(Apr. 16) – In Singapore live Chinese, Malays and Indians. The city welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year and represents a strategic trade market between Asia and Europe. Its special atmosphere is a meeting between Western and Eastern culture, as long as its beloved cuisine. In Singapore you can enjoy different menus, even Italian. And it is the best of Made in Italy, as confirms Michele Cuozzo, a 40 years chef who lives in Singapore since 1994. “Life in here is very rapid and quick. Everyone is looking for success: I try to live a normal life, working at its best and cutting out small spaces just for myself.” Cuozzo works in the restaurant ‘Capri’, between the typical wood-burning stove and the classic hand-painted ceramic tiles. The restaurant offers all the classics of Italian cuisine: from pizza to ravioli, fresh fish and characteristic liqueurs. Michele, head chef from the province of Salerno, has encountered many ‘new immigrants’ over the years: “I often meet young Italian in search of luck. Many have already arrived here with experience, others just to seek adventures. The first are set to the best while others have found a lot of difficulties, maybe for strict laws and rules.” “I see here in passing,” Michele concludes. “I think to live here for other ten years. However, never say never.” Even Michele, at the beginning of his new venture, went into some difficulties: “The approach of different cultures can sometimes be accompanied by misunderstandings and misconceptions. Sometimes I did not feel understood. After a while, I realized I had to learn new traditions, habits and customs, and to adapted myself to my new country.” (Gil/Peg)
