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As the Executive Sous Chef of Fairmont Singapore, Chef Michael Muller's enthusiasm and culinary creations have always impressed diners. With an endearing personality and affable attitude, Chef Michael is also an advocate of good food and healthy eating.

	Chef Michael Muller

Q: How has healthy eating evolved as a trend in recent years?

Steamed Marinated Norwegian Cod with Ginger-lime, Orange, Carrot & Asparagus MICHAEL: There is a consciousness among chefs on the benefits of cooking and eating healthily. Diners are now more aware of the quality, flavour and health benefits of organic produce. At Fairmont Singapore, we have eliminated all trans-fat products and where possible, switched to organic items like free-range eggs, organic milk and cream, organic fruit. We even have our own Herb Garden. Look out for our selection of Fairmont Lifestyle cuisine dishes, which are identified by green leaf symbols in our menus. I believe eating healthily has a positive effect on your overall well-being.

Q: Are you a health nut and what do you do to stay healthy?

MICHAEL: No, I'm not obsessive about being healthy but I do strongly believe in staying fit. When I'm not working, I swim and spend as much time outdoors as possible.

Q: Is it true that healthy food rarely taste as good as the 'unhealthy' ones? Can you give some tips for cooking food that is both healthy yet good-tasting?

Vegetable Lasagna MICHAEL:We need to change the perception that healthy foods are less satisfying in appearance, flavour and portions. In fact, processed foods – especially fast-food items – tend to look artificial because of the preservatives used, and have less natural flavour due to the high sodium and added flavour content. The first step to cooking healthily is cutting out processed foods and making sure that you start with ingredients that are naturally wholesome and flavourful like vine-ripened tomatoes, kampong chicken, free-range eggs, olive oil, salad greens, organic potatoes, etc.

Q: What is one healthy ingredient you can't live without in your cooking?

Fresh Sweet Water Prawn & Avocado Salad MICHAEL: Olive oil. It is a completely natural ingredient that has a wonderful healing effect on the body (great for soothing stomach ulcers and gastritis). Get organic certified extra virgin olive oil, it is delicious for dressing salads, stir-fried vegetables or just add a few drops to your pasta or risotto dish.

	Indulge in your 'Appetite for Life' with OCBC Cards! OCBC Must Savour Dining Privilege Programme has taken gourmet dining to a new level, with a collaboration with Fairmont Singapore and the dieticians from Parkway Health Group. A variety of gourmet menus served at Fairmont Singapore will boast of delicious and yet nutritious pairings of the freshest ingredients. OCBC Cardmembers are invited to enjoy the 'Appetite for Life' dishes with 15% off total bill* at Fairmont Singapore's restaurants: • Alligator Pear • Prego • Szechuan Court For dining reservations, please call 6431 6156. *Promotion valid for ala carte dishes too. From now till 31 Dec 2010. Terms and conditions apply.