Cover Chef de Cuisine Davide Giacomelli
Chef de Cuisine Davide Giacomelli
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Chef de cuisine Davide Giacomelli is gracing Singapore’s dining scene with hearty Italian fare
Being a food-obsessed nation, we are always on the hunt for the best eats in town. So, when InterContinental Singapore launched a global culinary casting call in January 2022 to hunt for the next top chef to helm their namesake Italian dining concept at the hotel, over 120 hopeful applicants participated.
Italian chef Davide Giacomelli—who has worked at notable restaurant across Europe, including three-Michelin-starred Le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Paris, France—came out on top. He beat the rest of the candidates with his passion for Italian fare and the culinary arts; thus, Luce by Davide Giacomelli was born.
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Located on the ground floor of InterContinental Singapore (which European restaurant Ash & Elm used to occupy), Luce pays homage to hearty Italian fare but in a casual setting. As you enter, the space is vibrant and warm, with natural light permeating the space during the day. Its gorgeous open kitchen draws the eye, giving diners a peek of Giacomelli and his team serving up a world of inspired Italian flavours.
Above Chef Davide Giacomelli and restaurant manager Artem Viglione
Chef Davide Giacomelli and restaurant manager Artem Viglione
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Its a la carte menu draws inspiration from Italian classics and flavours of the chef’s hometown in Sirmione, Italy. One of these is the classic bruschetta, a simple yet flavourful starter of fresh tomatoes, parma ham and creamy buffalo mozzarella. The dish is garnished with grated garlic, basil and rocket leaves.
Pair this with their parmigiana di melanzane; the chef’s take on the famous Italian dish is composed of mille-feuille fried aubergine baked with homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan au gratin. The dish showcases the wonderful medley of creamy aubergine, tangy tomato sauce and rich cheese.
Bruschetta
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When it comes to mains, you can’t go wrong with the acquerello lobster, which is essentially a rich and flavourful risotto cooked in lobster stock and crowned with juicy Boston lobster. But, if you are more of a meat lover, the tagliatelle coda di manzo is a hearty dish of homemade pasta and oxtail that has been deboned and cooked until fork-tender.
Desserts are just as delectable, with options like the Luce-misu, a modern take on the classic tiramisu conceptualised by executive pastry chef Desmond Lee. The deconstructed treat has layers of mascarpone cream espuma, espresso syrup, lady finger sponge and crunchy feuilletine.
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Above Cocktails
Cocktails
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The beverage list is curated by restaurant manager Artem Viglione, and is a treasure trove of Italian wine labels and uniquely crafted cocktails. Diners can expect a wide range of Italian wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Amarone della Valpolicella, and Chateau Sainte Beatrice.
When it comes to cocktails, you have the likes of Aperopolitan, a refreshing mix of Skyy Neptune vodka, Aperol, Campari and lemon; and the signature InterContinental Negroni, concocted with oak barrel aged botanist gin, red and white vermouth, jasmine tea, Campari and bitters.
With its vibrant space, tantalising dishes, and elegant wines, we are certain that dining at Luce will be a delightful experience. Luce by Davide Giacomelli opens on May 20.
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
