He’s not the rock star of fine dining for nothing. From heading a fine dining establishment in a top hotel, to opening his own hugely successful restaurants, to event catering, and customizing menus for certain occasions, this Irishman seems to have perfected everything.
But despite the accolades attached to his name Chef Billy King has remained grounded. “I think life is about having a good attitude and realizing you’re far from perfection. Perfection is a resignation that I can’t do any better so everything I do is not perfect. If it’s perfect, then I can’t do any better tomorrow,” he said during an exclusive interview for Business Mirror.
In his long culinary journey, Chef Billy still finds excitement in his next assignment after another. The latest of which was “feeding” the more than 500 guests of Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club during its recent anniversary. The world-class Golf & Country Club, in Lipa, Batangas, celebrated its 20th year anniversary with two-day of festivities on October 19 and 20, 2018. Teeing off the celebration was a member-guest tournament on October 19 and a family carnival fair on October 20. Capping the festivities was a sumptuous dinner held at the club’s main ballroom, Laurel Hall.
“Today I have more passion now than when I was 20. I still learn along the way and I still look forward to preparing the good food, not fusion or not any style or name others call it, but simply good food which customers want to come back for more. We have a lot of repeat business and that means we’re doing something right. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing empty plates and customers coming back (to eat more),” he said.
Yes, Chef Billy is the man behind the now famous and by-word Sand Trap Lounge, Mount Malarayat’s restaurant. For the last five years, Chef Billy has also been the menu creator for the property’s special events. Members and guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating at Sand Trap Lounge or hold a special event at the property because Chef Billy and his team can prepare a wide variety of cuisines and customize menus for certain occasions upon the request of the client, such as the mouth-watering dishes during the anniversary.
Chef Billy left the hustle and bustle of running restaurants in Manila to work as the executive chef of The Manor at Camp John Hay. Through his company, Le Chef, he also sealed the concessionaireship for Mount Malarayat.
Chef Billy shuttles between Baguio and Lipa nowadays. “What more can I ask for? Here at Mount Malarayat we have clean, fresh air, it’s beautiful, we have birds, the beautiful mountain range at the backdrop and a golf course. It’s not just about golf—you can come here with family.”
At Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club, Chef Billy is doing exactly what he loves–cooking with his team, teaching them to believe in themselves, and watching them grow. “I have a very good eye for talent, and I can tell in a matter of a week if someone is going to be good, even if they have never set foot in the kitchen. I still feel being challenged just like 25 years ago when I started my career as chef. I always abide by the rules on quality and consistency,” the down-to-earth chef said.
The most reviewed and interviewed international chef has definitely found his place in the Philippines – especially in the heart/tummy, and the evolving palate of the Filipinos. He said there is no magic switch, no short cut in the food business. “You’ve got to give all the best to prepare good food – the best ingredients and all,” he said.
Asked if he was not a chef, what could he replied, “it would still be art-related. I have always been fascinated with designs and architecture. So maybe my designs would be the food we create and serve. And we spread happiness through it,” Chef Billy concluded.
Members and guests may experience destination dining at its best at Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club. To sample Chef Billy King’s latest culinary creations visit the Sand Trap Lounge or book an event through Batangas lines (043) 756 7000 and (043) 757 0044 or Manila line (02) 994 8541 and 09209835414 or e-mail sales@malarayat.com.