Now, it seems he's aiming to be the king of easy living.
But nightlife-turned-lifestyle entrepreneur Michel Lu, 37, definitely isn't taking it easy.
He has launched two much-talked about dining-and-bar concepts within the past year - Superfamous at the OCBC Centre and Hacienda at current hotspot Tanglin Village - with at least two more in the pipeline. They will be launched by year-end.
His latest project, a chill-out restaurant and bar called Cicada, at Portsdown Road, is set to be launched next week.
But the venture Mr Lu is most excited about is a "waterfront dining and leisure concept, where diners are treated to food prepared by an internationally-recognised chef".
There are also plans to have "a gastrobar where guests can sample small portions of very good food, so the concept and the quality will be a priority".
When The New Paper met him at Cicada earlier this week, Mr Lu said that the time is right and the lifestyle industry in Singapore is booming.
He added that he scouted for and was also offered "excellent sites" to develop his projects.
"These deals (were so good) we couldn't refuse so we thought, why not?"
He is also known for launching innovative concepts in seemingly off-beat locations.
He explained: "The site is something I'm very picky about. I don't want my outlets to be right smack in town or on an overly-popular strip. There's bound to be a lot of competition there already.
"But they have to be located somewhere with potential too."
For example, he was one of the first who saw the potential of Tanglin Village, which has seen business booming in the past few months.
"Now, it's where everyone goes to. In a way, it's good, it's the new 'It' place in town. But for those who are seeking some peace and quiet, or who just want to chill out, they've lost it."
Currently, his mind is on Cicada. With its mustard-yellow building, the outlet can seat 100 people "but for events, the whole area can take about 300 to 400 easily".
It will serve casual French-Californian fare and have five draught beers available on tap.
Mr Lu had launched and managed several clubs which are now closed, including Lush in UE Square and Lola at One Fullerton.
But his most famous venture has to be the ill-fated multi-concept superclub Centro at One Fullerton.
It closed in a shroud of controversy in 2004, with problems about its finances being aired in public. Mr Lu was in the thick of it, since he was the club's frontman.
He recalled: "During that time, there were some things that were not made public. And why should they?
"I could've defended myself and so on, but I felt that it would just make matters worse and draw out the whole episode."
Also, "I'm a private person and I only confided in my closest friends". But there are some postings on the Internet where he is listed as "a prince". On resource site Answers.com, he is listed as HRH Michel Lu Prince of Qi.
To that, Mr Lu said with a laugh: "I should be so lucky. Can you imagine me, Prince Lu?"
But, "seriously though, I've written to the site and they assured me that they will stick to facts, but that was some time back".
In a reflection of "his potentially mellowed" lifestyle and personality, Mr Lu doesn't seem to mind the misrepresentation too much.
He said his businesses now are sort of a reflection of where his life is.
He revealed: "I wake up before 7am to get most of my e-mail out of the way and I don't keep that many late nights anymore.
"During my free time, I like hanging out with my friends' kids. I cook at home, I visit new hang-out places and I like spas - spoilt, I know!"
If there's one thing he longs for now, it's to have a family.
"I want to get married and have children. I love children and I want to play with my own soon," said Mr Lu, who is single.
"And, of course, my mother has started nagging!"
Will he return to the nightlife industry?
He said: "I don't really want to do another Centro anymore, but I think there's a place for a small, intimate club like Lola.
"So, yes, if I get the right place and it's the right time, I would like to open another Lola."
Guests who have been to Mr Lu's outlets feel that he provides an all-round experience.
Food and beverage brand consultant and managing director Frank Herzog, 42, said: "There's a lot of effort put into the service and in providing quality ingredients. Like at Superfamous, the martinis are made with fresh fruit juices.
"And I look to Michel as my resource for lifestyle options as he sends out recommendations to people on his outlets' mailing lists. So, really, it's an entire experience."
