And it is not hard to see why he finds it so hard to sit still. Rebung, the five-year-old restaurant, has already won three awards from Hospitality Asia, the local F&B watchdog.
Chef of the Year: Celebrity chef Ismail Ahmad holding Hospitality Asia’s 2007-2008 award for Excellence in Hospitality and Personality for Malay Cuisine. “They will come unannounced to monitor the restaurant. Everything from service, food, and ambience is noted,” points out Ismail on what it took to earn those awards, which he is very proud to have won.
“People who deal with food are very artistic. They love to play with colour, aroma and flavours and are very sensitive people.
“Giving them due credit will give them the desire and inspiration to build an empire within the walls of the kitchen,” said Ismail.
And while the celebrity may be all smiles when he is in public, Ismail is a no-nonsense man when it comes to Rebung.
There, absent staff members and oily utensils can make him see red and furrow his eyebrows and purse his lips.
But once everything is in full swing, no words are needed – everything is forgiven.
“In this business, you can’t hold grudges. What’s past is past. At the end of the day, we are like a close knit family,” said Ismail of his relationship between him and his service staff.
It is anybody’s guess if this is the sort of emotional roller coaster that Ismail rides every day, but according to this true blue restauranteur, that’s the way the show is run.
And the kitchen is, undoubtedly, Ismail’s second home.
Though he has an emotional commitment to Taja, his Persian cat, the feline often plays second fiddle to the kitchen in Rebung.
In there, Ismail finds paradise, and a place where he can be left in peace to come up with new culinary creations.
“Ever since I was a child, the kitchen has been a special place for me. It is the part of the house which has the most energy.
“It is always full of joy, gossip and complaints. If only the kitchen table could talk, what tales it would tell!” recalls the chef, whose eyes would tear up at past memories.
“There was a time when the community spirit was so strong that my grandmother and aunties could borrow things like sugar and eggs from the neighbours without hesitation.
“Nowadays, people are too egoistic. They are shy because the neighbourhood spirit is absent,” laments Ismail, who feels that there is a need for people to start knowing each other again.
As such, Ismail’s celebrity status and travels have afforded him the opportunity to do his part to reach out and make as many friends as he can.
“I make it a point to interact with all kinds of people.
“If you happen to get involved with bad people, then it is an experience for you. As long as you have a strong foundation and believe in yourself, you will not go wrong,” he said.
“And remember: don’t cheat, lie, and pretend to be what you are not because the side effects of such behaviour will rear its head one day.”
This polished PR man adds that one should refrain from injecting bad aura into other people’s lives.
“Don’t ever go up to someone and say, ‘Eh, you put on weight-lah’. Even if you are not in the mood, say something positive,” he said.
As for establishing a good rapport with people, Ismail offers a time-tested tip.
“The eyes are the windows to one’s soul.
“That is why you must look into someone’s eyes when you talk,” he said.
And as to free days, here’s a confession from this UITM old boy on what he likes to do when he has time to kick off his shoes.
“I love decorating,” he admits with a certain glee.
In Rebung, you can see the collection that he and his restaurant partner had collected over the years: antique chinaware salvaged from their ancestors’ cupboards, silverware from South Africa, and fresh flowers for the tables.
And piano teachers take note: Chef Ismail dreams of being able to play the piano. Maybe one day our celebrity chef will surprise his guests with a live performance on the ivory keys!
Rebung is located at 4-2, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar Park (03-2283 2119).
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