KOTA KINABALU: Celebrity chef Datuk Fazley Yaakob was the beau of the ball at the Promenade Café here, as fans and inquisitive patrons took turns to take photos with the award-winning restaurateur and entertainer.

Fazley, who is the founder, owner and executive chef of SukaSucré Bistro in Kuala Lumpur, also distributed autographed posters of himself as a way of encouraging his fans and cafe patrons to donate to Rumah Bakti Harapan, Inanam, during the Ramadan month.

"Donating to this home is one way patrons can contribute to a good cause, while also breaking fast at the Buffet Sungkai here," he said after the meet-and-greet session at Promenade Hotel here Wednesday (May 15).

"Sabah has always felt like a second home to me as I am always here to give motivational talks at secondary schools.

"I will be having another meet and greet session with youths in Kota Kinabalu soon, to share my knowledge on the importance of soft skills, whether it be culinary arts or business.

"Hopefully, the session will encourage Sabahans to explore their talents and be persistent in their pursuits, especially in setting up their own business," said Fazley.

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu has always been known to invite celebrity chefs to feature their signature dishes in its Buffet Sungkai spread throughout the month of Ramadan.

The theme for this year's Ramadan at Promenade Café is "From Rembau to KK" and features 15 of Fazley's signature dishes, which won him 20 trophies at the Malaysia International Gastronomy Festival last year.

The hotel is currently undertaking the responsibility of paying Rumah Bakti Harapan's utility bills and regularly contributes vegetables and poultry to the home.

Group chief executive officer Adrian Wei said this was among many initiatives by the Promenade Group of hotels to continuously give back to the community.