Ask a chef to name the one thing they can’t live without, and you may expect the answer to be some sort of spice, ingredient or cooking tool. But what about when they’re out of their chef whites? In this new Q&A series to kick off the new year, we decided to get up close and personal with our chefs to find out what they love most in life; from their go-to party drink to their most cherished childhood memory and their biggest guilty pleasure, scroll down to find out the one essential ingredient our chefs can’t live without—both in and out of the kitchen.
A seasoned hand at both Western and Asian cuisines, Chef Billy Otis has amassed 15 years of experience working in restaurants, from casual kitchens to high-end hotels. As a Development Chef, Billy is instrumental in telling our restaurant stories through the offerings on the plate, and has spent the last three and a half years shaping the concepts at Artemis & Apollo and Taqueria Super Macho, as well as spearheading a number of projects and pop-ups. When he’s not dreaming up the newest specials on our menus (or whipping up a mean Margarita), Billy is devoted to mentoring the next generation of hospitality pros on our team. Read on to find out all about this New York native.
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1. The one drink that gets me energised for a night out is…
It depends where work is that night. At Taqueria Super Macho, it would be a Margarita. At other venues, a whiskey soda.
2. The one ingredient I can’t live without is…
It sounds like a cop out, but I’d say salt. The proper seasoning of food is the difference between average and amazing food, and it’s not something that always gets done properly in Hong Kong restaurants.
3. The thing I miss the most about home is…
As it’s nearing two and a half years away from home, lately I’ve been missing the little things. One thing that I really wish for is American ESPN. I used to watch sports highlights every morning and night, and I miss all the stories and the drama.
4. The one thing I would bring with me on a deserted island is…
A lot of books. I don’t think island life would be too bad but you’d need to entertain yourself!
5. The one childhood memory I cherish the most is…
Picking fresh fruits and vegetables from my mother and grandmother’s gardens, then going into the kitchen and helping them prepare lunch or dinner.
6. The best dream I ever had was…
As a kid I dreamt that I would become a professional athlete, yet somehow I became a chef instead.
7. The one dish I would have as my last supper is…
A seasonal omakase menu (they can put it on one really big plate).
8. The place I love the most in Hong Kong is…
Home. It’s an oasis away from the noise of the city. Sometimes you just need a little quiet.
9. The one thing I get most excited about as a chef is…
Beautiful ingredients. That’s what drives my creative spirit.
10. My go-to catch phrase is…
Nothing is perfect, but we always try for perfection.
11. The thing I love most in my apartment is…
It’s a three-way tie between my couch, bed and TV.
12. If I had a one-way ticket, the one place I would fly to is…
Northern Italy. I’d disappear for a year and slowly work my way down to Southern Italy.
13. The biggest guilty pleasure I have is…
Re-watching a classic movie every few months. Some favourites are Pulp Fiction and True Romance from Tarantino, The Godfather and Goodfellas. A well-made movie is similar to food in the way that it invokes different types of nostalgia.
14. The one TV show I always binge is…
I like to watch CNN in the morning before work, to find out what is happening back in America and abroad. Lately it’s been kind of like the train accident that you can’t look away from.
15. My go-to karaoke song is…
If I had to choose one song it would probably be “Sympathy For The Devil”, however don’t ask me to sing.
16. The one scent I love most in the world is…
Fresh herbs. When you tear them, the smell just gets into you (white truffles are great as well).
17. The one lesson I take with me everywhere I go is…
Knowledge is power. It doesn’t matter if it is reading, hands-on learning, or travelling. Soak in all of it, as these experiences will shape and mould who you are.
18. The one person I would like to have dinner with most in the world is…
Barack Obama. He’s extremely intellectual, and can discuss a range of subjects (plus he loves sports). Number two would be Quentin Tarantino. That would be a totally different conversation, opinionated and fiery.
19. If I had a magic lamp, the one thing I would wish for is…
For people to listen, care and treat each other with respect (that would go a long way in America).
20. The one thing I love most about my team is…
They are dependable—one of the most important traits a cook can have!
21. The one thing that helps me relax is…
Watching NFL football with a beer in hand.
22. The one thing I would be doing if I wasn’t a chef is…
I would love to be a sports journalist covering the NFL, NBA and MLB. That would be incredible.
23. The one superpower I would choose to have is…
Time travel, it creates endless options for you.
24. The one song that gets me dancing is…
None. Only a few drinks and the right timing can accomplish this. Just like karaoke, it’s not something you want to witness.
25. The one thing I always do before bed is…
Read a little bit, it calms my mind. Anything from news to sports, or a good book if that’s what I’m into at the time.
26. The best piece of advice I’ve received as a chef is…
Work hard, be dedicated to your craft and always continue to learn. The older you get and the more you learn, the more you realise how much more is out there to know. Learning about different cuisines and techniques and applying principles from different styles of food is how you build your own style and polish your ability to create food. Knowledge is power!
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