KUANTAN: The "1Malaysia" slogan has hit the street in a big way; even a Frenchman living here is taking the lead to establish a restaurant named after this national aspiration.

Alexandre Stephen, who has been living in Malaysia for the past 15 years, set up the "1Malaysia" fusion restaurant at Sri Kuantan Square here a month ago.

While Stephen sports an unmistakable Mat Salleh look, he speaks fluent Bahasa with his Malay and Chinese waiters, even during conversation with the reporter!

"I know this is the concept mooted by prime minister Najib, which goes perfectly well with what I have in mind: to set up a restaurant that fits the tastes of all the races and brings them together."

He said he hoped to deliver the message that we all belong to the same country, be it Malays, Chinese, or Indians, through the restaurant's namesake.

The menu of "1Malaysia" restaurant is halal. Besides the absence of liquor and pork, a diner will also find Frech, Mexican, steamboat and barbecue fares here, not to mention a wide range of desserts and local favourites such as mi goreng and nasi goreng.

Before opening this restaurant, Stephen had operated another restaurant at Jerantut six years ago, and could be said as an old hand in the F&B industry!

He said the restaurant had been well received by the public soon after its opening. He plans to change the operating hours starting next month, or perhaps extend the hours for the convenience of customers. (Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)