to Chef Benny and his amazing team behind Eighteen Chefs!
Interested to join us for a fun time at upcoming Food Tastings? Simply fill up this form and you may be the next one to get invited to a FREE food tasting session with us:
