New Italian Cicheti Restaurant Concept Opening in Singapore

Singapore, Singapore, November 10, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Establishing a dynamic new restaurant concept in Singapore, chef owner Yew Aun Lim and entrepreneur co-owner Liling Ong will open Cicheti at 52 Kandahar Street in the Arab Quarter of Singapore.

Cicheti (pronounced “chi-KEH-tee”) are the signature snacks served in Venice’s bàcari, or wine bars. In the Mediterranean convention of Greek methezes or Spanish tapas, these small plates are a Venetian tradition reflecting the mouthwatering diversity of Italy’s foodscape.

“Chef Aun’s menu will showcase his flair for regional specialties, as well as authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. Cicheti offers a distinctive perspective on Italian cuisine, presented in an urbane space where old-world charm is brought into modern design,” says Liling Ong, co-owner of Cicheti.

To help bring the concept to fruition, the young entrepreneurial duo brought in multidisciplinary consultancy GEE Global to shape an expressive dining experience. From the hand-drawn logo identity depicting a stylized bull with wings - a symbol of the ancient Italic tribes - to the traditionally artisanal wood-oven baked Neapolitan pizzas, hand-crafted one at a time by Chef Aun, originality and variety are celebrated at Cicheti. Taking cues from the language and gastronomy of Italy, the spirited design integrates these playfully-layered references into every element of the restaurant.

“We are passionate about fresh flavors and locally-sourced seasonal ingredients to create a true range for our slant on Italian favorites to new ideas,” says Chef Aun. “While remaining faithful to the heritage of Italian-influenced foods, we’ll add our own simple interpretations: our food and drink menus will be intriguing, yet approachable.”

Throughout the two-level restaurant and lounge, diners can savor a full range of traditional and original cicheti from Polpette di Carne (meatballs sautéed in a slow-cooked, homemade tomato sauce) to a Gamberi Grassi in Garlic Butter Saor (spicy fat prawns); and signature main dishes including a Pappardelle Ragu (handmade pasta, fresh pappardelle pasta served al dente with slow-braised lamb shoulder ragout), or a fresh cuippin stew simmered in a savory seafood Cioppino stew, in a space that caters to all the senses.

Cicheti’s interiors – an artful blend of mixed-use materials like stone, wrought iron furnishings, leather accents, and weathered oak tables – bring old world allure to a modern sensibility. Copper-like layered walls, signature ‘tattooed’ dining chairs and a custom-made Invisible ‘Cloud’ Chandelier by Castor Design – featuring more than 2,000 recycled light bulbs of varied dimension and color – play into the sensuous atmosphere; the perfect environment for enjoying a flavorful multi-faceted menu that includes an extraordinary selection of unique grappa cocktails.

Cicheti’s menu and décor reflect all the richness of Italy: the region’s long history of nomadic travelers, cross-cultural cuisine and breathtaking scenery.

Chef Aun says, “Cicheti, a relatively unknown term from the Venetian dialect, brings the idea of traditional everyday impromptu meals into an inviting ‘high-street-food’ concept.”

Cicheti is open for dinner beginning today, November 8, 2013. Multiple seating areas include the ground level and second floor dining, and bar lounge space, as well as a 10-seat kitchen-height dining, which will open in December 2013.

For updates on Cicheti’s, go to http://www.cicheti.com; visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cicheti; or for reservations, contact eat@cicheti.com.