The restaurant's managing director, Mr Beppe De Vito, 36, says he parted amicably with the chef, who wanted to pursue his own culinary interests.

On his departure late last month, Forlino, 54, says: 'I had no problems with my partner Beppe. I just wanted to open my own small place, something that is not fine-dining, but more simple, friendly and casual.'

Read the full report in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times, Life!.