Name: Jeffrey Ong
Regular at PS.Cafe at Ann Siang Hill Park
Occupation: Freelance Consultant in Contractual Risk Management
Tell us about your job
I graduated from the Singapore Polytechnic in Quantity Surveying. Instead of
continuing in this disciple and with propitious opportunity I found my passion
and calling in the area of contractual claims and risk management.
Although I have a second discipline in Computer Studies, regrettable I’m not a
tech person. So much so I remember once I thought “Wi-Fi” was a dessert when I
saw a sign in a cafe that said “Free WiFi”.
What was your childhood dream?
My childhood dream was to work from home in a modest 2 bedroom house by the
Waikato River in New Zealand. At least I have managed to achieve the former.
Could you tell us about your favorite restaurants outside of Singapore?
There are so many but two of them are in London called “Goldfish” in Hampstead
High Street and Barrica on Goodge Street. The service and the food are
excellent. For Barrica, you must, must, must, try the duck on raspberry jam on toast. On
my first visit, I had four rounds of that.
How did you first become a regular at PS.Cafe?
I would describe myself as a creature of habit, and for me it’s the entire dining
experience that matters. My first experience with PS.Cafe was at Harding Road
(not counting PS Café Paragon which was more of a café setting than restaurant).
PS.Cafe at Harding Road to me is an icon, as it represented a time when Singapore
was starting to venture into more sophisticated style of dining. Through time and
being a regular, I started becoming more familiar with the folks at the restaurant.
In 2006, we had a big dinner to celebrate the life of my father, who sadly passed
away. It was a memorable evening especially when the whole restaurant toasted
to my dad. When PS.Cafe at Ann Siang Hill opened, I started heading there more often as
I liked the whole setting and its history. It has a vibe that is different from the
regular bars and some restaurants. It offers a different experience to that of PS Café
Harding. Three levels of enjoyment – pre-dinner drinks on the first floor, dinner
on the second, and dessert after-dinner drinks on the attic floor.
Why do you think you keep coming back?
The Pork Cutlet, the Steak Sandwich and the Miso Cod are my favorites.
As I do cook at home, the restaurant does inspire me in many ways. For
example, the caramelize Brussels sprouts (I use honey instead of sugar).
The team is of course great and I feel we have connected on a personal level. A
fun bunch. So whenever I there on my own, I don’t feel alone.
Want to know more?
If you visit PS.Cafe at Ann Siang Hill Park for dinner, feel free to say hello to Jeffery Ong and ask him about his travels.
