S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna Celebrate Luciano Pavarotti
S.Pellegrino unveiled its Special Edition 'S.Pellegrino celebrates Luciano Pavarotti' bottles dedicated to the memory of the late Italian Maestro, during an evening of Italian cuisine paired with exquisite mineral water and wine. I was thrilled to be invited to the event, which was held in collaboration with The World Gourmet Summit.
From May 2013, 50 million bottles of Special Edition S.Pellegrino sparkling mineral water bearing the image of the late Italian Maestro, Luciano Pavarotti, will be served in fine restaurants & hotels around the world.
Available in 1 litre and 0.5 litre bottles, they will unfortunately not be sold in retail outlets. Incidentally, Acqua Panna and S. Pellegrino are 2 of my favourite mineral water brands. I love S.Pellegrino for its gentle bubbles and slightly salty flavour and Acqua Panna for its delicate flavour and silky smooth texture.
The 5-course dinner event was held at Gattopardo Italian Grill & Pizza Bar, located in Hotel Fort Canning. Featuring creations by Chef Lino Sauro of Gattopardo, Chef Roberto de Franco of Zafferano and Chef Oscar Pasinato of Buko Nero, each course was paired with either S.Pellegrino or Acqua Panna and wine.
Cappasanta Gratinata con Zabaglione "Aida" by Chef Lino Sauro
Live Saint Jacques Scallop Broiled with Aida Black Truffle Sabayon
Paired with: Vino Bianco Morabianca Flanghina Irpinia DOC 2011 by Mastroberardino & Acqua Panna
Dinner commenced with a perfectly executed starter of succulent scallops that had been smothered with creamy truffle-infused Sabayon. My second favourite dish of the evening, this is a Must-Try if Gattopardo serves it (it's currently not on the menu).
Ravioli Alla "Norma" con la Burrata e i Pachino by Chef Roberto De Franco
Basil & purple eggplants Ravioli, cherry tomatoes & Burrata cheese
Paired with: Vino Bianco Radici Fiano DOC 2011 by Mastroberardino & Acqua Panna
I love pasta, eggplants, cheese and basil so I enjoyed the ravioli with the appetizingly tart tomato-based sauce and buttery Burrata cheese. This dish is available as part of the degustation menu at Zafferano and is worth trying.
Anguilla Affumicata nel suo Brodo "Bohemien" by Chef Lino Sauro
Smoked Eel in Clear Broth of Green Peas & Fresh Fava Beans Bellini Style
Paired with: Mastroberardino Lacrimarosa Irpinia Campania 2011 & S.Pellegrino
Next was a light yet strong tasting dish of smoked eel served in a clear broth. I'm usually not a fan of eel (except for Japanese Anago) because they have a muddy taste. However, the salty and slightly oily smoked eel didn't have the distinctive "muddy taste" that I dislike so much. Nestled in a warm pool of pretty salty broth that was moderated by sweet green peas, creamy fava beans and mineral flavour of S.Pellegrino, this was my third favourite dish of the evening. Worth a try if you're not watching your salt intake.
Quaglia Disossata in Padella alla "Scala Di Milano" by Chef Oscar Pasinato
Pan Seared Deboned Quail on Grilled "Polenta" & White Asparagus
Paired with: Vino Rosso Lacryma Christi Del Vesuvio DOC 2011 by Mastroberardino & S.Pellegrino
Chef Oscar Pasinato has a strict "No Photos" policy at his restaurant, Buko Nero. I was glad to finally be able to snap a picture of his food at this event. My favourite dish for the evening, the juicy and tender pieces of quail with perfectly-browned skin was excellent! It went well with the grilled polenta "cake", delicate white asparagus and cherry tomato confit. Definitely a Must-Try if available at Buko Nero, just remember to book your table about 3 weeks ahead to avoid disappointment.
Gelato e Cannolo Come Piaceva a "Caruso" by Chef Lino Sauro
Dulce de Leche, Toasted Hazelnut Ice Cream & Sicilian Cannolo
I was pretty full by the time dessert was served. I loved the toasted hazelnut ice cream and the Cannoli shell. The filling was a little too sweet for my liking. If you have a sweet tooth, you're going to love this dessert but if you prefer savoury food like I do, you'd probably still enjoy the aromatically nutty flavour of the Toasted Hazelnut Ice Cream.
The goodie bag at the event contained a bottle each of Special Edition Acqua Panna and S.Pellegrino as well as a "Pavarotti Forever" CD. I look forward to sharing these bottles of water with Y who will be going for an operation soon.
Would you like to own this CD?
I love Pavarotti's voice, his rendition of "Nessun Dorma" never fails to send a chill down my spine. As I already own a copy of this album, I would like to give this CD to someone who will appreciate it.
If you'd like to own this album, here's what you need to do:
- Comment below or send me an email stating which is your favourite Pavarotti song and why.
- Giveaway ends at midnight on 5 May 2013.
- The winner will be announced on this post on 6 May 2013.
- Only valid for residents of Singapore.
PS: Thank you, San Pellegrino and Fulford Public Relations for the hospitality.