Andreas Kraemer: How he found the best chef in the world and what to expect at LUCE by Davide Giacomelli

Andreas Kraemer is the General Manager of InterContinental Singapore, the flagship hotel of IHG Hotels & Resorts in Singapore. He is in charge of the hotel’s strategic development, operational excellence, and maintaining the luxury positioning of this 403-room heritage property.

Kraemer has over 27 years of hospitality expertise, having worked in both city hotels and resorts. He joined IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2016 at the InterContinental Sanya Resort China and, most recently, at InterContinental Xiamen China.

In this exclusive interview, we learned some fascinating things about how the much-talked-about Global Culinary Superstar Hunt came to be, as well as what to anticipate at LUCE by Davide Giacomelli when it opens on May 20, 2022.

Kraemer also shares how he is always looking for ways to improve the guest experience at InterContinental Singapore.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): What inspired you to launch the Global Chef Hunt?

Andreas Kraemer (AK): With travel and adventure back on the horizon, we wanted to truly push boundaries and expectations through the launch of our new celebrated flagship Italian bistronomic concept. Hence, we needed to find someone who transcends the usual chef hat to helm this vision and bring it to greater heights.

Like all valuable gems, they are to be found—and the Global Chef Hunt was our way to scour the globe for the best global talent. We were heartened by the positive uptake, with a total of 120 applicants from around the world.

After months of thorough evaluation, we found Chef Davide! We were impressed by his robust work experience across some of the most highly sought-after Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, including three-Michelin-starred Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, one-Michelin-starred Le Diane, and one-Michelin-starred Le Vistamar Restaurant. He also left a deep impression with his unwavering energy and passion for Italian cuisine.

RVT: How do you think the event has helped to promote InterContinental Singapore’s brand?

AK: At InterContinental Singapore, we are constantly setting the stage and taking a fresh approach to the guest experience through new collaborations and innovations.

The search has also garnered excitement amongst our return and domestic guests. The anticipation has been building, and we cannot wait to unveil LUCE by Davide Giacomelli on May 20, 2022.

RVT: What can visitors look forward to at LUCE by Davide Giacomelli when it opens?

AK: Meaning ‘light’ in Italian, LUCE by Davide Giacomelli will shine a spotlight on fresh, local ingredients, with a seasonal à la carte menu that Chef Davide will refresh every quarter. An ever-changing menu and commitment to the freshest produce will allow us to offer our guests a novel and quality experience whenever they return.

Chef Davide and his team also have plans for the coming months to introduce a convivial weekend brunch experience. The menu will incorporate a plethora of classic treats that are commonly found along the streets of Italy, including chestnuts freshly roasted over a huge round pan and showcase kitchens that encourage interaction with the Chefs.

Live music will add an element of revelry; whilst Saturday brunch will cater to bon vivants, Sundays will see a more family-friendly atmosphere.

RVT: How important is it for a luxury hotel to provide guests with exciting dining experiences?

AK: It’s absolutely vital.

Food is the heart and soul of travel and exploration, and as an award-winning dining destination in the city, we want to continuously innovate and push out new dining experiences to treat our guests to a memorable experience with us.

Aside from LUCE by Davide Giacomelli, InterContinental Singapore is home to Michelin-recommended Man Fu Yuan, a stalwart in the Chinese fine dining scene in Singapore; not to mention the gorgeous centerpiece of our hotel, The Lobby Lounge, where we serve up our range of signature afternoon tea experiences. In the evening, the space transforms into a charming backdrop for a good wind-down session over unlimited exquisite wines, prosecco, beer, and gourmet nibbles.

Now, with the easing of Safe Management measures in Singapore, evenings are made livelier with the comeback of our resident live musicians, where our guests are treated to a soulful dining experience with soothing jazz and light classics playing in the background.

RVT: How do you stay innovative in driving the hotel forward?

AK: Stay curious—ask questions, explore and discover. The industry and our guests’ needs are constantly evolving. To stay one step ahead, we need to always be curious and find inspiration in daily life and conversations.

Simple but meaningful gestures like connecting with our guests and listening to their perspective on the industry or just them sharing about their life or travels can inspire innovation!

And we will continue to set the scene for the future of luxury travel, preceding expectations and committed to only delivering the best experiences to our guests.

RVT: What are some of the ways the hotel has in place to keep attracting domestic guests and welcoming back international tourists?

AK: We had a recent collaboration with Sigi Skin to develop a Vegan Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge. This idea was inspired by the increasing emphasis on health and wellness, especially since the pandemic.

We found that according to The Global Wellness Institute 2021 report, there was increased popularity for foods that “boost immunity” and the focus has shifted toward the proactive consumption of nutrients such as probiotics, protein, fiber, and superfoods. As such, with Sigi Skin, a local award-winning skincare brand dedicated to delivering superfood infused with clinically proven active skincare products, we designed a decadent vegan afternoon tea with superfood ingredients found in Sigi Skin’s skincare, such as Oatmeal, Goji Berry and Avocado. Guests were also treated to a Sigi Skin goodie bag to help kickstart their vegan skincare journey.

In terms of our rooms, we launched the Stay Singapore, Feel Singapore room package to encourage our guests to discover or rediscover our sunny island with a trishaw ride through the historical enclaves of Kampong Glam and Little India; adding a touch of history and heritage to their luxury stay with us.

We have also introduced a sense of mystery to our suite package, Suite Surprise where we surprise our guests with a mystery suite that will only be revealed upon arrival—all to build that sense of anticipation when our guests stay with us.

And for the little ones, our Family Getaway package includes a bunk bed and in-room movie entertainment to ignite the fun and imagination of our children. Parents can also opt to add on an in-room kids’ teepee to complete the whimsical experience.

RVT: What’s next for InterContinental Singapore?

AK: We strive to continue innovating and refreshing our experiences to provide the most luxurious experience for each of our guests.

Committed to championing equality for LGBTQ+ citizens, guests and colleagues, we recently launched the Celebrate Love, Celebrate You package to treat our LQBTQ+ guests to a pampering suite staycation that includes an exclusive Club InterContinental experience and a Hydrating Facial Treatment at Mendis Aesthetics for half the usual price.

At The Lobby Lounge, we refreshed our signature Classic Afternoon Tea to introduce a selection of enchanting desserts inspired by the splendors of Spring and Summer—all delicately handcrafted by our Executive Pastry Chef Desmond Lee.

And, of course, not to mention that during this period, all eyes will be on LUCE as we navigate its opening and plans for exciting seasonal and brunch menus.

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