Jonathan Sebastian
In this interview, Jonathan Sebastian, co-founder of Super Secret Social, shares how the pandemic pushed him to change and thrive.
What do you do?
I am the co-founder/ head chef of Super Secret Social – a supper club that functions twice a week, bringing together the best of the natural world, from food to wine!
How did you get into the industry?
Through my least favourite C-word. I had been working in the music industry for the last 12 years with dreams about opening a restaurant someday with my partner in life Nicolas, I always knew my heart belonged in the kitchen. So, thank you, Covid-19.
Share with us an interesting story from behind the scenes.
I remember being in the kitchen and being in charge of it when we first started, of course, to the seasoned chef, cooking for eight is peanuts. But it was my first time, and little disasters seemed to happen a lot. I had to be quick on my feet to fix them. Those moments had me feeling like such an imposter, and it took me ages to get over it and truly believe that I was good at what I was doing.
What’s a food memory from your childhood or travels that stands out?
I think one of my most vivid memories still lies in an auberge in the Swiss Alps. I was 16, and we went out for dinner, and the words Auberge and Raclette were totally a blur to me, but I knew it was cheese and that excited me. The moment the doors opened, my senses went nuts. It was freezing, and when the doors were pushed open, all I got was an intense waft of heat and cheese! I don’t think this nostalgic memory could ever be forgotten.
What’s the best/ worst part of your work?
The best part is seeing my customers go insane while eating the dishes I’ve come up with. The worst is when they don’t. Haha.
What’s your favourite food and beverage pairing?
I know I’m probably going to sound like an uppity animal abuser. Still, till today, one of the most beautiful pairings happen to be Foie Gras and a fantabulous Sauterne. I could have it every day, but I don’t because it isn’t ethical, so Christmas is the only time I indulge!
The perfect day off would be…
Bechamel Ham and Cheese Croissants and a fabulous bottle of Pet Nat while having a massage, facial, pedicure and manicure AT HOME.
A day in the life of a Jonathan Sebastian is…
…stressful, indecisive, slightly anxious, but oh so rewarding. (If the evening goes well, that is.)
What do you do for fun?
I’m either a walrus with a cup of tea and a book or I’m with some of my best gals and copious amounts of natural wine. I am also an avid record collector, so I’m literally listening to music all day everyday, hoping to find the next incredible record.
What’s something you’d like guests to know about Super Secret Social?
Super Secret Social is an important secret because we are trying hard to be as grass-roots as possible. We have come a long way since our first menu (it changes every three months), and we are introducing some of the most rural herbs and flavours + some of the most sought after natural wines in the most spectacular & accessible way.
How has the pandemic changed you, your perspective or the way you operate?
The pandemic was quite frankly the most life-changing experience for me. I lost a big part of my life, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed at this moment in time. I have learnt so much about my body and mind, and I respect many things I took for granted before. This makes me mucho happy.
What’s something you’d like people to know about being an entrepreneur?
We don’t have enough visionaries in Kuala Lumpur, and that is weird because our very nature is born from a food culture. This needs to change!
What’s your view on the food/drink scene in KL?
It has always been a fantastic space for food, drinks. On the other hand, it has genuinely taken off in the last five years, and for that, I am super happy. We could always do more though. We need more young, engaging youth in the scene with bright, fresh ideas. Technique alone is getting to be quite a bore. We need more innovators, Malaysia needs to be on the map, and I hope it will someday!
What’s in store for you in the upcoming months?
So many things! We have just launched our amazing Natural Wine Subscription Service, a project spearheaded by my partner in crime, Nico. It is aptly called #Nicpicks. For the rest, well, we’ll just have to wait for this lockdown to settle.
Find more interviews similar to this one with Jonathan Sebastian here. And, stay up to date with the latest food and beverage happenings in KL here.