Making her mark

SERENDIPITY IS A word that holds sway in the life of Japanese chef Akane Eno. It describes the path that led the Tokyo-born lady chef to Singapore four years ago and now, to opening her very own restaurant serving her personal style of kappo kaiseki cuisine.

Her barely two week-old restaurant is named Ichigo Ichie, but has nothing to do with strawberries. It's a saying that has its roots in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and is loosely translated as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity or 'chance encounter'.

Located in the InterContinental hotel in Robertson Quay, the tastefully furnished restaurant's conversation piece is the display shelving which shows off Chef Eno's personal collection of pottery.