SINGAPORE — For as long as any food loving Singaporean can recall, Chef Sebastian Ng has been the man behind the enduring Restaurant Ember at Hotel 1929, one of hotelier-restaurateur Loh Lik Peng’s first successes in the food service business (he now has six boutique hotels and six restaurants in three major cosmopolitan cities under his Unlisted Collection group).

In a media release sent out today, Ng affirmed that he is ready, even “thrilled”, to take on new prospects. “Restaurant Ember has been a large part of my life and I am very fortunate to have amassed a loyal following of customers who appreciate my cooking,” he said. And after 12 years at the helm, he will be trading the sometimes inhibiting dictates of fine dining for something a little less formal — a fast-casual dining concept restaurant under the Unlisted Collection group.

“While Chef Sebastian’s name has been synonymous with Ember since it’s opening, we are excited to continue our partnership with a new project,” Loh added.

Taking over the reins at Restaurant Ember will be Chef Sufian Bin Zain who in the past decade held executive roles in the kitchens of prominent establishments like Iggy’s and Waku Ghin, where his skills in Asian-European cuisine were perfected. Suffice it to say, Chef Sufian is no stranger to delivering the goods when and where it matters most. His accomplishments include leading the two restaurants to clinch titles in prestigious rankings alongside the finest restaurants around the world.

During his stint as head chef, Iggy’s claimed 45th position in the 2008 S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants list, making it the only South-east Asian name to make the list. The Miele Guide also voted Iggy’s as Best Restaurant in Asia that same year.

“It is an honour to be given the opportunity to start a new venture with Restaurant Ember. I look forward to the journey … helming the kitchen with my own culinary direction while retaining the spirit and the current following of the well-loved restaurant,” he said.

Loh added: “Reaching the 10 year milestone two years ago, Ember has been a success story in providing consistency in dining experience and culinary excellence. We are confident that the arrival of Chef Sufian will ensure that the essence of Ember remains in years to come, assuring the same commitment to quality that the restaurant has provided for over a decade.”

Many of Ng’s dishes, such as the pan-seared Chilean sea bass with mushroom and smoked bacon ragout, have been on Ember’s menu since its inception. Further proof of the quality and consistency of Ng’s food can be found in his 12-hour cooked pork belly, which regulars feel is as good as it was when Ng first put it on the menu. Thankfully, those looking to savour a meal under his winning purview have until the end of April to do just that.

Restaurant Ember is located at Hotel 1929 (50 Keong Saik Street). Call 6347 1928 to make a reservation.