As part of a directive to bring in the best cuisines from around the world to their premises, Capella Singapore welcomed award-winning guest chef, Alain Llorca from 5 to 9 October. Helming Restaurant Alain Llorca in Nice, France, the one-Michelin-starred chef, together with the hotel’s very popular Culinary Director, Chef David Senia, are set to wow gourmet lovers with the finest contemporary French Mediterranean cuisine.
If you are hunting for a little culinary indulgence this Sunday, head down to Capella Singapore to experience Chef Alain’s contemporary take on Provencal cuisine. The ambient at The Knolls in Capella Singapore is quite up to mark like in Nice, and you don’t have to fly all the way to France to experience Chef Llorca’s creations. Sentosa is a just a short drive from mainland Singapore.
I had the pleasure to be hosted by Chef Alain and Chef David last Wednesday to sample the Experience Provencal Michelin Magic dinner menu at The Knolls.
The 5 course menu is priced at S$98 per pax or S$198 per pax with wine pairing:
HOT FOIE GRAS FROM FRANCE
glazed with coffee jus and dusted with grilled hazelnut
Churchill’s 20 years old Tawny Port
LANGOUSTINE COOKED WITH CHUTNEY
2011 Oliver Leflaive, Meursault, Cotes De Beaune, France
MEDITERRANEAN SEABASS
cooked with fennel and green tomatoes
2011 Chateau Haut Selve, Blanc, Bordeaux, France
ROASTED RACK OF LAMB
wrapped with bacon, spinach and duck liver
2011 E.Guigal, Gigondas Rouge, Northern Rhone Valley, France
MILK CHOCOLATE AND STAR ANISE SPHERE
Provencal soil of olive oil and figues
2012 Carmes De Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
I can’t specifically point out any standout dishes as the flavours were all well balanced to present a complete meal, diverse enough to satisfy the curious palate, yet not too much food to overwhelm your enjoyment.
The foie gras was a delight and goes surprisingly well with coffee and hazelnut, two ingredient which usually feature in desserts and not starters.
The seabass and rack of lamb offered the best of flavours from both sea and land, each expertly crafted to bring out the natural freshness.
Lamb served with bacon and duck liver sounds funky, but everything blended well together and the presentation is lovely under Chef Alain. This is now the dish looks when you cut it open in the middle to expose the intricate layering:
For his collaboration with Capella Singapore, Chef Alain seek to present Provencal cuisine from Southern France to sunny Singapore, delighting diners with an epicurean lien-up of dining events, including gourmet lunch and dinner set menus at The Knolls for the public as well as an intimate MasterClass at Chef’s Table for group sessions. His visit will culminate into a vibrant Sunday Brunch at The Knolls (head down today if you are free!), featuring a live demonstration by the good chef himself.
Chef Alain’s interpretation of gastronomy revolves around the French Mediterranean, marrying influences from Nice and Provence, as well as his Spanish origins and nearby Italy. He was also accorded the title of “Maîtres Restaurateur”, a restaurant owner with recognised professional experience and committed to preparing dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Currently Head Chef and owner of a one Michelin star restaurant at the Alain Llorca Hotel, Chef Alain satisfies his guests by preparing dishes in accordance to the seasons, focusing on the essentials of taste, full expressive flavours and freshness of ingredients.
If you are intrigued to try out Chef Alain’s creations, the Sunday brunch is still available for today before he fly back to Nice. Go for it or you will need to book a flight to France to experience this next time!
For booking enquiries, you can contact The Knolls at +65 6591-5046 or [email protected].
Sunday, 9 October
Sunday Brunch by Chef Alain Llorca
Featuring his signatures and a live cooking show
Venue: The Knolls
Time: 12:30pm to 3:00pm
S$258++ per Adult with free flow of Vintage Taittinger Champagne, boutique wines and international beers
S$228++ per Adult, with free flow of Taittinger Champagne, wines and international beers S$188++ per Adult with free flow of soft drinks and fresh juices (no alcohol)
S$118++ per Child with free flow of soft drinks and fresh juices (7-12 y/o)
S$78++ per Child with free flow of soft drinks and fresh juices (4-6 y/o)
