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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