Race for Good
Legends Unite, a project by director of Stratos Consulting Sanesh Balasingam, raised funds for Race Against Dementia over a jovial evening of gastronomic delights.
PARTIES AND TOURISM dollars aside, how else has Formula 1 contributed to the world? Beyond precise engineering, its technology has also enabled countries in colder climates to make its supermarket aisles warmer and helped brands to come up with a cost-efficient method of making washing powder. Both of which may not be the least bit glamorous, but have impacted our daily lives. But what else has been done? For former Formula 1 racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart, it has paved the way for his charity organisation, Race Against Dementia, which helps raise money and fund dementia research.
Together with Stratos Consulting, the two organisations came together for Legends Unite in Singapore, a one-night-only evening to raise funds for a worthy cause. Held on 18 September at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, guests were invited to a night of wining and dining courtesy of Michelinstarred ‘demon’ chef Alvin Leung, most known for his Forbidden Duck and 15 Stamford restaurants.
Upon arriving at the fourth floor of the hotel, guests were serenaded by a saxophonist while
sipping on cocktails courtesy of brand partners.
After welcoming them into the Atelier, The Flying Dutchman, emcee for the night, gave an opening speech, promising “three surprises for tonight. The first, which will happen right about now”. In walked Al McKay’s Earth, Wind & Fire Experience, and after a quick introduction, guests were ushered on stage for photo opportunities.
Dinner was also served in a timely fashion. The 10-table party came to understand just how Leung got his ‘demon chef’ moniker. For the appetiser – a cold dish – each guest was ‘served’ a block of ice with a hole drilled in the middle and cauliflower puree piped into it. While guests tucked into the mix of cold smoked Fjord trout and osteria caviar, the ice hardened the puree, turning it into a rather delightful sorbet to scrape off.
The five-course menu included Hokkaido scallop with adobo glaze and sauteed hon shimeiji mushrooms, a miso-glazed toothfish with sweet potato puree, soy milk curd and sesame foam, and beef tenderloin with foie gras.
In between courses, an auction was held to raise funds for Race Against Dementia, where prizes included a drive with British racing driver Derek Bell, signed photographs by John Toscano and luxury resort vacations courtesy of Azerai Hotels and Resorts.
Another treat came in the form of AustralianVietnamese pianist Van-Anh Nguyen, who tickled the ivories, playing a mash-up of classical pieces by SaintSaëns and Rachmaninoff and pop songs by Destiny’s Child, Adele and Britney Spears.
Bell was also invited to go up on stage for a chat with The Flying Dutchman where they discussed next year’s Formula 1 in Hanoi, the racing legends of today and the importance of paying it forward.
After dessert was served – a Nespresso ristretto chocolate mousse and a banana tart – the final two surprises were revealed.
Guests were told to get up from their seats and look for a sticker beneath the chair, where two lucky winners walked away with either a Nespresso machine or a Mikimoto necklace.
Prizes included a drive with British racing driver Derek Bell, signed photographs by John Toscano and luxury resort vacations courtesy of
Azerai Hotels and Resorts.