S.R. moved to Chicago in 2005 from his native Malaysia because he wanted a hospitality-industry job and didn't want the fact he lived overseas to impact his hiring.
He told his mom that he was leaving and heading to the United States. She was upset, to put it mildly. She even asked if he thought he was Eddie Murphy from the actor's popular role in Coming To America.
S.R. was immediately hired at The Drake Hotel, where he still works, overseeing what was recently voted the third-best tea room in the world.
"I love my team and the guests I've met," he said. "My main focus is tea and pairing tea with food."
S.R. also coordinates the on-site entertainment, including the harpists. In addition, he organizes major events at the hotel, such as Burgers, Bourbon & Beats, which is scheduled for Aug. 11.
In 2007, he coordinated a Real Men Drink Tea program, the "Jackets Required" event in 2008 to benefit the Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) , and he recently hosted the Royal Wedding Tea Party, which landed him appearances on The Today Show and the BBC.
He handles the planning and organization of the seasonal events, such as Valentine's Serendipi-TEA, Spring Catwalk Fashion Shows, Halloween Masquerade Ball, New Year's Eve Ball, and more throughout the year. He also handles the management of fundraising activities for local, regional, and national causes and charities through the services provided by the Palm Court.
He participated this spring in Gay Idol for the second time, and he finished second. He said this was the last time he will participate.
"I feel like I'm living the American dream, and it's nice to come to work and be accepted for who you are," he said. "The American dream is an ideal held by many in that, through hard work, courage and determination, one can achieve prosperity and freedom. These were values held by many early European settlers, and have been passed on to subsequent generations, including my own. I have always seen the U.S. as a country filled with opportunity to succeed and prosper. While many may view this ideal as cliché, as I embark on my life journey, I realize that opportunity, indeed, is one of many things that makes the U.S. a world leader and dream for many around the world.
"During my time in the U.S., I have come to realize how fortunate I am to be living the American Dream. It has shaken and humbled me. As a child, my mother always told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be, and that America would give me the chance to achieve all of my goals. My mother's words set deeply into my mind and influenced every decision I made. I am hopeful that I can continue to live this American Dream and be a contributor to society."
S.R.'s busiest time is during December, when the Palm Court has about 500 customers each day, starting at about 11 a.m. The room holds 175.
Tea for two will cost about $90.
The Stats
Age: 31
Relationship status: Single
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Hobbies: Singing, dining and traveling, although he hates flying
Favorite Chicago restaurant: RL
Favorite Chicago bar: Wilde
Lookalike: He's often told he looks like Prince. "I don't see the resemblance, but everyone else does."
It's a fact: He has his suits handmade in Bangkok, and has his shoes and hats custom-made.