Ep 34: Shawn Chong (x3 Diageo World Class Malaysia Champion, Mixologist, Co-founder of Omakase + Appreciate & Bar Class Academy Asia)

Shawn Chong is one of Malaysia’s top mixologist, a three-time
Diageo World Class Malaysia champion, once listed as the No. 25
Bartender in the world and co-founder of Kuala Lumpur’s
pioneering speakeasy, Omakase + Appreciate. A speakeasy that was
listed in the Top 10 of Asia’s 50 Best Bars Award 2016. He is
also the founder of Bar Class Academy Asia. 





Today, Shawn shares why he decided to enter the F&B industry,
which led to him finding his calling as a bartender!





Highlights:


3:03: Having his first sip of alcohol at age… 5!

3:53: Moving back to Kuala Lumpur from France

5:07: When Shawn decided he wanted to enter the F&B
industry

8:30: Working in the fine dining restaurant at Hilton Kuala
Lumpur

11:50: How Shawn entered his first bartending competition

18:16: Why Shawn left Hilton KL for an independent restaurant

20:31: Opening Omakase + Appreciate - Kuala Lumpur’s very
first omakase bar

22:57: Being inspired by the 1920s Prohibition Era in America

25:13: Coming up with the omakase concept, and mixing their
Japanese/Western approaches

26:14: Changing the drinks menu every 6-8 weeks

28:05: The unique marketing tactics used by Omakase +
Appreciate

29:02: Inviting big-name guest bartenders

30:57: Mise en place

33:13: Reaching the global finals for the Diageo World
Champion competition for the second time

33:13: Winning the 10th spot of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2016

37:30: Finances

40:02: Deciding to close Omakase + Appreciate in December
2019

41:43: Starting Bar Class Academy Asia

42:23: Why Shawn’s endeavour in PJ failed

47:33: Best way to enter the bartending industry 






Show notes: https://www.sothisismywhy.com/34 





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