I once colored my hair three shades of blue—baby blue, bright electric blue and dark blue—then went bungee jumping at the River Thames. It took a total of six hours at this avant garde salon, because they weren’t used to dealing with Asian hair at all. They all clapped when I left.

I was a real terror as a child. My mom would have canes hidden all over the house. She only needed to stick her arm out and there’d be a cane handy. So my mission was to hunt down the canes and destroy them. Of course, I got in trouble for that.

If we can make life better for others, we should. I always think, one day, I could be in that position. And if I was, I’d like to think there’d be someone who’d help out because they could although they didn’t have to. So it might be cliché, but treat others how you want to be treated.

Back in the UK, whenever one of us decided to do something at the spur of the moment that was totally random and crazy, they used to say, “You’re doing a Willin.” Some people definitely thought I was crazy when I decided to not only quit law to be a chef, but also open up my own place. Those were the ones who didn’t know me.

I was a fussy eater, I still am. Although I’ve had whale semen, horse sashimi and fried scorpions.
I used to get sent straight to my room without any dinner because I’d complain about my mom’s food. I’d store Calbee prawn crackers in my room, just so I’d have something to eat. The food in England was so bad that I actually missed army food.

I think I’m a terrible Christian. Although I will say that I believe in divine intervention.

My parents were a great couple, and after being married for over twenty five years, they got a divorce.

I was in my final year of law school when it happened and my family didn’t want to tell me about it in case it would affect me. I’d never even seen them quarrel and I guess I took for granted they’d always be together.

The home I left was completely different from the one I came back to. I left Singapore as a boy, but when I came back, I became the man of the house.

I’ve become a bit cynical and don’t believe in the institution anymore. I look around me and most relationships don’t seem to last beyond five to eight years. There really are no guarantees in life.

The worst advice I’ve ever been given was from my best friend. A few years ago, he told me to buy shares in this company, so I did. There isn’t a happy ending, the share price dropped to a tenth of the value that I’d bought it for. He made a huge loss too; that was rough. We’re still friends, ever since 1999. In fact, I’m his son’s godfather.

I’m inspired by people who do things at great personal sacrifice to pursue something that’s bigger than themselves. It’s not courageous to do what I do.

I have a security blanket that I play with when I go to bed at night. It’s in such a bad state it’s shameful. The only time I didn’t have it with me was when I was in the army. Let’s just say I didn’t want to get bullied.

Durians are my one real weakness. I lie awake at night thinking of them. After a long day of work, even if I’m completely exhausted, I’ll occasionally stop by Geylang and eat a mountain of durians by myself.

In the commercial money-making machine masquerading as holidays, it’s often the men that get lost in the stampede. Well, this year we’re making it a real point to ensure your old man gets his. We narrow down the top spots in our book for manly grub this Father’s Day (Jun 19).

BAITS
#01-217/222 The Forum, Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway, 6686-3565.
If your father’s a big seafood fan (and let’s be honest, all the best dads are), then take him to Baits, where they have a vast assortment of fresh seafood including geoduck, live prawns, crabs and fresh water fish such as tiger grouper, marble goby (soon hock) and spotted grouper. A sure bet is the zesty chili crab (based on market price). Large and meaty Sri Lankan crabs are cooked in a sweet and spicy secret recipe chili sauce with egg. Or have your crustaceans prepared with black or white pepper or ginger and scallion. Dad’s going to feel very masculine indeed cracking open crab claws. The assam style fish (different prices for different fishes), cooked in an intense tamarind gravy with eggplant, pineapple, ladies fingers, ginger flowers, kaffir lime leaves and tomatoes, is to die for.

BEDROCK BAR & GRILL
#01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, 96 Somerset Rd., 6238-0054.
You don’t have to be Fred Flintstone to appreciate the offerings at this spot. If your dad’s all man (and dying to prove it), then look no further than their legendary tomahawk. But be warned, this isn’t for amateurs. Brace yourself for a gargantuan long bone ribeye 400-day grain-fed F1 Wagyu steak that weighs in at a minimum of 1.6kg and up to a hefty 2.5kg. Cooked to perfection over a mesquite wood-fired grill, this impressive hunk of meat comes with a choice of sauce: Hot whisky mustard, Pinor Noir reduction, classic béarnaise, stone mill mustard sauce or homemade Bedrock chili oil. As a bonus, fathers will get a free three-course set lunch so long as someone else also orders it on Jun 18.

CAROUSEL
G/F Royal Plaza on Scotts, 25 Scotts Rd., 6589-7799.
We reckon it’s hard to go wrong with an international buffet spread. That way, your dad can chow down with wild abandon. With everything from braised oxtail with rosemary bordelaise and slow-roasted prime ribs with Yorkshire pudding, to Irish lamb stew and one-meter-long sausages, there’s bound to be something to whet his appetite. After all, what’s more fun (or more manly) than stuffing your face till you’re about ready to burst at the seams? Head down for lunch ($50) or dinner ($62) and get ready to roll yourself, and daddy dearest, out of the place.

SMOKEY’S BBQ
73 Joo Chiat Place, 6345-6914.
There’s quite possibly nothing more satisfying than digging into some tasty grub and getting your hands dirty. This down-to-earth, family-style eatery serves up fantastic food that’s honest and done well. An ideal choice for the man of the house is the smoked baby back ribs ($21 for regular size, $29 for a full slab), which are seasoned with their special house rub, slow-roasted and slatherd with homemade barbeque sauce, resulting in an irresistible smoky flavor. Or get him to take on the family-sized St Louis spare ribs ($42), smoked with hickory and mesquite wood. It’s messy as hell, but so darn good. Smokey’s also does burgers, such as Grandpa Joe’s Backyard Burger and Black & Blue (both $16). There’s also a range of Archipelago craft beers on tap including Bohemian Lager, Irish Ale and Belgian Wit ($8.50/350ml, $13.50/550ml) if your dad’s in the mood for some boozing.