Abu Dhabi Week spoke to chef de cuisine Benjamin Whatt of Quest at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers to find out what’s cooking.
How did you end up in the kitchen?
As a Singaporean I was fulfilling my compulsory military service, an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and at the time, was hoping to continue professionally. My father, however, was not pleased by the idea and put an end to that. My sister was attending a vocational college, so one day I went to visit and saw a culinary cooking course.
Tell us more about your food philosophy.
I want people to feel just as they might at the end of a great play or film, concert or exhibition. My dishes are a composition of drama, intrigue, comedy and fantasy on each plate, with plot and sub-plot. I want guests to remember what it was like to see things again through the eyes of a child, where imagination and interpretation sparkles and shines, innocence is rekindled and frolics in their minds and on their taste buds.
What is your favourite thing to cook and eat?
I really enjoy baking. I find it incredibly therapeutic. Eating wise I have to confess
to being partial to a great hamburger or nachos.
What’s the strangest request you’ve ever had from your diners?
I once received a marriage proposal from a dining guest, which took me by surprise. Naturally I refused as I’m already happily married but it was quite a surprise!
Your dishes are always inspired and unique. Where do you get your inspiration for them?
A lot of my inspiration actually comes from movies; the thrill one gets from having watched a movie that has moved or connected with me. Through food I try to replicate or reinterpret that emotion in a dish.
Sawaiba Khan
