- Justin Quek
Justin Quek (郭文秀,
pinyin : Guō Wénxìu) is aSingaporean chef based inShanghai . He was born on30 March 1962 in Singapore. His specialty is inFrench cuisine . He is Singapore's most internationally-known chef and the first Asian chef invited to participate in Lufthansa's Star Chefs program.Biography
Quek is
Teochew and his family business in the past was a fruit stall in Queen Street. His father passed away when he was seven. He has 11 other siblings and he attendedBroadrick Secondary School .cite web | title = Asia Horeca News | url = http://www.asiahoreca.com/ttd_bizEnterprise/Singlenews.aspx?DirID=45&rec_code=35776 | accessdate = 2007-12-31]Quek had always wanted to travel. After his
National Service in Singapore, at 20 years old, Quek managed to get a job as a steward. It was after two years as a seaman that lead him to his passion of cooking. ["Justin Quek: Passion & Inspiration", Justin Quek with Tan Su-Lyn, Bon Vivant Publishing Pte Ltd, 2006, Page 17]He then went on to learn the basics of cooking at the Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Center (SHATEC) for one year. After his graduation in 1986, Quek continued his culinary training at The Oriental's hotels in Bangkok and Singapore under chef Bertrand Langlet, who encouraged him to go to
France to further his training.In 1991, Quek used his life savings of $40,000, to travel to France to greatly improve his skills.
He returned to Singapore in 1992, taking the place of personal chef at the French Embassy, serving two
high commissioner s.cite web | title = Official Website | url = http://www.justinquek.com/ | accessdate = 2007-12-31]Quek then opened Les Amis at Shaw House, Singapore. In 2004, He left Les Amis to establish a new restaurant called La Petite Cuisine in
Taipei . He has since opened another French eatery La Platane, a fine-dining Chinese restaurant Villa du Lac and a restaurant named Fountain. All three are located atXintiandi ,Shanghai .Awards
* In 2001, Quek was conferred upon, the title of Best Chef of the Year at the inaugral World Gourmet Summit (WGS) Awards.
*In 2003 and 2004, Quek won the title of San Pellegrino Chef of the Year.
*In 2004, Quek received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 8th Annual New World Food and Wine Festival.
*In 2005, Quek received the at-sunrice GlobalChef Award.Personal life
Quek has a five year old son, named Julien.
References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
