In a quest to remain in Singapore as global borders closed, an American software developer named Jon Lu, who specialized in ice skating and spoke fluent English and Mandarin, discovered the city's exquisite culinary scene by visiting over 255 cafes, street vendors, and eateries -- 30 of them Michelin-starred with a combined 37 stars. Since the city had closed its restaurants for on-site dining and due to health reasons, Lou continued to indulge in gourmet food by ordering takeout twice a day from high-end establishments like Odette, embracing the challenge of securing hard-to-get reservations. His favorite Michelin-starred restaurants included Odette, Kimura Sushi, and Labyrinth, where he sampled local dishes with a sophisticated twist. To support local businesses, Lou even ordered takeout from Odette's in-room service and arranged for tableware and potted plants from the hotel. Despite experiencing eye problems, Lu embraced a healthier lifestyle, started running, and followed a cholesterol-friendly and heart-healthy diet. After two months, he was back to his normal health and resumed his gastronomic adventures in Singapore.
Revised and Rewritten Article:
Amidst the closing of global borders, Jon Lu, a 25-year-old American software developer who spoke fluent English and Mandarin, decided to stay in the vibrant city of Singapore. With a passion for ice-skating and having worked internationally, Lou chose Singapore because of its numerous opportunities for employment. Living in the bustling city, he often worked hard and practiced ice-skating four to five times a week, but equally enjoyed the city's diverse culinary scene.
During his astonishing year-long exploration, Lou and his fellow Americans visited over 255 cafes, street vendors, and eateries, which showcased an array of flavors and cuisines. Among them, 30 were Michelin-starred restaurants, earning a total of 37 stars. This gave them the opportunity to experience a variety of global culinary masterpieces and local delicacies.
However, due to the closure of restaurants for on-site dining and temporary health issues, Lou ingeniously arranged for takeout, even purchasing tableware and a small potted plant from the hotel to recreate the dining experience in his room. With an impressive list of Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from, Lou had the privilege of experiencing exceptional restaurants like the three-star Julien Royer's Odette, which offered exquisitely prepared, refined, and technically demanding dishes.
As a way to show support for local businesses, Lou enthusiastically ordered takeout from Odette's in-room service over a stretch of two months. Determined to indulge in fine dining despite the challenges, Lou understood the hardships during this period for these establishments and took pleasure in discovering new dining experiences.
One of his most cherished memories during the Singapore Lockdown was his visit to Labyrinth, a Michelin-starred restaurant that served refined versions of local dishes. Recognizing the importance of these experiences, Lou shared his gastronomic adventures on his Instagram account, providing valuable recommendations for travelers hoping to enjoy Singapore's culinary scene.
With a robust health recovery following a two-month diet and exercise regime, Lou rediscovered his love for the city’s finest restaurants, returning to his favorite Michelin-starred establishments like Sushi Kimura and Labyrinth. Testimony to Singapore's amazing diversity in choosing from a myriad of cuisines, Lou can now boast that he has enjoyed a top-notch dining experience daily, without growing tired of the choices.
Indeed, the variety of dishes and the quality of ingredients in Singapores bustling culinary scene remain unparalleled and continue to serve as an alluring appeal for food enthusiasts.
References:
[1] Cantwell, F. (2020, Aug 30). 255 restaurants, 37 Michelin stars: meet the Americans who ate in Singapore for a year. Edition.cnn.com. Retrieved from
