Story and photos by Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling Gourmet TM
Copyright all rights reserved
The inspiring and irrepressible Travelling Gourmet goes to what used to be Clifford Pier to celebrate Italy’s National Day with…
MIO amico…His Excellency Paolo Crudele the Ambassador of Italy to Singapore. It was a splendid and lavish affair, as it was also the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations of Italy and Singapore on 28 October, 1965 to be precise. Italy was one of the very first to recognise the new Republic of Singapore!
These events follow a well rehearsed plan with the playing of ‘Maju-lah Singapura!’ at 19:32 followed by a speech from the Italian Ambassador and a toast to the President of Singapore. Then the Italian National Anthem is played followed by a rather long speech from the Singapore government’s representative. I was rather flabbergasted to observe some boorish guests including the VIPs and a very overweight Italian gentleman, eating Mushroom and Asparagus Risoni from big Parmigiano Wheels DURING the speeches by the Ambassador and Singapore’s representative. Rather a faux pas don’t you agree?
Lots of super yummie Italian specialities like Grilled Capsicum, fresh Arugula (Rocket leaves), Artichokes, Cheeese, yummielicious Sea Bass in Alfredo Sauce, Venus’ Belly Button aka Cheese Tortellini by Barilla, Orecchiette or ‘little ears’ pasta with a Ragu of minced Beef and my favourite…pillow-tender Beef Braised in Barolo Wine. I asked my friend, Chef Sandro Falbo how long was the beef cooked. “…was it braised for 5 hours?”
“Six hours!” was Sandro’s chirpy answer. Dolci or desserts was most delectable. Premium Ice cream of Bacio (chocolate and hazelnuts), Starwberry, Pistachio, Chocolate and Vanilla from Alfrero Gelato, Sicilian cream filled Canoli, , Biscotti, Tiramisu in cute little chocolate cups and Panna Cotta of course! Much feasting and wine tasting while the live band with a most attractive lady singer played on and sang “Besame mucho!” La dolce vita indeed! 🙂
No shortage of Italian wines either from suppliers like Angra and The Italian Wine List. Reds, whites, sparkling wines and unusual grape varietals like Cerasuolo and Vermentino. I was impressed with the Brut and Rosato Sartori Regolo, Citra Montepulciano d’AbruzzoI was pleased to meet another guest, my good friend, the Asst. F & B Manager of the Fairmont, Christian Carminati and his lovely fiancee from Chengdu.
Salute! Buona Festa della Repubblica!
The Travelling Gourmet 