Tucked away in the Malaysian Ipoh tropical forest, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat's delectable restaurant, the Pomelo, is known for more than their signature: placing a fresh slice of fruit on every plate served to wake up your taste buds. The Pomelo - named after the famous Ipoh fruit - is also home to the innovative French chef Bruno Delamare.
An international chef
Chef Bruno Delamare is a well travelled and curious chef, inspired by different cultures and nature. From working in France, Belgium, England, Bahrain, Tunisia, and all the way to Malaysia, he has acquired all the right culinary exposure and tools to create wonderfully inspired and culturally rich dishes. His food has even gotten notable attention from the Michelin guide.
Bringing his philosophy of fresh, organic and top quality cuisine to the Pomelo, with themes of wellness of mind, body and soul, Chef Bruno continues this gastronomic journey to well-balanced and fresh meals at the Pomelo - tantalizing diners with delectable and mouth-wateringly healthy food.
Chef Bruno explains his culinary journey thus far, acquaints us with his daily routine at the Pomelo, and gives us a little preview of what he plans to do in his gastronomic future.
Why/How did you become a chef?
When growing up, my grandmother was a cook for Cordon Bleu training and
my mother was very conscious to healthy food intake and I practically
lived with good and healthy food and became equally passionate. I then
started when I was 15 years old as an apprentice in the 1 star Michelin
Restaurant. I took it from there and here I am.
How does your nationality and heritage influence your cooking?
I'm born French and I grew up in a family that enjoys good and healthy food.
A precious schedule
When and how do you start your day?
7 a.m. is wake up time, the newspapers being Le Monde and New York Times is a must to keep updated on what's happening around the globe. I have a fresh glass of orange juice while getting updated, followed by breakfast with the boys.
The best ingredients
Where do you go to shop for your ingredients? Describe your favourite locations.
Country Farm organics, classic fine foods and the local wet market, which is my favourite for all fresh ingredients. For all spices, I get them online from Terre Exotique, France. They provide top quality spices from all over the globe.
How do you choose the best ingredients for your cuisine?
It's got to be fresh, organic when possible and of top quality, especially meat, poultry and seafood.
What are your favourite ingredients?
Caviar, king crabs and foie gras.
What are the ingredients you prefer not to work with?
Processed ingredients and sauces. Instant food is all a ‘no no.'
Which flavour or ingredient have you most recently discovered?
Ginseng Roots.
Sweet, salty, sour, bitter, tart, spicy, or any other exotic flavour, what is your personal favourite flavour?
Spicy; it's an antidote.
Inspiration
What are your greatest inspirations when creating a menu?
My travel experience and my knowledge in gastronomic cuisine are the contributors.
Do you travel to find inspiration? Describe some of the best countries you have visited.
As above, Australia, stayed there for 9 months, enjoyed Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. In the Middle East, the Indian community inspired me with their cuisine, plus the local Middle Eastern cuisine. In London, I experienced constant new trends in cuisine and dining
Cooking at The Pomelo
Please describe the philosophy of your restaurant.
Spa Cuisine.
How many people work with you at the restaurant?
10
How does your restaurant team work together?
By having the same passion and understanding of fine healthy cuisine.
What is your signature dish?
Steamed Sea bass with forbidden rice, peas, ginger and macha green tea sauce which will be featured in our Christmas Menu.
What best describes your personality in a dish?
The spices, herbs and special secret touches that I cannot tell you, ‘it's a secret.'
What sort of flavors or themes do you value most in a dish?
Herbs and spices.... To attain the maximum benefits to stay healthy
naturally (versus from pills and medication). To set a healthy lifestyle
trend.
Future
Do you have any future projects, travels, dishes you wish to create, books you wish to write-or read, which you have planned?
To write a cooking book on healthy herbs and spices.
digitalcube
