An acclaimed Italian chef has taken over a cozy restaurant spot in a bougie hotel.
Luce by Davide Giacomelli opens Friday at InterContinental Singapore to give locals a taste of Italy with a spin on Italian classics and plenty of wines.
Luce (“light,” in Italian), is helmed by chef Davide Giacomelli, who has over a decade of culinary experience and worked at several Michelin-starred restaurants.
The Italian bistro occupies a space on the ground floor among other restaurants in the hotel with plenty of sunlight shining in during the day while its chandeliers warm the place in the evening.
The menu features starters like the Bruschetta (S$19), which has garlic, Parma ham, buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, rocket leaves, and basil on crisp toasted bread.
Their Acquerello Lobster (S$46) is a risotto made of carnaroli rice that is boiled in lobster stock and served with Boston lobster and French parsley. Its flavors are kept simple and not too overpowering to keep it more traditional, said Giacomelli.
The highlight is the Merluzzo alla Puttanesca (S$46) which has pan-fried Atlantic cod, homemade tomato sauce, taggiasca olives, anchovies and pantelleria capers. The fatty and dense cod pairs well with the tangy Puttanesca sauce.
There is also a Parmigiana di Melanzane (S$19) that brings together the creaminess and cheesiness from fried aubergine baked with tomato sauce, basil, mozzarella, and parmesan au gratin.
As for the sweets, the LUCE-misu (S$18) is a remake of a Tiramisu made with Mascarpone cream espuma, espresso syrup, lady finger sponge, and crunchy feuilletine.
Pair all of them with a range of Italian wines from bubblies to Moscatos by Barolo, Amarone della Valpolicella, Brunello di Montalcino, and more.
Cocktails include Aperopolitan (S$22), their take on the Cosmopolitan that features Skyy Neptune vodka, Aperol, Campari, and lemon; Sbagliato: The Wrong One (S$18), a lighter Negroni; and the signature InterContinental Negroni (S$28) made with botanist gin, red and white vermouth, jasmine tea, Campari, and bitters.
The restaurant recommends those ready to indulge and party to come Saturdays and leave families to Sundays.
FIND IT
Luce
Level One, InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road
Open noon to 2:30pm for lunch Wednesday to Sunday; 6pm to 10:30pm for dinner Wednesday to Sunday
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