From IT to the kitchen

Leong dives into the kitchen to make the perfect risotto. — Photo: SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star

IT-man-turned-remisier, and today, chef and owner of Marco Creative Cuisine, Daren Leong’s roundabout culinary journey has come a full circle.

Food, especially Western cuisine, figured prominently in his early life as his maternal grandfather was a cook at a bungalow in Fraser’s Hill while his grandmother assisted as housekeeper and maitre d’. As a child, he spent a lot of time there during Christmases and Chinese New Year; the emotional connection was undeniable.