Former Progress Singapore Party CEC member Michael Chua has traded the heat of politics for the melting pots of the kitchen as he recently ventured into the F&B industry, with the opening of the Palms Bistro at the Mapletree Anson building in the Tanjong Pagar district.
The outlet has been in operation for about six weeks now, and it mainly caters to the working crowd in the area during lunch hour and provides a place to chill in the evening with their friends.
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But the switch in business was not in his original plan, as he was contemplating a move overseas, which was hindered by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“While waiting for the restrictions to ease in China, the opportunity came to explore the F&B line. In my earlier career I did something similar in the army cookhouse while I was in the Singapore Food Industry,” said Chua
The former Tanjong Pagar GRC candidate is not the first opposition politician to try his hand in this area, and he gained confidence from those around him to finally take the decision to commit himself to this new business.
“The reason why I took on this venture is because I was encouraged by friends looking to gather. I am also inspired by the example of Orange & Teal, which food and beverage establishment could be a place for people to share ideas,” shared the 56-year-old.
“We are building our presence here and offering a wider range of food and beverage. Some of the customers of the previous tenants came back and realised we had extended our operating hours to include dinner as well.”
The main favourite during lunchtime is the Palms Signature Nasi Lemak which includes rendang chicken alongside fluffy pandan coconut rice. Another dish that patrons should try is the Sous Vide Chicken, which is a chicken leg in mushroom sauce that comes with raisin butter rice. The weekday set lunch is available from 11am to 2.30pm.
The bistro is currently open from Monday to Saturday. The opening hours on the weekdays are 9am to 11pm and 9am to 3pm at the weekends.