Chef X @ Clarke Quay Central is an initiative by Far East Organization that provides home-based chefs and private dining chefs with a sandbox to operate their own full-fledged commercial restaurant within Clarke Quay Central mall for four or eight weeks. From 26 April 2024, each resident chef will serve out of a professionally designed F&B space fitted with commercial-grade kitchen equipment, with a dining area that can accommodate up to 24 diners.

Apart from physical resources, resident chefs will be offered guidance. They can look forward to receiving advice and tips - from menu planning, food presentation and recipe refinements, to business and human resource management, from Chef Isaac Tan, Head of Culinary & Product Innovations for Commonwealth Concepts (CWC), the F&B joint venture between Commonwealth Capital and Far East Organization. An industry veteran who has led dining institutions such as Bedrock Bar & Grill since its inception in 2008, Chef Isaac Tan currently steers 12 distinct brands under the group, including Fat Cow, Kinki Restaurant + Bar, and The Marmalade Pantry.

Each resident chef, who will helm the restaurant for four or eight weeks, will showcase their culinary skills and individual styles, cooking at the unit for dine-in customers, with the option of takeaway. The current line-up will see a rotating roster of four home chefs, cuisines ranging from asian platters, to heartwarming food inspired by grandmother’s kitchen and Korean kimchi-based dishes, to Japanese bentos and a seven course omakase.

Our fourth chef is Cheeky Don®, operating from 9 November to 6 December 2024. We spoke to founder, Jacky, to find out more about his journey.

Cheeky Don®

 

Jacky discovered his passion for cooking in 2020 during the pandemic. While his marketing business struggled and was stuck at home with his in-laws, he decided to try his hand at zichar dishes.

Inspired by YouTube tutorials and his late mother-in-law's encouragement, Jacky started experimenting with recipes. His first dish, prawn paste chicken, sparked a lifelong love of cooking. He quickly found joy in learning new techniques, creating flavourful meals from scratch, and exploring cuisines from around the world.

Traveling being limited during the pandemic, Jacky used cooking as a way to virtually explore different cultures. He often went to great lengths to source authentic ingredients for international dishes, surprising his wife with new culinary adventures.

Influenced by renowned chefs and their cookbooks, he began to refine his skills and elevate his plating. Books like "Institut Paul Bocuse Gastronomique" and "The Flavour Bible" became his culinary guides.

Jacky is grateful to chefs who share their recipes, as their generosity allows aspiring cooks like him to learn and grow. Cooking has become more than just a hobby; it's a way for him to express creativity, connect with different cultures, and share delicious meals with loved ones.

Cheeky Don® will be offering their signature Donburis and more!

Complete your Donburi Set in four easy steps.

Step one, choose your Donburi. Take your pick from the Signature Cheeky Don®, Shogayaki (Ginger Pork Collar) Don or Happy Veggie Don. 

Step two, choose one Hot Side dish. Options includes Smoked King Oyster Mushrooms or Pan Seared Nagaimo (Mountain Yam) in Butter Shoyu.

Step three, choose one Cold Side dish. Options includes Zen Salad in Sichuan Vinegarette or Kinpira Renkon (Sesame Lotus Root).

Step four, add an optional Hot Beverage to complete the set. Choose from Chamomile Lemon Tea, Sobaca (Roasted Buckwheat Tea), Five Roses Rooibos Tea or Greek Mountain Flower Tea.

Enhance up your meal with Ala-carte options! 
Sides available include Smoked King Oyster Mushrooms, Pan Seared Nagaimo (Mountain Yam) in Butter Shoyu, Zen Salad in Sichuan Vinegarette and Kinpira Renkon (Sesame Lotus Root).

Sauces and condiments include Chimichurri Sauce, Ginger Shoyu Sauce, Japanese Bamboo Rice and Soup of the Day.

Dinning in as a family? Be sure to order from the Kid’s Menu (70% portion), choose from Signature Cheeky Don® or Happy Veggie Don!

Be sure to check out the Dessert & Beverages options by Cheeky Don® x Kichi Kocha™! All desserts are delicately handmade with precision and care. Kichi Kocha is a casual dessert and beverage sister brand of Cheeky Don.

Check out the food menu here and dessert & beverage menu here!

Operating hours:
11.30am to 8.30pm (last order 8pm)
Closed on Wednesday

Head down to Chef X @ Clarke Quay Central #03-103 today. 

 

Need directions to Chef X? Check our Instagram highlights!

Interested to join as a chef and be part of Chef X?
Chef X is currently fully lined-up for 2024. Stay tuned to this space for updates. Register your interest here.

 

Find out more about our past chefs below.

Wanting Kimchi

 

Royaleys Smoky Boat