Sommelier of the Year 2007
This award seeks to recognise an individual who possesses
an in-depth knowledge of wines, and is capable of delivering
excellent wine service (salesmanship and wine recommendation)
to enhance the dining experience. The nominee should
have worked / was working for a Singapore-based organisation
or a franchise / branch that is located in Singapore
for a minimum of one year (as at the time of nomination).
Award
Recipient
Desmond Loo Au Jardin
Desmond’s
training in the Food and Beverage industry has been a all-rounded
one. Beginning his career as a Restaurant Supervisor at Maison
de Fontaine, he moved on to Bar Stop, where he was introduced
into the world of spirits as the Bar Supervisor. Finding his
passion in wines, Desmond went back to school in 2003 for
his Diploma in Wine. With his new knowledge in wines, he joined
the famous Les Amis Group as their Sommelier in 2004. With
Les Amis’ multiple award winning collection of wines,
Desmond was able to hone his knowledge and bring his skills
as a Sommelier to a higher level. Winning the Awards of Excellence
Sommelier of the Year in 2007 would be a testament to his
efforts.
Finalists
Janice
Koh Zambuca Italian Restaurant & Bar
Having
graduated from the prestigious culinary academy Le Cordon
Bleu Australia, Janice immediately applied what she learnt
in school into her career back in Singapore. Starting off
as an Assistant Sommelier with 8 on the Bay, previously a
finalist for Wine List of the Year for the Awards of Excellence
in 2002, Janice charmed guests with her pleasant disposition
and in-depth knowledge of wines. Recognising her potential,
Zambuca Italian Restaurant & Bar invited her to join them
in 2003 as their Wine Sommelier. Over the past 4 years with
Zambuca Italian Restaurant & Bar, Janice has proven her
competency in wine by being one of the finalists for the Bodegas
Torres Wine Scholarship twice in 2003 and 2005 and also as
Best Sommelier during the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards
in 2006.
Novalan s/o Dorasamy
Raffles Grill,
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Despite
being a new face in the field of wine and dine, Novalan s/o
Dorasamy is no less competent than any other sommeliers who
started out earlier. The Sommelier of Raffles Grill at Raffles
Hotel Singapore, Dorasamy has put his extensive knowledge
of wines and food pairing to good use. An asset to the French
restaurant he is presently with, he offers great potential
in this hospitality industry, contributing towards the development
of excellent wine service.
