Thursday, May 23, 2024

L'antica Pizzeria da Michele @ Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre - First Pizzeria in Singapore to offer Handcrafted Wagon Wheel Pizza

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The legendary L'antica Pizzeria da Michele from Naples, Italy, has finally opened its doors in Singapore. It is located at Club Street on the outer skirts of ICON Mercure City Centre Singapore. This marks its first Southeast Asia outpost, bringing with it a time-honoured recipe from one of the world's oldest and most revered pizzerias.

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Gambero Rosso Di Mazara 4.2/5

While L'antica Pizzeria da Michele is undoubtedly a haven for pizza lovers, the menu extends beyond pizzas with a selection of starters, handmade pasta, and delectable desserts. We began our meal with the Gambero Rosso Di Mazara ($38), a dish that showcases the natural sweetness of wild red Mediterranean shrimp dressed in a touch of extra virgin olive oil. The simplicity allows the shrimp's flavours to shine.

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Burrata Alla Puttanesca 4.2/5

Next, we savoured the Burrata Alla Puttanesca ($26). This dish features creamy burrata paired with a vibrant mix of Leccino olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and Cetara anchovies. Though simple, the combination comes together beautifully, creating a harmony of flavours that delights the palate.

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Fritto Di Mare 4.2/5

Perfect for sharing, the Fritto Di Mare ($26) comprises a basket of calamari, prawns, Amalfi coast fin fish, and zucchini, all coated in a thin, crispy batter. Each piece is perfectly fried, offering a delightful crunch and succulent seafood flavours.

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Friarielli & Salsiccia 4/5

Moving to the star of the restaurant — its pizzas! For the white-based pizzas, we had the Friarielli & Salsiccia ($36). This pizza is topped with salty pecorino Romano DOP, Italian sausage, and friarielli napoletani, a unique leafy Italian cruciferous vegetable also known as broccoli rabe. This vegetable imparts a slight bitterness and nuttiness, almost reminiscent of our local Mei Cai Kou Rou, creating a unique and delicious combination.

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Truffle Porcini 4.2/5

Another white-based pizza we tried was the Truffle Porcini ($40). This aromatic pizza is topped with Agerola fior di latte, porcini mushrooms, truffle pate, and Parmigiano Reggiano. The blend of truffle, mushrooms, and cheese creates an explosion of flavours that come together harmoniously.

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Cetara 4.5/5

The Cetara ($34) is a flavourful choice for a red-based pizza. It features briny Cetara anchovies alongside pecorino Romano DOP, Leccino olives, and capers, harmonising beautifully with the creamy Agerola Fior di Latte and tomato base.

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Margherita 4.2/5

The Margherita ($28) is a perfect choice for those who prefer a classic option. Topped with pecorino Romano DOP, Agerola fior di latte, and fresh basil on a tomato base, it offers a timeless and comforting flavour profile.

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Orecchiette alla Positanese 4.2/5

Beyond pizzas, L'antica Pizzeria da Michele offers an equally remarkable variety of handmade pasta. We enjoyed the Orecchiette alla Positanese ($34), featuring tender ear-shaped orecchiette pasta cooked with Italian sausage, cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano. The pasta's shape acts like a sauce vessel, making each bite burst with flavours.

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Ragu Della Portiera 4.2/5

We also tried the Ragu Della Portiera ($36), which uses the same ear-shaped orecchiette pasta. This dish includes cuts of beef chuck, pork ribs, and Italian sausage slow-cooked to create a hearty and flavourful ragù. It is robust in flavour, offering a more intense experience than the Orecchiette alla Positanese.

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Cannoli 4/5

We ended our meal with the Cannoli ($16), a classic Sicilian dessert featuring deep-fried crisp, tube-shaped shells filled with a ricotta-based filling. This dessert is both toothsome and delightful, providing a sweet and satisfying conclusion to our dinner.

L'antica Pizzeria da Michele brings a slice of Naples to Singapore with its authentic pizzas and a variety of delicious Italian dishes. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or a lover of Italian cuisine, this new establishment on Club Street is a must-visit destination.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


L'antica Pizzeria da Michele
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
8 Club Street
#01-08
Singapore 069472
Tel: +65 9823 5724
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Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, May 20, 2024

LUCE @ InterContinental Singapore - New Champagne Sunday Brunch That Celebrates The Concept of "Familglia"

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LUCE at InterContinental Singapore introduces a refreshing Italian dining experience under the newly appointed Chef de Cuisine, Andrea Rossi. With over two decades of experience in esteemed kitchens, Chef Andrea has curated a luxurious buffet spread and an à la carte menu that celebrates the concept of "famiglia" (family), bringing hearty dishes that foster meaningful conversations and togetherness.

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Seafood on Ice 5/5

Starting the Sunday brunch, the Seafood on Ice selection is unparalleled, featuring seasonal live oysters, Boston lobster, snow crab, black mussels, Australian yabby, tiger prawns, and sea whelk.

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Sushi & Sashimi 5/5

The brunch also includes a stunning display of premium Sashimi and Sushi, showcasing the freshest catches.

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Beef Pastrami and Provolone Cheese Croissant 3.8/5

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House-cured Salmon Platter with Assorted Blinis 4/5

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Artisanal Farmer Pork Terrine 4.8/5

One of LUCE's highlights is the Charcuterie Room, featuring an impressive Cold Cuts Station with Italian cured meats and an extensive Artisanal Cheese Selection. Notable cheeses include Taleggio, Gorgonzola Dolce, Provolone Piccante, Pecorino Toscano al Tartufo, and Ubriaco Al Whiskey. Thoughtful condiments and spreads like caramelized onions and fig jam complement the cold cuts beautifully. In the same room, Appetizers shine with the House-cured Salmon Platter with Assorted Blinis, enjoyed with Egg Mimosa and Crème Fraiche, and the Artisanal Farmer Pork Terrine, which pairs excellently with fig jam and caramelized onions.

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Pinsas 4.5/5

LUCE's Roman-style Pinsas are a must-try, with eight selections available. Hand-stretched and served hot from the woodfire oven, they range from the classic La Margherita Classica and La Parmigiana to the Northern Emilia-Romagna inspired La Tartufata and La Mortadella.

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Girelle di Pasta al Forno Emiliana 5/5

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Fettuccine Truffle Alfredo 4.5/5

The curation of pasta dishes will satisfy all paste lovers. From the Emilia-Romagna region, there is a baked pasta dish - Girelle di Pasta al Forno Emiliana. The texture of the pasta was on point, delectable with a stuffing of ricotta and mascarpone cheese, green asparagus, and brown butter. Spaghetti di Gragnano alla Bolognese is a rustic and homely dish featuring spaghetti coated in savoury beef sauce. Do leave space for Fettuccine Truffle Alfredo, fresh pasta cooked ala minute in a Parmesan wheel, complemented by Truffle Cream Espuma or Roman Carbonara Espuma.

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Assorted Meats 4.5/5

Live Stations are where you find savoury and succulent meats catering to all palates - Pollo Ripieno, a Tuscan-style rice-stuffed roasted chicken served with Nocellara olives, wild mushrooms and chicken jus. The Porchetta di Manzo e Salsa Verde is slow-cooked to achieve tender beef slices served with zesty salsa verde and potato fondant. Agnello al Forno is a roasted herb-marinated Lamb Saddle paired with Yorkshire Pudding.

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Il Salmone al Vapore 4/5

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Le Costine di Maiale in Umido 4/5

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Le Mascagnine di Carne in Umido 4/5

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La Salsiccia e Purea di Patata 4.5/5

Other Italian Specialties are aplenty too. Le Mascagnine di Carne in Umido is a flavourful handmade meatball in fresh tomato marinara. Le Costine di Maiale in Umido is an interesting dish that is new to me - Braised Pork Baby Ribs with Wild Mushroom and Red Wine Reduction. Dishes of more familiar flavours include La Salsiccia e Purea di Patata - Roasted Italian Sausage with Mashed Potato and Il Salmone al Vapore, a steamed Norwegian Salmon that is citrusy with Fennel, Dill and Sauce Vierge.

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Lotus Leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice 4/5

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Dim Sum 3.5/5

The Asian selections were better than expected. Not only do you get to enjoy the hotel's Signature Prawn Noodle Soup, there are local delights such as Fried Seafood Hokkien Mee, Lotus Leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice with Chinese Cured Meat, and Dim Sum Selection offering Pork Siew Mai with Crab Roe Spinach and Chicken Crystal Ball.

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Banana Pound Cake 4.5/5

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Dessert 4/5

The Dessert Station is the perfect end to the brunch. It offers a variety of sweets, including a Chocolate Fountain, Gelatos, Mini cakes, and Tarts. The Banana Pound Cake, made with caramelized banana, peanut butter, and buttercream, stands out as an indulgent highlight.

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The Champagne Sunday Brunch is available every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. Prices start from SGD38++ for children aged 3 to 5, SGD68++ aged 6 to 11, and SGD118++ per adult (includes free-flow soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea), SGD158++ (includes free-flow Prosecco, Peroni Beer and soft drinks) and SGD178++ per adult (includes free-flow Champagne or Italian Franciacorta, Aperol Spritz and selected cocktails and wines).

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


LUCE
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Monday to Saturday; last order at 2:00pm)
Dinner: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Daily; last order at 9:30pm)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]