Wow. Just look at this. At the Lighthouse Restaurant of the Fullerton Hotel, before your food arrives, your breath will have already been taken away.
Perched at the top (level 8) of the building, this intimate fine-dining destination commands majestic 360-degree views of Marina Bay waterfront and the Singapore skyline. As its name suggests, it used to be the location of a functional beacon in the 18th Century. Now its shining quality lies in it being one of Singapore's best Italian restaurants.
The Lighthouse has now refreshed its concept, focusing on Cucina Costiera or authentic Italian cuisine with specialties and produce from gastronomy rich areas like Campania, Sardinia and Sicily.
The Fullerton Hotel's General Manager Giovanni Viterale grew up in Italy's Amalfi Coast, and he draws inspiration from the region for the restaurant's new culinary direction.
Here are some of the new menu highlights (note that some of these are tasting portions):
Warm toasty Italian breads - well, good bread is a highlight for me always.
ASTICE: Sweet Half Maine Lobster Dressed in Coral Style of Roasted Peppers and Basil Salad (S$36)
A beautiful medley of seafood, sweet tomatoes and roasted peppers, and savoury salad. The colours are so pretty and the lobster so fresh, you will polish this off in no time.
RISOTTO ALLO SCOGLIO: Sea Rock Style Risotto with Langoustine, Crab, Mussels, Clams, Tomato and Parsley (S$33)
Southern Italy has a strong fishing history, so seafood here is done really well. Potent flavours of the sea come together so well in this luxurious creamy tomato risotto. They used carnaroli rice which is a shorter grain with high starch content.
TAGLIOLINI AL LIMONE: Homemade Tagliolini with Amalfi's Lemon Sauce, Lightly Spiced Prawns (S$28)
This is one of Executive Chef Sandro Falbo's signature dishes. Homemade ribbons of tagliolini are doused with a special Amalfi lemon sauce (lemon skin, zest, shallots, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a splash of Southern white wine). The lemon completely brightens up the cream base, infusing it with a citrusy aroma.
BRANZINO: Roasted Whole Seabass, Fresh Aromatic Herbs, Emulsion of Sicilian Lemons (S$48 for whole fish)
The whole fish is stunningly served on a cedar plank (apparently they used to serve it this way in Roman times). Here we have one single piece serving. The salty grilled crust is punctuated with aromatic herbs, and you have a tangy and slightly bitter lemon emulsion made to dip it in.
BISTECCA: Grilled Texan Rib-Eye with Flavoured Mushrooms, Truffle Mustard Sauce (S$88)
Another showstopping item served on cedar plank (notice the slab beneath the meat? It's not for decoration). The plank envelops the meat very gently in that unmistakably spicy woody signature of cedar. The ribeye is succulently medium rare, and wonderfully complemented by the ingenious truffle mustard sauce.
GRAN DESSERT: ZABAIONE (Zibibbo Sabayon Served with Marinated Strawberry and Traditional Baba), CANNOLO and CASSATA (Sicilian Cannoli and Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips Ricotta Cheese and Candied Fruits)
Dessert is a riotous explosion of Italian classics. I like the Cannoli best.
But wait...there's something even more breathtaking.
Head upstairs to the rooftop bar...
...and just be astounded by what you see!
The Rooftop Bar is like a hidden gem, and is so gorgeous, I am torn between wanting to share it and keeping it to myself.
This place is open to the public, not just hotel guests. A pretty canopy give the al fresco place cosiness and grandeur all at once. It's such a lovely place to chill and take in the view.
What a vantage point for F1 races! And National Day Parade!
On the other side, you can see Boat Quay and the city.
I have no idea how that dude can be so absorbed in a digital device when you have a view like this. Maybe he's telling the world about it.
Well, the Lighthouse is certainly a lovely place for a romantic dinner, with a lovely bar to adjourn to.
From now to 30 December, there is a special intimate 4-course dinner ($138++ per person). Let Chef Sandro indulge you with delectable Southern Italian highlights such as Boston Lobster and Giant Octopus with Sweet Tropea Onion and Crispy Pancetta, Handmade Ravioli filled with Zampone and served on Braised Castellucio Lentils, Roasted Black Cod and Sicilian Red Prawns with Celery Puree, Saffron Potatoes and Amalfi Citrus Emulsion, and Panettone served with Bronte Pistachio Ice Cream and Sabayon Sauce to wrap up the meal.
On 24 and 25 December (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), take your dining experience up a notch with an exquisite 5-course dinner ($198++ per person) inclusive of a glass of Champagne and panettone. Relish beautiful creations such as Alaskan Crab Soup served with Garlic and Paprika Crouton Bread, and Pancetta-wrapped Beef Tenderloin with Porcini, Chanterelle, Shaved Truffle and Amarone Wine Sauce.
Handmade Goose Liver Filled Ravioli with Duck Ragout (photo courtesy of Fullerton Hotel)
Roasted Black Cod, Sicilian Red Prawns, Celery Puree, Saffron Potatoes and Amalfi Citrus Emulsion (photo courtesy of Fullerton Hotel)
LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT & ROOFTOP BAR
Level 8, Fullerton Hotel
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 6877-8933
Opening hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 12pm to 2.30pm (Lunch) and 6.30pm to 10.30pm (Dinner)
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 6.30pm to 10.30pm (Dinner)
Many thanks to Fullerton Hotel for the invitation.
All photos (escept last two) taken using the Canon 6D kindly loaned by Canon Singapore
Funny how you comment on the guy being absorbed in his digital device, as you snap away on your own digital device at the same time :)
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