Plain, Blueberry & Cranberry Scones from Goodwood Park Hotel

Plain, Blueberry & Cranberry Scones from Goodwood Park Hotel

Not only does Fen craves for scones, she was hinting me to bring her to the Taiwan Porridge @ Goodwood Park Hotel. Yup, the buffet is still as good as before but it didn't stop there. Right after lunch, she headed straight to L’Espresso, hoping to take-away some scones for her recent addiction.


We were there slightly before 2pm and the staff were setting up the high tea buffet at L’Espresso. Sold at $2.70++ per piece, there were plain, cranberry and raisin scones available for that day and we took away 4 scones for the following day's breakfast.

The staff packed the scones with jam scooped from the buffet bar, butter and whipped cream but alas, the cream melted into liquid before we can put them back in the fridge. So unlike the previous take-aways, Fen had her scones with butter instead of clotted cream.

The buttery fragrance of these scones were of no doubt and shares similar texture to the plain scones Fen has bought earlier from The Regent Singapore. Texture is on the firm and fluffy side and the winning factor of these scones lies in its rich butter content. Among the three flavours, the blueberry scone is the most outstanding one for it is more moist than the other two.

L’Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1743
Website

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Durian Fiesta 2012 at Goodwood Park Hotel

Durian Fiesta 2012 at Goodwood Park Hotel

The hotel's ever-popular Durian Fiesta is back and this year's new highlight is the Durian Banana Chocolate Mousse Cake, containing caramelized banana chunks with thick D24 durian mousse, chocolate sponge and chocolate mousse. Priced at $10.80+ per slice or $58+ for a 1.3kg whole cake.

What I liked about this newcomer is the generous portion of thick D24 durian mousse. However I feel that chocolate and banana are both strong flavours and do not really go well with durian. Perhaps, it may have been better with just chocolate mousse. Having said that, I must say that the chocolate banana cake is nice on its own: Rich chocolate mousse and caramelised banana.

Another newcomer for this year is the Durian Macadamia Nut Crumble Tartlet, which is said to boast an addictive nutty crunch on top of the luxurious durian mousse. Priced at $10.80+ for 2 pieces or $28.80+ for 6 pieces. This is a must try for the Macadamia nut fans, generous topping of Macadamia nuts ensures that your every bite will feel a nut. Macadamia nut complements with durian as it is not a strong flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the durian purée.

We were very honored to receive a complementary box of Durian Combo, allowing us to try the Durian Banana Chocolate Mousse Cake, Durian Macadamia Nut Crumble Tartlet and also last year's newcomer, the Durian Cappuccino Cake. Of course, this combo also includes the hotel's signature Durian Mousse Cake and Durian Puffs.

Among the 5 durian variants, Durian Cappuccino Cake, a combination of vanilla sponge crumbs with layers of rich cappuccino mousse, D24 mousse and chocolate sponge, caught my attention. The slightly bitter cappuccino mousse is moist and already good on its own. The taste is enhanced when mixed with durian. Those who loved the bitter sweet durians would love this.


Durian Mousse Cake and Durian Puff have been the hotel's signature and it has won the hearts of any durian fan for the velvety mousse filled with pulp. Think there is no need to further elaborate on these all time favorite.


Apart from the durian pastries available at the Deli, a range of durian pastries can be savored at the dessert buffet at Coffee Lounge from 26 May 2012 to 31 July 2012 @ $32.80++ per person (Dessert Buffet with Durian Pastries only), @ $26.80++ per person (Top-up with any a la carte main course order) or $48.80++ (Taiwan Porridge a la carte buffet with Dessert Buffet).

Selection includes the Durian puff, Durian Mousse Cake, Durian Cappuccino Cake and the all-new homemade Durian Pengat with Glutinous Rice and Gula Melaka. Special live station highlighting the Durian pancake and Mini Chocolate or Vanilla Waffle Cones filled with Durian Mousse are also available to satisfy the durian lovers.

Last but not least, do not missed out the "Mao Shan" Power Puff (@ $16.80+ per piece) which is only available from 1 to 30 June 2012 from noon to 7pm.

For take-aways, all durian pastries are available from 1st March 2010 to 31st July 2012 at the Deli.

For more details, refer the promotion page of Goodwood Park Hotel.

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1867 / 1868

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Goodwood Park Hotel's Mooncakes 2011

Goodwood Park Hotel's Mooncakes 2011

Goodwood Park Hotel will launch a new flavour to their regular snowskins every year and apart from the signature D24 Durian, Cempedak and hot favourite, Mango with Pomelo and Sago, one can expect a refreshing newcomer, the Lychee with Lime Marshmallow Snowskin this year.


Among the new flavours (i.e. Soursop in 2009 and Apple Caramel in 2010) we have tried, the Lychee with Lime Marshmallow Snowskin is easily the most memorable. With the sweet lychee filling surrounding the homemade lime-flavoured marshmallow, this is an interesting combination of sweet and sour. In addition, the additional bits of lychee provides an extra crunch on top of the chewy snowskin, smooth filling and soft marshmallow core.


The 12-cm mooncake was first introduced last year to commemorate the hotel's 110th anniversary, and this year, the pastry chefs of Goodwood Park Hotel have decided to create the Mega ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Snowskin. Similarly to last year, this is presented in an elegant gold silk drawstring pouch, making it a perfect gift for family, friends and business associates.

Each mooncake is of no doubt rich and flavourful; and without fail, a crowd pleaser. However, we personally felt that the filling of these snowskins are slightly more "kueh"-like and there were mixed reviews from our family members and friends.

Do note that the above review has a sample size of more than 15 people. Goodwood Park Hotel has given us a box of assorted and one Mega Mao Shan Wang Snowskin Mooncake which we collected on the 14 August 2011 and we purchased three boxes of assorted and one Mega Mao Shan Wang Snowskin Mooncake on the 5 August 2011. The above pictures were taken with the first batch of mooncakes.


Available from 5 August 2011 to 12 September 2011, the 4 snowskins are sold either in a pair or in 4s in a gold and yellow packaging, adorned with an elegant peony design and Chinoiserie-inspired motifs.

There is 15% discount on all mooncakes for UOB, Citibank, DBS, CapitaCard Credit & Debit Cardmembers and 20% discount on all mooncakes for Goodwood Park Hotel Gourmet Cardmembers.

To order,

1. guests may visit the Deli from 9am to 9pm daily
2. contact the Mooncake Call Centre at 6730 1867 / 1868 from 9am to 7pm (Mondays to Fridays) and 9am to 1pm (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays)
3. place an online order here

Last order date is 7 September 2011, 12noon

Before signing off, we would like to thank Ms Justina Loh, Marketing Communications Manager of Goodwood Park Hotel for the complementary boxes of mooncakes.

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1786

Operating hours - 9am to 9pm daily

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Taiwan Porridge @ Goodwood Park Hotel

Taiwan Porridge @ Goodwood Park Hotel

We were first introduced to the Taiwan Porridge buffet when we visited the hotel in 2009 to blog about their famous durian desserts and it was then we realize that the Taiwan Porridge at Goodwood Park Hotel has been popular since its debut in 1984. In fact, we were surprised that there is no international buffet at Goodwood Park and the buffets offered in the hotel are the Taiwan Porridge Buffet and High Tea Buffet at L'Espresso.

In general, the hotel has a lovely colonial elegance and it is extremely pleasant to have a bowl of hot porridge with a selection of 28 dishes cooked a la minute. Do note that it can be extremely crowded, especially on Sunday afternoons so reservation is a must.


One of the niches of this buffet is that the dishes are cooked a la minute and served hot to the table. From our experience, this buffet seems to be best enjoyed with a minimum of 4 diners as the dishes are in (relatively) huge portions. For people with small appetite, Coffee Lounge serve a “Design Your Own Local Degustation Set Menu”, allowing tasting portions of each dish in 4-Course and 5-Course sets. Be it the porridge buffet or the degustation set menu, a mini dessert buffet is included.

The menu is split into various categories and for the appetisers, one can expect the following,

• Salted Fish with Salted Egg
• Taiwanese Sausage
• Baby Squids in Sweet Oyster Sauce
• Fried Taman Fish with Sesame Seeds

One of the must-trys is the Fried Taman Fish with Sesame Seeds and according to Yuan, it is rare to come across such huge and crispy fish; and he gave a huge thumbs up on all 3 visits. Consistent and good.


Three types of omelettes are served in this buffet and I can only say, choose wisely as the serving is still large for 4 diners.

• Fried Omelette with Prawns & Onions
• Fried Omelette with Chye Poh
• Fried Omelette with Silver Fish

Among the beancurds served, my personal favourite goes to the Braised Beancurd with Minced Meat. The beancurd is smooth and the fried exterior is well-soaked with the Meat Sauce. Other beancurd dishes offered are

• Chilled Beancurd in Japanese Soya Sauce & Pork Floss
• Braised Beancurd with Chicken & Salted Fish

The porridge buffet offers a wide range of vegetables and depends on your personal preference, the choices are as below,

• Stir-Fried Broccoli with Garlic
• Stir-Fried French Beans with Dried Shrimps
• Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts with Salted Fish
• Stir-Fried Eggplant with Minced Pork
• Stir-Fried Kai Lan with Oyster Sauce
• Stir-Fried Kang Kong with Sambal

The buffet offers 3 dishes each for chicken, pork and beef respectively.

• Sauteed Chicken with Dried Chili
• Sauteed Chicken with Spring Onion & Ginger
• Fried Chicken with Prawn Paste

• Braised Pork Belly with Dark Soya Sauce
• Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk
• Mui Choy with Pork

• Braised Beef Brisket with Brown Sauce
• Wok-Fried Beef with Black Pepper
• Wok-Fried Beef with Spring Onions & Ginger

Both the Chicken with Spring Onion & Ginger and the Beef with Spring Onion & Ginger are our personal favourites for a reasonable degree of Wok's breath. In addition, the meat is tender and the sauce is sufficiently salty to eat with the porridge.

Since the dishes are served hot, one can expect the Fried Chicken with Prawn Paste to be of reasonable tenderness and what makes it convenient is that the chicken are served boneless. These bite-sized chicken can be addictive on its own.


Among the pork dishes, the Braised Pork Belly with Dark Soya Sauce is a must-try. Tender and well-marinated; the porridge tastes even better with the sauce.


The buffet includes Sauteed Prawns with Dried Chili but the main highlight of the buffet are the Deep-Fried Pomfret with Black Soya Sauce and Steamed Sea Bass with Crispy Bean Paste.

Do note that one can only order EITHER the Pomfret OR Sea Bass and is limited to one order per table. One serving is served for 2-4 person and two servings for 5-8 persons.


To a certain extent, the Deep-Fried Pomfret with Black Soya Sauce does stir some childhood memories. Simple as described, the fish is fried to crispy with almost no traces of oil.


On the other hand, the Steamed Sea Bass with Crispy Bean Paste is tender and juicy. This steamed fish goes extremely well with the accompanying crispy bean paste.

Note that these two fishes are from two independent visits to the buffet (i.e. the first one was during the durian fiesta in July 2011 while the second one is visited today) and given how close the two visits were, the dishes served on our second visit is slightly salty than the first. Apart from that, all are consistent and good.


This station would be a major highlight during the durian fiesta for it showcases 6 of the hotel's durian desserts, including a live station of the durian pancakes. Since the durian season is over, one can expect a selection of 8 non-durian pastries, which includes the signature Chocolate Crunchy Hazelnut and Bread & Butter Pudding.


The non-durian pastries are pretty much the same on both visits and Yuan enjoyed the Pandan Praline Cake and Maple Pecan Nut Tart the most. Yuan likes the Pandan Praline Cake for its light hazelnut mousse which is akin to Kinder Bueno with the texture close to a 九层糕 (Jiu Cheng Gao or 9 Layered Cake). As for the maple pecan nut, the tart pastry is thin and crisp with buttery fragrance; on top of the pineapple-flavoured filling, this tart is topped with sugary crumbles, making it a variant to a pineapple crumble. Other desserts available at the buffet line include the Raspberry Mascarpone Cake, Dark Cherry Tart, White Chocolate Mousse and Raspberry Cake, Cinnamon Apple Cake and Banana Peanut Cheesecake.

In addition, there is also two Chinese desserts rotated on a daily basis. Barley with Ginko Nut & Quail Egg and Pulut Hitam (Black Rice Pudding) were served on our visit and complements well with the Chinese dishes served in the porridge buffet. Not forgetting the selection of fruits and Movenpick ice-cream as part of the dessert buffet.

Porridge buffet is available from noon to 2:30pm (last order at 2pm) for lunch and from 6pm to 10:30pm (last order at 10pm) for dinner; and is priced at $35.00++ per adult and $17.50++ per child. The buffet includes unlimited serving of porridge and dessert buffet (min 2 persons).

In our humble opinion, this buffet is definitely not cheap but what makes it special is to be able to enjoy a fare of popular Chinese dishes with zero MSG. Unlike most international buffets that are rich with seafood and cholesterol, the concept of porridge buffet seems to be a good alternative to dine in hotel comfort. In addition, with the dishes served a la minute, the quality offers is of no doubt. However, since the dishes offer may be simple and common, the novelty factor may diminish after repeated visits.

Many thanks to Marketing Communications Manager of Goodwood Park Hotel, Ms. Justina Loh for allowing us to take photos of the porridge buffet and the complementary tub of Homemade Durian Ice Cream.

Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1746
Website

P.S. Do note that the second visit was dined as anonymous customers.

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D24 durian Christmas log cake

D24 durian Christmas log cake

Ever since we started the blog and have tried Goodwood Park durian creations, we have been returning for more. Consistent has always been in all our Goodwood Park's durian entries and their signature log cake makes no exception.

While the Durian Profiterole Christmas Tree ($68+) caught the attention of many, it is expensive when the portion and weight is factored in. Moreover, based on what we have seen on the display upon collecting the cake, the former has shrank in its size.


Having a gathering of 10 people, a log cake ($58+) sounds more gentle on the pocket and having left at room temperature for more than 4 hours, the cake is nicely thawed and the vanilla sponge intertwined with durian mousse won the hearts of durian lover.

Comparing this with the durian mousse cake, this has more cake content, slightly coarse to hold the structure of the log but the ultimate winning factor lies in the creamy D24 durian mousse. No doubt, a signature of all times.

All Christmas delights are available from 1st Dec 2009 to 26th December 2010 at the Deli. Do note that the last order date is 23 December 2010.

For more details, refer the promotion page of Goodwood Park Hotel. Order form is downloadable from here.

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1867 / 1868

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Mooncake Treasures at Goodwood Park Hotel

Mooncake Treasures at Goodwood Park Hotel

Goodwood Park Hotel has always surprised their diners with fruity concoctions when mooncakes are concerned. Apart from the signature D24 Durian and Cempedak Snowskin Mooncakes and the bestseller, Mango with Pomelo Snowskin Mooncake, the new addition to the 2010 mooncake family is the Apple Caramel Snowskin Mooncake.

Using a combination of green apple puree with chunks of caramelized and fresh Granny Smith Apples, one can expect this to be a refreshing treat for sunny Singapore.

Had mixed feelings towards this new creation, if you were to pop the entire thing into the mouth, you will be confused by what you have just eaten. Caramel is not distinctive in this but what strikes is a stark contrast between the soft, chewy snowskin and the crunchy apples. As for the taste, the slight tangy apple puree will be the main description for this. Anyway, no harm getting a box of assorted since D24 Durian, Cempedak and Mango with Pomelo Snowskin have been an all-time favourite.


To commemorate the hotel's 110th anniversary, the chefs have created a 12-cm masterpiece - The Almond Beancurd with Longan Giant Snowskin Mooncake. Yes this is a remake of the popular chinese dessert Almond Beancurd with Longan within a snowskin. The refreshing almond jelly with crunchy longan bits is bound to steal the limelight among the mooncakes. Not only it is light on the palate, the chewy sweet snowskin brings in a new dimension to this dessert.

Also, this exclusive mooncake is presented in an elegant gold silk drawstring pouch, making it an ideal gift for this festive season.

Our only complain? This mooncake has to be consumed within a day or two upon collection and due to its size, it will take awhile to thaw.

All mooncakes are available from 10 August to 22 Sep 2010 at the Deli.

For more details, refer the promotion page of Goodwood Park Hotel.

Lastly, many thanks to the Senior Marketing Communications Executive, Ms. Dorothy Lim for the mooncakes and time to explain the specialities and new creations of Goodwood Park.

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1786

Operating hours - 9am to 9pm daily

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Durianmisu from Goodwood Park Hotel

Durianmisu from Goodwood Park Hotel

Goodwood Park's annual Durian Fiesta has always stirred the attention of durian lovers and if one is observant enough, the hotel will release new creations every year. As for what is on next year menu, it depends greatly on the sales of individual items this year. In short, the least popular ones will be eliminated off next year menu. Hence, items such as the Durian, Pandan & Coconut Cake and Durian & Crunchy Hazelnut Tartlet are not available for this time round.

Available in two sizes ($4.80+ and $8.80+), Goodwood Park's latest creation, Durianmisu is a daring concoction of pure D24 durian pulp with the components of a regular non-alcoholic tiramisu (e.g. lady's fingers, espresso and mascarpone).

We had alongside the durian pudding ($3.50+) and durian strudel ($8.80+ per slice); so this fails to outshine the others. Although the durian pulp is nicely infused into the smooth and refreshing mascarpone, the contrasting coffee-soaked sponge fingers makes the overall taste confusing.

Apart from the durian pastries available at the Deli, 6 durian delights namely the Durian Oreo cake, Durianmisu, Durian roll, Durian pudding, Durian puff and Durian pancake are available in the regular dessert buffet in Coffee Lounge during lunch and dinner from 1 June to 25 July 2010 @ $24.80++ per person (Dessert Buffet with Durian Pastries only).

For take-aways, all durian pastries are available from 1st March 2010 to 25th July 2010 at the Deli.

For more details, refer the promotion page of Goodwood Park Hotel.

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1867 / 1868

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Durian Profiteroles X'mas Tree

Durian Profiteroles X'mas Tree

Apart from the D24 Durian Log Cake, Goodwood Park Hotel has a lovely twist to introducing this local favourite for the Christmas season. A perfect twist to a regular log cake, Goodwood Park Hotel launched the Durian Profiteroles X'mas Tree last year and is back for this year's Christmas by popular demand.

Apart from the layer of pure D24 durian pulp lined on a sponge cake base, fluffy profiteroles containing durian filling and white chocolate balls are used to decorate this delicious showpiece.



This definitely scores in our opinion and resembles greatly to their signature Durian Mouuse Cake. What makes this creation special lies on the profiteroles. Unlike the durian puffs available during the durian fiesta, these puffs have crispy tops with a more fragrant choux pastry.

For durian lovers, Goodwood D24 Durian Christmas Log Cake is available at $55+, Durian puffs at $39.80+ (20 pieces), and the Durian Profiteroles X'mas Tree at $68+ (enough for 6-8 persons).

Also don't miss out Goodwood's signature Grand Cru Chocolate Nougat and Pear Log Cake ($60+ for 1 kg) and the newly released Coffee and Brownie Log Cake ($65+ for 1kg).

Our greatest thank you to Ms Dorothy Lim from Goodwood Park Hotel for the complimentary Durian Profiteroles X'mas Tree.

All Christmas delights are available from 1st Dec 2009 to 1st January 2010 at the Deli. Advance orders of 3 working days are required

For more details, refer the promotion page of Goodwood Park Hotel.

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1867 / 1868

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Goodwood Park Hotel's Mooncakes 2009

Goodwood Park Hotel's Mooncakes 2009

Mooncakes are regarded to be an indispensable delicacy during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This also serves an opportunity for the eateries in Singapore to whip out creative flavours. For foodies like us, this is something to look forward to every year, apart from the predictable lotus seed paste in a baked crust.

We are honoured to receive a box of Assorted Snowskin Combo from Goodwood Park Hotel and many thanks to the Senior Marketing Communications Executive, Ms. Dorothy Lim for the opportunity and time to explain the specialities and new creation of Goodwood Park.

Signature snowskin flavours of Goodwood Park Hotel are none other the D24 Durian Paste in Snowskin ($26 for 2 pcs; $48 for 4 pcs) and the Cempedak Paste in Snowskin ($26 for 2 pcs; $48 for 4 pcs).


The filling taste close to the Durian Mousse Cake of Goodwood Park. According to Dorothy, the filling is suppose to be similar to the one used in the hotel's durian puffs but we thought that it is more concentrated and has more chunks of durian pulp. Overall, this is no doubt an all-time favourite for durian lovers.


And when we thought that the durian mooncake was rich with durian pulp, the Cempedak Paste in Snowskin surprised us further. This is definitely not a paste but almost like the real fruit, condensed within the snowskin. The first mooncake to be devoured completely among the 4 flavours.


Apart from the signature items, the creativity of Executive Pastry Chef Lim Kim Wah presents this year's new creation, Soursop Snowskin Mooncake ($22 for 2 pcs; $40 for 4 pcs). The thought of introducing sweet and tangy flavours in a traditional pastry is bound to stir most curiousity.

The mooncake is filled with smooth, velvety puree and juicy pulp made from fresh soursops. Our personal take for this refreshing treat is that it was too sour to our liking. No doubt the pulp from the soursops add an extra crunch but the paste that comes with it just makes the overall taste similar to a lemon mochi.


Of course, back by popular demand, a hot favourite from last year - Mango with Pomelo in Snowskin Mooncake ($22 for 2 pcs; $40 for 4 pcs). Inspired by the all-time favourite dessert at Min Jiang, Mango with Pomelo and Sago, one can expect bursting flavours of smooth mango puree with mango cubes and pomelo sac. Since the filling is slightly curd-like in comparison to the dessert, it tastes close to a mango pudding.

Apart from these snowskin mooncakes, Goodwood Park Hotel also has 5 lotus seed varieties namely, Lotus Seed Paste with Melon Seeds, Lotus Seed Paste with Double Yolks, Lotus Seed Paste with Four Yolks, Assorted Nuts with Ham and White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Yolks.

All mooncakes are available from 19 August to 3 Oct 2009 at the Deli.

For more details, refer the promotion page of Goodwood Park Hotel.

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1786

Operating hours - 9am to 9pm daily
Website for Deli

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No. 10 Durian Mousse Cake @ The Deli

No. 10 Durian Mousse Cake @ The Deli

"This cake layers soft vanilla sponge with a gloriously pungent durian mousse made with rich, bitter D24 durian pulp. Cubes of sponge cake sprinkled with icing sugar make a pretty topping." (ST: 2008)

This is the 2nd time which we are reviewing this cake. This is after trying numerous durian cakes and desserts. The verdict? There is no doubts no others can beat this durian mousse when it comes to tasting like the real thing. As shown in the photo, we tried it together with the real thing. Of course, the durian mousse cake tasted a little creamy compared with the fruit but overall the taste is pretty close.

Apart from feeling durian pulp in this cake, the other strength lies in the light chiffon used in this cake. It is so soft and lightly sweetened with icing sugar. In sum, this is the next best thing apart from the real king of fruits.

Each slice of durian mousse cake costs $8.50+.

Citibank, DBS Credit & Debit Card members and Goodwood Park Hotel Gourmet Cardmembers get to enjoy a 15% discount on takeaway durian pastries at the Deli from 1 March to 10 August 2009 .

Durian Fiesta at the Deli Goodwood Park Hotel
1 March to 10 August 2009

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1786

Operating hours - 9am to 9pm daily
Website for Deli

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Blackforest @ The Deli

Blackforest @ The Deli

I liked this blackforest for 3 reasons. First - thin dark chocolate sheets. Second - Vanilla cream over the top. Third - solid Kirsch soaked cherries (trust me this one is so strong that you will feel the heat in your throat). However the down side is that the chocolate sponge cake has this powdery feeling.

Lastly, each slice of Blackforest costs $7.50+.

Note that there is a 50% discount for pastries and sliced cakes (except for durian goodies) from 8pm to 9pm daily.

Deli
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1786

Operating hours - 9am to 9pm daily
Website for Deli

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Chocolate Banana Tart

Chocolate Banana Tart

Rich, silky duo layers of dark and milk chocolate over sliced bananas surrounded by crumbles. I liked the concept of using sliced bananas for at least you would be able to distinguish the banana from the chocolate. Other chocolate banana combinations which we tried used banana paste. Everything was perfect except for the tart pastry, it was simply too oily and similar to a curry puff skin.

Each tart costs $6.00+.

Note that there is a 50% discount for pastries and sliced cakes (except for durian goodies) from 8pm to 9pm daily.

Deli
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1786

Operating hours - 9am to 9pm daily
Website for Deli

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L'Espresso

L'Espresso

This is one place one will not want to miss out for English High Tea and has achieved almost 100% positive reviews via internet and word-of-mouth. Since Goodwood Park Hotel is housed in a uniquely designed building with decorative plasterwork and graceful archways, it is no surprise the ambience offered by L'Espresso was pleasant.

Located alongside the hotel lobby, this café offers comfy leather seats and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, providing plenty of natural lighting and a nice view of the main pool.

The buffet includes a beverage which can be tea, coffee and soft drinks. For an afternoon tea, the spread is worth mention with its main focus on sandwiches. The selection of sandwiches is extensive with fillings ranging from sausages, chicken, seafood, Parma ham, etc.; accompanied with fruits, vegetables, caviar, etc. to contrast the overall taste. Apart from the right proportion of filling, the slices of crustless, lightly buttered white bread is soft and fresh.


The open sandwiches looks lovely on its presentation and the few that leave a deep impression were, Tortilla Wrap with Pepper Chicken where chunks of well-seasoned chicken were neatly wrapped in the tortilla; Chicken with Apple & Apricot in Crispy Shell, a lovely twist from the conventional kueh pie tie where the fruits provides a refreshing and light punch; Salmon Mille Feuille with Caviar for its layering effect and freshness.


The croissant sandwiches were not soggy despite the generous filling and the soft, buttery pastry makes it delectable with a melt-in-your-mouth effect.


Apart from the sandwiches, there is a small section of finger food. Something to munch on if you want savoury when taking a break from the desserts.


Many has raved about L'Espresso's scones and according to Yuan, it was one of the best which he has eaten so far. Slightly glazed on the top and has a cake-like texture.

Bread Pudding was more memorable for me for its fluffy buttery content. Sufficiently moist and not overly sweet.


Crème brûlée is a must try at L’Espresso and setting aside the conventional rich custard base with its layer of hard caramel. What makes it outstanding from the other crème brûlée we have tried was its strong and fragrant vanilla scent whiffing in every bite.


The dessert spread boasts a diverse assortment of fabulous cakes, fresh tropical fruits, tarts and chocolate fondue. This is one buffet dessert lovers would not want to miss out since L'Espresso includes Deli's popular cakes and pastries such as Goodwood's signature Royal Chocolate Crunchy Hazelnut, White Chocolate and Green Tea Cake, Apple Tart, Chocolate Éclair, Strawberry Tart and Cheesecake.


People who don't mind a sour twist to their palette would not want to miss out the cassis slice for a nice combination of raspberry gelee and alternating layers of almond sponge cakes; lemon meringue tart for its generous lemon filling, topped with a hardened piece of meringue. Since the proportion of lemon filling tipped over the small blob of meringue, one can expect a sour twist on the tartlet pastry with a tiny hint of sweetness. Mango Pomelo Soup (杨枝甘露) was disappointing in our opinion as it resembles a mango puree rather than the version found in Chinese dessert huts. Probably lacks the coconut milk and evaporated milk.




Reservation is a must given its full house crowd on a Monday afternoon and service is commendable, given the frequency the tables were cleared and the water was refilled. With the pianist playing in the background, its classy ambience and the spread of tea, finger foods and desserts, it is no surprise that L'Espresso offers one of the best tea-buffet on the breezy poolside terrace. However, this buffet focus on English high tea so don’t expect a variety like what an international buffet gets to offer.

For Afternoon Tea,
Monday to Thursday - 2pm to 5pm
$33++ (A), $16.50++ (C, 6-11 years old)

There will be 2 seatings for Friday to Sunday,
11:30am to 2pm (1st seating)
2:30pm to 5pm (2nd seating)
There is a promotion for the first seating till the end June where each adult pays $28++; second seating remains at $33++ (A), $16.50++ (C, 6-11 years old).

L’Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221

Operating hours :
Set Lunch - 12pm to 2pm
Afternoon Tea - 2pm to 5pm
Set Dinner - 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Drinks - 10am to 1am

Tel: 6730 1743

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Durian Fiesta @ Goodwood Park Hotel

Durian Fiesta @ Goodwood Park Hotel

In our second edition of the durian special, sgdessert.com is proud to present "Goodwood Park Hotel".

Durian, also known as the “king of fruits”, is a love or hate relationship. But all durian lovers in Singapore, will not disregard the local fruit king creations available at Goodwood Park Hotel. Although the series of durian desserts are available since 1st March 2009, we have been anticipating the durian buffet offered at the Coffee Lounge.

Unlike the regular international buffets, Goodwood Park Hotel has its "Taiwan Porridge a La Carte Buffet", which includes more than 40 dishes and self service from the dessert buffet. From 1st June 2009 to 10th August 2009, the selection for the dessert buffet includes several durian pastries, ice-cream, fruit platters, cakes and hot Chinese desserts. This dessert buffet can also be enjoyed on its own at $19.80++ or with a top-up of $14.80++ with any purchase of a-la-carte items.




Apart from the dessert buffet offered at the Coffee Lounge, the Deli serves a variety of durian pastries beginning from 1st March till 10 August 2009. Since its inception in 1983, Goodwood Park Hotel’s annual Durian Fiesta has always been well received by both locals and foreigners. We are grateful for Ms Dorothy Lim from Goodwood Park Hotel for hosting us and allowing us to review this array of scrumptious creations.


Durian Strudel
Price: $8.80 per slice, $48 whole


The Durian Strudel is Goodwood’s newest creation and this is one which you will not want to miss. Between the crisp and flaky layers of pastry, the strudel is filled with Goodwood’s trademark D24 pulp filling as well as vanilla sponge. According to Dorothy, Goodwood Park Hotel prides the usage of the vanilla sponge in a strudel as this differentiate the pastry from the normal strudel available in the market. Also, the introduction of vanilla sponge also makes the overall taste less cloying and heaty but yet does not compromise on the durian pulp.

Durian Puff
Price: $2.20 per piece, $12.80/6 pieces, $39.80/ 20 pieces


Need we say more about this signature dainty treats? The durian filling in the durian puff tends to be sweeter and creamier; unlike the regular pastry found in durian or custard cream puffs, Goodwood Park uses light choux pastry, thus resembling a chocolate éclair. Yuan prefers a slightly sweeter pastry though but the combination is heavenly in my opinion.

Durian Pancake


This is available in the live station of the dessert buffet and given that the pancake is sweeter than the choux pastry of the durian puff, Yuan favour this more than the latter. Having eaten this back to back with the durian puff, the durian filling used in both are distinctively different. The filling in durian puff tends to be creamier, bitterish and less sweet. In a way, the filling used in the pancake adopts a custard-like texture, thereby less heaty when compared to the puff.

Durian Pudding
Price: $3 per serving


Goodwood Park’s lighter version of Durian Pengat; unlike the regular addition of coconut milk to generate a thickened consistency, the use of milk makes it one of the best we have come across so far. This chilled dessert is silky in texture and promises substantial chunks of fresh durian pulp. We agree unaminously that the durian pudding is a good replacement for Durian Pengat.

Durian & Crunchy Hazelnut Tartlet
Price: $2.20 per piece, $12.80/6 pieces, $39.8/20 pieces


Sharing the same filling as the durian puff, this can be considered a marriage of indulgent flavours. Comprising of durian mousse, milk chocolate, hazelnut wafer and generous toppings of roasted hazelnuts, the resulting taste includes the crunchiness of hazelnuts, smooth durian filling, buttery tartlet shell with a touch of hazelnut praline. From our understanding from Dorothy, this is a hit with the children. However durian fanatics will find that the hazelnut overshadows the signature durian filling.

Durian, Pandan & Coconut Cake
Price: $8 per Slice, $46.80 per 1.3kg Cake


First introduced in 2005, this is a splendid twist to the signature durian mousse cake. Since it is layered with pandan (Screwpine leaf) sponge, the durian mousse is more concentrated than the latter. Encompassing with pandan sponge crunchy coconut flakes, this is refreshing and resembled that of a nonya kueh. Though the pandan sponge did not stand out as compared to the durian mousse, the combination of coconut and durian is easily accepted by most.

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This dessert tasting session does show that each of the durian creation is unique in its way. Since the combination of each creation is delicately paired with ingredients such as choux pastry, crepe, pandan, hazelnut, oreo, etc, each has its niche to appeal to the masses. Apart from the accompanying ingredients, the amount of durian, sweetness and texture varies from one creation to another. To ask for the best among the entire lot, we find it difficult to choose as each is good and unique but should you have room for only one creation, don’t miss out on the Durian strudel.

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Citibank, DBS Credit & Debit Card members and Goodwood Park Hotel Gourmet Cardmembers get to enjoy a 15% discount on takeaway durian pastries at the Deli from 1 March to 10 August 2009 .

Durian Fiesta at the Deli Goodwood Park Hotel
1 March to 10 August 2009

Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1786

Operating hours - 9am to 9pm daily
Website for Deli & Coffee Lounge

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