Here's to getting a headstart on the weekend festivities this week: from October 19 to 23, The St Regis Singapore will showcase the Italian way of life with 'Italia Mia - An Italian Arts Celebration', through an exciting line-up of activities in culinary, music, arts, and design. Italia Mia commemorates 150 years of Italian unification, and invites guests to partake in a variety of gastronomic sessions, artistic exhibitions, and musical performances.

Anthony Genovese

Anthony Genovese's turbot fillet with porcini, mustard seeds  

For the gourmands, there are culinary presentations by two-Michelin star chef Anthony Genovese, owner of II Pagliaccio in Rome, from October 20 to 22. Savour Genovese's four-course lunch by the pool at LaBrezza; linger over a leisurely afternoon tea with Italian pastries from II Pagliaccio; or indulge in a seven-course dinner at Brasserie Les Saveurs accompanied by an illuminating performance by Italian-Argentinean opera singer, Ivanna Speranza. For the more hands-on crowd, Genovese will also be holding a one-hour culinary masterclass on October 21 where you can pick up a few tips from the good chef himself.

Anna Paola Cibin

Walk off the satisfying meal and explore the showcases set up as part of Italia Mia, including art talks and an art installation by Anna Paola Cibin, featuring selected pieces from her personal collection, VelvetLagoonVelvet, as well as the Italian automobile display of iconic brands, Maserati, Lamborghini, Vespa, and Alfa Romeo.

The weekend of spirited festivities ends on a high note over at School of The Arts Singapore on October 23, where Ivanna Speranza will perform a grand finale concert accompanied by her brother and talented pianist, Mariano Speranza. Proceeds from the $20 concert ticket will go towards the The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, to aid gifted children in Singapore in developing their talent.

For dining reservations, call 6506 6866 or email dining.singapore@stregis.com, or visit www.stregissingapore.com for more information.