One-Michelin-starred Alma restaurant by Juan Amador to close on Aug 15
Alma by Juan Amador restaurant in Goodwood Park Hotel, when it first opened in 2015.
SINGAPORE – Just four days after Singapore's Michelin Guide ceremony, the one-Michelin-starred modern European restaurant Alma by Juan Amador has announced it is closing on Aug 15 via its electronic newsletter and social media accounts.
Rumours were already swirling during the ceremony on July 24, following talk over how
eight of 10 one-Michelin-starred restaurants had dropped off the guide because they had closed.
The eight are Art di Daniele Sperindio, Chef Kang's, Matera, Oshino, Poise, Shinji, Sommer and Sushi Kimura.
The other two are 10-year-old Rhubarb in Duxton Hill – which has rebranded into the more casual Encore by Rhubarb concept – and Terra Tokyo Italian in Tras Street, which did not make the cut.
Titled A Fond Farewell: Closing Announcement, Alma's e-mail and social media posts said that it is with mixed emotions that the closure is announced.
'This decision has not come easily, as we hold a deep appreciation for the community we have fostered. Each meal shared, celebration hosted and story told has contributed to the unique tapestry of our restaurant's history,' added the post, which is signed off by Team Alma.
Alma, located at Goodwood Park Hotel, was established in 2015 with French chef Christophe Lerouy. It has been a fixture on Singapore's Michelin Guide since 2016, when Singaporean chef Haikal Johari was in charge.
Chef Haikal left the restaurant in February 2023 and, in October 2023, Singaporean executive chef and general manager
Yew Eng Tong took over.
Alma by Juan Almador's executive chef and general manager Yew Eng Tong.
PHOTO: ST FILE
Chef Lerouy's eponymous restaurant in Mohamed Sultan Road, as well as chef Haikal's French restaurant Avant at the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok hotel, have one Michelin star each.
At Alma, chef Yew has been instrumental in not only retaining the star, but also revamping its menu of modern European cuisine into one with Asian accents. Following Alma's closure, chef Yew, 47, has confirmed that he has a new position in another establishment lined up.
This news follows another recent closure announcement, of
heritage restaurant Ka-Soh in Greenwood Avenue. It will not renew its lease and its last day of operations is on Sept 28.
Mr Cedric Tang, third-generation owner of Ka-Soh restaurant in Greenwood Avenue with his signature sliced fish soup with thick bee hoon.
ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
It is the last remaining Ka-Soh outlet standing, following the closure of its 20-year-old flagship in Outram – a recipient of the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand accolade since 2016 – in June 2022. Before that, its sister outlet, Swee Kee Eating House in Amoy Street, shut in May 2021.
The brand, established in 1939, is best known for its traditional Cantonese-style fish soup with a rich, milky broth achieved by hours of boiling.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
5 hours ago
- Business Times
Wall Street banks lose ground in Europe as tariffs spook clients
AS US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up his rhetoric against trading partners in Europe, corporates across the continent are taking notice. Some companies have begun to diversify their banking relationships away from the giants of Wall Street, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That has been a boon for Europe's leading banks, which have been actively vying to win the extra business. 'Some players are saying that it's better to go to European or French investment banks for advice on financing or mergers and acquisitions,' said Arnaud Petit, managing director of Edmond de Rothschild's corporate finance business. Deutsche Bank chief executive officer Christian Sewing said he sees similar in potential clients' requests for proposals. 'It is happening every day with client wins and RFPs and new business that we put on.' So far this year, roughly half of the euro bond deals from non-US companies did not involve any of the five biggest US banks, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That is up five percentage points from a year earlier. For sterling bonds, the gap has widened even further. Wall Street banks were shut out of just 47 per cent of deals throughout all of last year. So far this year, though, they have been excluded from 64 per cent of them. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The emergence of the ability of a few European banks 'to be able to offer competitive services and advice to clients' has created a desire among clients to switch, according to UBS chief executive Sergio Ermotti. 'We believe we are well-placed to continue to benefit from that diversification.' 'Specific skills' Even before Trump's trade war kicked off in earnest, the biggest of the US banks warned that it was starting to see an impact. By April, JPMorgan Chase had already lost 'a couple' of bond deals tied to the tariff uncertainty, with companies opting for local banks instead, chief executive officer Jamie Dimon said in an interview with Fox Business at the time. He warned that the tumult was 'causing cumulative damage, including huge anger at the United States'. The latest example of a win for non-US banks came this week, when Zurich-based insurer Chubb issued an offshore yuan bond. It opted for Standard Chartered to help take on the deal. The bank was told: 'We want to bank with the regional champions, rather than just with global banks in general,' Standard Chartered chief financial officer Diego de Giorgi said. 'Because we think that you guys bring specific skills in a world that is fragmenting.' Chubb is not an exception. The effect is most pronounced in Asia, where economies are expected to be hard hit by the changing trade regimes and the re-routing of supply chains, said Ruchirangad Agarwal, head of corporate banking for Asia and the Middle East at research firm Coalition Greenwich. 'The willingness of companies in Asia to change their transaction bank is currently at a high: a third of them plan to issue a new (request for proposal) within the next 12 months,' Agarwal said. Already, US lenders' market share in financing trade for Chinese companies has dropped in recent years, from 12 per cent in 2017 to about 7 per cent share now, he added. Martin Smith, head of markets analysis at East & Partners, said: 'We expect to see heightened uncertainty and customer churn at US banks as large corporates take an active risk management stance on FX, interest rates, counterparty risk, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.' BNP Paribas, meanwhile, has gained more share than any other player in Asia, he added. 'There are clearly strategic opportunities in the tectonic shifts that the world has been seeing in recent months,' Societe Generale chief executive officer Slawomir Krupa said of companies looking to shift toward European banking partners. 'The logic behind this form of risk diversification has become more apparent for companies.' BLOOMBERG
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Straits Times
Now flying solo, Acres CEO Kalaivanan Balakrishnan presses ahead with wildlife rescue efforts
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Mr Kalaivanan Balakrishnan took over as the sole president of Acres in May 2025. SINGAPORE - After four years of running a wildlife rescue non-profit with a co-pilot, Mr Kalaivanan Balakrishnan is now flying solo – and taking the challenges that come with it in his stride. The 39-year-old – formerly one of two co-chief executives of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) – intends to continue its mission of rescuing all needy wildlife, even those that may not be cute or cuddly. Ms Anbarasi Boopal, the other former Acres co-chief executive, stepped down from her role on April 30. She plans to work on policies on the welfare of farmed animals next. The pair had originally taken on the co-chief executive roles in 2021, when Acres founder Louis Ng relinquished the role to focus on politics. He served as a PAP MP for Nee Soon GRC for a decade, from 2015 to 2025. Ms Boopal oversaw Acres' advocacy arm, while Mr Kalaivanan managed the group's day-to-day operations, such as its efforts to rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife. One of his most memorable rescues was in 2018, when he helped to save a dolphin tangled in a fishing line at Bedok Jetty. He has also been involved in rescues of more commonly seen wildlife, including Javan mynahs and kingfishers stuck in glue traps, and injured pigeons, macaques and otters. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore LTA, Singapore bus operators reviewing Malaysia's request to start services from JB at 4am Singapore Despite bag checks and warnings, young partygoers continue to vape in clubs in Singapore Singapore Ong Beng Seng to plead guilty on Aug 4, more than 2 years after trip to Qatar with Iswaran Singapore NDP 2025: Veteran Red Lion says each leap 'feels like 5km run' Business Decoupling to save on tax? You may lose right to property if ties go awry Singapore Lessons learnt from Singapore's love-hate relationship with e-scooters Opinion At UN's Wipo, Singaporean Daren Tang strives to create an equal music for haves and have-nots Asia Mass grave with over 100 skeletons in Sri Lanka brings up old wounds With Ms Boopal's departure, Mr Kalaivanan has had to take on fund-raising efforts, which he says is a big challenge for him. 'Fund-raising for wild animals is a challenge on its own, because our animals do not wag their tails, do not purr, do not meow – they don't have a cute factor,' he said in an interview on July 23 at Acres' premises in Sungei Tengah. 'Not everybody can resonate with snakes or pigeons, so to fund-raise, we need to constantly find new ways.' Alongside a team of around 30 staff members, he is planning for Acres' upcoming gala – its largest annual fund-raising event – on Aug 16. The organisation held its first gala in 2005. This year's ball aims to raise $400,000, with those in the last few years raising around $100,000 to $300,000. Though galas in the past were usually held in the month of May to coincide with Acres' birthday, the 2025 gala was delayed due to the leadership transition. The funds raised will help to cover the operating costs of its rescue hotline and in-house veterinary facilities, and fund the expansion of its wildlife rescue centre . In 2024, owing to a lack of funds, Acres ceased the 24-hour operations of its wildlife rescue hotline. Its rescue services now run from only 7am to 1am daily. The organisation also lost several volunteers during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'We've been trying to attract more volunteers who can help us more consistently, but that has proven a challenge, because everybody's so busy with work in Singapore,' Mr Kalaivanan said. Working in wildlife rescue was not always in the cards for Mr Kalaivanan, who is an industrial designer by training. The wildlife aficionado first joined Acres in 2009 as a volunteer, before becoming a full-time staff member in 2011. Being able to apply his design skills to help animals – be it in creating roadshow banners or building enclosures – kept him going all these years, Mr Kalaivanan said. 'At NGOs (non-government organisations) like Acres, you often have to make do with less, to do more. That's something I find very addictive,' he said. Mr Kalaivanan helps to ensure that Acres' animal rescue, rehabilitation and repatriation efforts run smoothly. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN One of his biggest milestones was leading the construction of Acres' first animal sanctuary in 2013. The sanctuary meant that animals saved from the illegal wildlife trade get the opportunity to bask outdoors. Prior to the construction of its outdoor sanctuary, many of Acres' rescued animals were kept in quarantine areas or indoor enclosures. Animals such as Indian star tortoises and ball pythons are often illegally brought into Singapore to be kept as pets. 'For the first time in many years, a lot of the tortoises, turtles, could be under sunlight, feel the rain,' he said. Having a sanctuary also opened up the opportunity for Acres to conduct private educational tours, further raising awareness about the plight of rescued animals, Mr Kalaivanan said. Moving forward, Mr Kalaivanan's vision is for Acres to expand its premises and the breadth of its work. Today, 129 animals – including various species of reptiles, birds and mammals – live on its 0.5ha premises, about the size of a football field. Some animals, like the 30 pig-nosed turtles under Acres' care, are highly territorial, and have to be housed in individual enclosures, leading to significant space constraints. 'If you have insufficient space, you can keep rescuing animals, but the quality of care is going to decrease for each animal,' Mr Kalaivanan said. As such, his top priority is to reclaim and develop the 1.5ha of previously poisoned land beside its existing premises, which the authorities greenlit in May 2024. Acres had originally been allocated 2ha of land in their current Sungei Tengah site, but contamination by a building contractor rendered much of it unsafe for use. A groundwater test in December 2023 found a fall in the level of contaminants. Prior to the construction of its outdoor sanctuary, many of Acres' rescued animals were kept in quarantine areas or indoor enclosures. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN Acres hopes to approach the expansion with care, Mr Kalaivanan said, adding that a biodiversity survey had been done to identify flora and fauna potentially impacted by the expansion. Animals that used the space included birds such as the long-tailed parakeet and common emerald dove, as well as other animals such as the plantain squirrel, reticulated python and Indochinese rat snake. 'We will keep pockets of small greenery so that wild animals like birds, snakes and turtles can continue to be there,' he said. Acres will also continue its advocacy efforts to urge people to better co-exist with wildlife in Singapore, he said. 'If we can get people to co-exist more with nature, then we have to rescue less animals and can save resources.' Mr Kalaivanan also hopes for Acres to strengthen its focus on cruelty-free living. This would mean enhancing educational initiatives on veganism, and greater outreach on the origins of leather and other animal products, he said. 'My goal is to ensure that when people see Acres, they don't recognise us just for animal rescue and rehabilitation. Instead, I want them to think of animal welfare at large.'
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Straits Times
Founder of The Dog Grocer inspired by her picky dog to make fresh, wholesome treats
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Ms Soo Ming Hui, founder of The Dog Grocer, creates wholesome pet treats and meals that are preservative- and chemical-free. SINGAPORE – Dogs enter the shop, head for the bulk bins, sniff the treats and chews, and then let their owners know which one they want. The concept of The Dog Grocer (TDG) was formed when founder Soo Ming Hui, 44, faced challenges feeding her picky dog Piggy, who refused to eat anything but fresh treats. However, many pet foods available in the market are mass-produced and highly processed. Ms Soo also often wondered about the possibility of dogs having the same home-cooked meals as what her mother cooks for the family. Inspired by her mother's food, Ms Soo started experimenting with Asian-style marinades and began crafting fresh, natural treats in 2018. When her fussy Singapore Special, 13, approves of her experiments, she knows other dogs will enjoy them too. TDG's pet foods are made in-house using human-grade ingredients, such as beef eye round, chicken and duck breast, pork loin, chicken feet and bull pizzles. The meats are either dehydrated or freeze-dried, and all products are preservative- and chemical-free. Ms Soo also avoids using additives and fillers, focusing on natural nutrition and flavour. The products adhere to the United States Department of Agriculture's food safety guidelines, and TDG's ready-to-eat meal packs are formulated to meet the standards set by US agency National Research Council for dog food. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Despite bag checks and warnings, young partygoers continue to vape in clubs in Singapore Singapore Ong Beng Seng to plead guilty on Aug 4, more than 2 years after trip to Qatar with Iswaran Singapore LTA, Singapore bus operators reviewing Malaysia's request to start services from JB at 4am Singapore NDP 2025: Veteran Red Lion says each leap 'feels like 5km run' Business Decoupling to save on tax? You may lose right to property if ties go awry Singapore Lessons learnt from Singapore's love-hate relationship with e-scooters Opinion At UN's Wipo, Singaporean Daren Tang strives to create an equal music for haves and have-nots Asia Mass grave with over 100 skeletons in Sri Lanka brings up old wounds TDG products are produced in Singapore in a kitchen licensed by the Animal & Veterinary Service under the National Parks Board, using ingredients from sources approved by the Singapore Food Agency. Signature items from the freeze-dried meat cube range include Ondeh Ondeh Chicken and Black Sesame Duck. Marinated jerkies such as Dang Gui Wolfberry Pork, and Chicken and Honey Sesame Beef are popular snacks. Dogs also like chews such as whole pig ears. Prices are between $13 and $33 for dog treats and ready-to-eat meals, with freeze-dried meat cubes and marinated jerkies available in the store for the dogs to sniff and select. These are placed in bins at a height where the pooches cannot eat them. Ms Soo opened TDG in Crane Road in June 2020 with an investment of $130,000 from her savings and government grants. It was not an easy endeavour, as the Covid-19 pandemic was still prevalent. Singapore had just entered Phase One of its reopening after the circuit-breaker period , in which people were encouraged to leave their homes only for essential activities. However, pet ownership boomed during the pandemic, which helped Ms Soo's business. She managed to break even in 18 months. She subsequently opened a commercial kitchen in Sembawang and the store relocated to a bigger space in Joo Chiat Road. 'It was good to have a proper kitchen,' says Ms Soo. 'I used to operate from a tiny makeshift kitchen at the back of the shophouse, cutting, marinating and dehydrating meats.' She adds that with the larger facility, production capacity has increased substantially. However, she continues to keep the scale of the food production small so everything remains fresh. 'We are constantly making new batches as the shelf life of our pet food is very short, about six to eight months depending on the product,' she says. Prices are between $13 and $33 for dog treats and ready-to-eat meals. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Starting a pet food business never crossed Ms Soo's mind. After graduating from the National University of Singapore with a mechanical engineering degree in 2004, she convinced her parents to let her pursue her dream of becoming a jockey. 'I've always loved animals. So, I thought, like, why not be a job?' says Ms Soo, who is single. This passion led her to New Zealand, where she spent almost six years training to be a jockey. She also took on other jobs at cafes, orchards and canning factories. During those years, she also found time to earn two chef certificates, one in general culinary arts and another in pastry. However, being a jockey was not meant to be because she was over the strict weight limit required for the profession. After returning to Singapore , she volunteered at animal shelters, drawing on her experience with horses to help rehabilitate dogs. It was there when she learnt how limited and heavily processed most pet food options were, particularly for dogs with specific dietary needs or preferences. While some of the products are sold in boxes, pet owners are encouraged to scoop what they need and pack the treats in their own containers. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Sustainability plays a big role at TDG. Though some products are sold in boxes, pet owners are encouraged to take along their own containers and fill them up from the bulk bins. Ms Soo makes a conscious effort to choose ingredients from certified sustainable sources, such as wild-caught Atlantic cod and pollock, which are Marine Stewardship Council-certified fish. She also takes the 'entire cut' approach. For instance, slices of pork loin become jerkies, while off-cuts or ends are minced into pork cubes. Fish bones become broth that are used for seasonal creations, such as Chinese New Year soups and National Day recipes. Fruit, vegetables and meat scraps are dropped off at a local permaculture site every other month for composting, turning food waste into nutrient-rich soil. With the business expanding to include both cooked and raw meals, catering to the evolving preferences of pet owners, Ms Soo hopes to open another outlet, possibly in western Singapore. 'We have been looking for a second shop for almost a year, but rental costs are incredibly high,' she says. It has been rewarding for her to see customers grow alongside TDG. 'We see them at different stages, some from puppies to adult dogs, others from adults to seniors,' says Ms Soo. She adds that her dream is to have a cafe where pets can have their own omakase experience. For now, though, her happy place is in the kitchen, where she concocts new recipes and creates nutritious food for pets.
