In our previous feature of the Under Pressure series in late March, Kilo was on the lookout for participants longing to try their hand at being part of a professional kitchen.
Although the finale will now be held at Kilo Kallang instead of at Kilo Orchard as previously mentioned, we are pleased to announce that a contender has emerged for Kilo Under Pressure. This Thursday, on 5 May, amateur chef Oliver Budgen will helm the Kilo Kallang kitchen in whipping up a 4-course menu for guests, and he is already bracing himself for the challenge that is to come.
“My ultimate dream is to open a restaurant of my own, but I know that the abyss between a cook and a chef is vast, and many have failed by not appreciating this distinction as well as the commitment, passion and business acumen that a successful restaurant requires. I think the Kilo Under Pressure experience would be my chance to see if I really do have what it takes to make the leap into my own enterprise.” — Oliver Budgen
With no prior experience working in a professional kitchen — unless you count waiting tables as a student, or volunteering at a burrito stand for charity — Under Pressure will be a first for Oliver. Originally from London, Oliver used to work in the charity sector, and his current day job is in account management for a technology PR and Communications firm. He spends his free time developing his culinary techniques, and proclaims himself to be “pretty flashy” with his knife skills.
“I’ve been practicing rock and tap chopping since I was 14, and can now dice an onion in about 6 seconds — without crying!”
Cuisine-wise, Oliver grew up in a family of vegetarians and was taught to treat vegetables with as much respect as meat; this philosophy has clearly translated into his food as he presents us with stripped-down Mediterranean cuisine, inspired by Southern France, Southern Italy and Greece.
Oliver’s stint in the Kilo kitchen will get the ball rolling for a roster of 6 other chosen home cooks, with subsequent Under Pressure sessions scheduled to take place once every month from May onwards. Dubbed the ‘Lucky 7’, each chef, including Oliver, brings their own unique take and palate to the table, and each chef will meet with the pressure and heat of a professional kitchen for the very first time.
We can’t guarantee that it’ll always be smooth sailing, but we know there’s bound to be
lots of fun, a bit of drama, and plenty of good food and company. Come join the fun this Thursday!
Kilo Under Pressure
Thursday, 5th May 2016
Kilo Kallang, 66 Kampong Bugis, Level M,
Singapore 338987
SGD65++ per pax (4-course menu)
Reservations: Email | call 6467 3987 (after 430PM)
