“Erwan who?” asked an ignorant voice in my head the first time I heard of him. It’s Erwan Heussaff, I found out, feeling like a complete dud. And if you’re as much of an ignoramus as me when it comes to ridiculously famous people, let me tell you a little bit about Erwan, the man who cooked for me – I mean, for all of us who came to the dinner he hosted.

Philips asked Erwan to cook for 15 guests– yours truly included – to highlight the healthy and energy-saving features of their Home Living appliance line. Serving and cooking on the spot a five-course meal, Erwan also answered questions while juggling pans, pots, mashed squash, and just about everything there is to juggle while cooking for 15 guests.

No, he’s not just another pretty face. Erwan Heussaff took a hospitality & business management course in Paris-based Centre Management Hotelier (CMH) International Hospitality Management School. The founder of The Mothership F&B Group, he also takes care of the restaurant operations and creative growth of seven different establishments, one of which is The Red Light, which happens to be his.

Erwan Heussaff: The man behind the apron

I kept wondering why everyone was sweating – there was no air-conditioning and it was sweltering inside – while he literally kept his cool. Was there a drop of sweat on his handsome face? Nooo.

I asked him a few questions and he answered graciously. Here’s what went down.