Strawberry shortcake

Strawberry shortcake

Strawberry shortcake ($6.00+) is another must-try. Instead of having chunks of strawberries or slices of it, the little bits of strawberries eliminate the sourishness which most strawberry shortcakes will have and one will be surprised by the fragrance of this cake. Furthermore, the bottom of the cake is a thin piece of sugar dough base which is crunchy and contrast extremely well with the alternating layers of strawberries and chiffon sponge layers. Did I miss out emphasizing on their light and refreshing Chantilly cream?


The Patissier
18 Ann Siang Road #01-01
Singapore 069698
Tel: 6220 5565

Operating hours - 10:30am to 7pm (Mon to Fri)
Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Website

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Tiramisu from the Patissier

Tiramisu from the Patissier

Tiramisu ($6.50+), an all-time favourite, is one that requires no introduction. This light mascarpone cheese with delicate coffee-doused sponge layers didn't impress Yuan due to its sweetness. However, I personally like the thin alternating layers of sponge and mascarpone cheese. The tiramisu is not drenched with liquor nor espresso but its moist enough to appeal to the majority.


The Patissier
18 Ann Siang Road #01-01
Singapore 069698
Tel: 6220 5565

Operating hours - 10:30am to 7pm (Mon to Fri)
Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Website

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Chocolate fudge cake

Chocolate fudge cake

Chocolate Fudge ($6.50+), claims to use Valrhona chocolate, this cake is meltingly smooth, sense and rich. Although Yuan has a liking for Laurent's chocolate truffle slice, this one fails to catch his attention for its tough and dry texture. The chocolate sponge is surprisingly alittle salty to his liking. For me, I would say that this cake has a better quality chocolate and higher cocoa content when compared to Awfully chocolate, Choc.a.bloc, Jane's cake station and Lana cake shop but at this price, I would prefer to pay alittle more for Laurent's chocolate tart to curb my chocolate craving or rather the double chocolate pralines from the Patissier will be my choice when it comes to chocolate at the Patissier.


The Patissier
18 Ann Siang Road #01-01
Singapore 069698
Tel: 6220 5565

Operating hours - 10:30am to 7pm (Mon to Fri)
Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Website

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The Patissier's double chocolate praline + Cocoa Napoleon

The Patissier's double chocolate praline + Cocoa Napoleon

Hazelnut praline lovers alert, the following 2 cakes are worth a try.

Double chocolate pralines ($6.50+), which consists of rich pralines, sandwiched between layers of chocolate mousse with a crunchy chocolately crust, is one that has a combination of silky chocolate mousse, bitterness of dark chocolate and crunchiness of hazelnut praline. Simply like the first whiff of dark chooclate and the smoothness of this cake, definitely enough to suffice any cravings for chocoholics... Or maybe not, one might ask for more.


Pretty similar to the double chocolate pralines, the Cocoa Napoleon ($6.50+) has layers of mascarpone cheese with chocolate-flavoured mousse juxtaposed against a crunchy chocolately crust. I couldn't distinguish much difference between the two but Yuan felt that the incorporation of mascarpone cheese contaminates the taste of the chocolate mousse while the cocoa powder makes the mousse alittle drier than the double chocolate praline.


I guessed it depends on what one goes for, chocolate purist will prefer the double chocolate praline while non-picky eaters will be fine with both.

The Patissier
18 Ann Siang Road #01-01
Singapore 069698
Tel: 6220 5565

Operating hours - 10:30am to 7pm (Mon to Fri)
Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Website

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No. 16 Blackforest Cake from Laurent Bernard Chocolatier

No. 16 Blackforest Cake from Laurent Bernard Chocolatier

If anyone ask me which are my favourite patisserie or desserts hangout, one of them will definitely be Laurent Bernard Chocolatier. Every single visit to Laurent has been memorable and satisfying. Without doubt, this will be the first place that comes to my mind when I am craving for chocolates.


This is not the first time I have blogged about Laurent @ Wessex and the atmosphere this branch has is very different from Laurent @ the Pier. Unlike the use of white and green, this branch adopts a very cottage-like feel. The chocolates, paintings and plants provide a very homely and comfy feeling.

In fact, it was also through this phototaking session which we began to appreciate what Mr. Laurent is trying to portray with his decor, his passion and ideas.


The outdoor seating allows one to peep through the kitchen, his idea of a laboratory, truly indeed, a place where the chemistry of ingredients interwine to form beautiful creations.


I have never pay so much attention to the other part of the cafe until now and I realize the choice of the various shades of brown and white certainly brightens up this former colonial house.

Breakfast is now available at Laurent Bernard Chocolatier and this location which the cafe is situated allows breakfast diners to enjoy the morning sunshine but yet sufficiently sheltered to avoid the morning glare of the sun. Splendid.


Having given a tour of this place, let me introduce one of the cakes I have been dying to try, which is none other, Laurent's signature Blackforest (also featured in the Sunday Times, 50 yummiest cake).


As described in the article,
"One of the dreamiest cakes in Singapore, this magnificent creature is made with layers of dark chocolate sponge filled with dark chocolate mousse, kirsch-soaked cherries, whipped cream, and a heap of feather-light chocolate shavings."
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Fen's comments

Blackforest is something which most will have eaten when young and my perspection towards Blackforest changed after eating Mezza9's blackforest and BakerZin's Foret Noir. It seems that the more expensive Blackforest has a tendency of not being sweet to allow the sour kirsch-soaked cherries to be the most understanding in the entire bite. Thus, the overall taste is first a sharp alcoholic sourishness, followed by the smoothness of the mousse and whipped cream with a bitterish after-taste of dark chocolate.

When I first had it at the cafe, the cake has pretty much melted and thus didn't stand out when we have it together with the chocolate tart and flourless chocolate cake. However, it was completely different when I had it at home, chilled proper and each bite brings me to heaven. I'm serious, even my family members were surprised how Blackforest can be so different and memorable.
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Yuan's comments

Laurent's black forest was kind of different from the rest of the selection. I was expecting rich and thick chocolate mousse or sponge coup with cherries. However this was relatively light, smooth chocolate cream rather than mousse. The cherries were mildly sour but what stood out was the smooth chocolate cravings by the side which not many can achieve. Overall worth a try but I am not really a fan of black forest cakes.
___________________________________________________________________

Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
Laurent's Cafe & Chocolate Bar
5B Portsdown Road
#01-02
Singapore 139 311
Tel: 6475 4182

http://thechocolatefactoryonline.com/

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Laurent's flourless chocolate cake

Laurent's flourless chocolate cake

My good impression of this cake still stay, for its soft and springy texture. Often chocolate cakes are made good because of cream or mousse to soften and moisten the texture and eating it on its own can be dry and crumbly (Yes, I have a habit of eating cakes layer by layer) but not in the case of Laurent's flourless chocolate cake.

The chocolate content is definitely sufficient to my liking and the texture is not overly light like a chiffon. In short, one of the best no-frill chocolate cake I have ever eaten and is recommended for those who dislike mousse and cream.

Oh, this time round, I took Ice's recommendation and have it with their vanilla ice-cream. Agreed with her that it is like eating warm chocolate cake minus the molten lava. _________________________________________________________
Yuan's comments

My usually impression of flourless chocolate cake would be those that are dry and coarse. Laurent's flourless chocolate cake on the contrary was soft and "egg-y". Not the usual rich chocolate sort but simliar to those light chocolate sponge. Order it together with a scope of their vanilla ice cream to bring out the contrast in taste. Highly recommended. _________________________________________________________

Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
Laurent's Cafe & Chocolate Bar
5B Portsdown Road
#01-02
Singapore 139 311
Tel: 6475 4182

http://thechocolatefactoryonline.com/

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Laurent Bernard Chocolatier ~ Easter Special 2009

Laurent Bernard Chocolatier ~ Easter Special 2009

We were extremely honoured to be invited by Chef Laurent to take photos for his Easter chocolate collection 2009 and below are the creations he has put up for sales. You can see the sceens behind the process of our photoshoot at perspective of a non photographer.

Chocolate eggs with varying sizes of
5.5cm - ($5.00+), 7.5cm ($8.00+), 10cm ($15.00+), 12.5cm ($23.00+) and 22cm ($96.00+) in dark, milk, or colored. They are sold by pack or by piece and all the eggs are filled with small crunchy chocolate eggs.






Chocolate Hen (6cm) - $5.00+
Comes in milk and dark chocolate with candy eggs in the core of the hens







Candy eggs - $11.00+
"Pack of 100gm colourful sugar candy eggs"


Do visit Laurent's website for more ordering details.

By the way, I was reading Laurent's blog when I realized they have put up a lovely chocolate showpiece. His entry can be viewed here.

All photos are copyright reserved and are properties of Laurent Bernard Chocolatier. If you see a photo you'd like to use please drop an email ( info@thechocolatefactoryonline.com) to Laurent Bernard Chocolatier and ask for permission. Thank you.

Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
Laurent's Cafe & Chocolate Bar
5B Portsdown Road
#01-02
Singapore 139 311
Tel: 6475 4182

http://thechocolatefactoryonline.com/

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Opus Deli @ Lau Pa Sat

Opus Deli @ Lau Pa Sat

Opus Deli was recommended by Huiyuan and I must say we have enjoyed the dessert spree at Opus Deli. This bakery has been around for 4 years at a quiet corner of Lau Pa Sat and for the tourists this iconic Victorian filigree cast-iron structure is something one shouldn't miss out when visiting Singapore. The shop is close to the junction of Raffles Quay and Boon Tat Street (popularly known as "Satay Street"), just behind Romanee restaurant and diagonally opposite Prima Deli.


Upon entering this take-away outlet, we were welcomed by the fragrant baking smell whiffing out from their apple crumbles and I can understand why Opus Deli attracts the office crowd to grab some snacks for high tea. For those who have heard of Opus Deli, their niche is to offer "Out of this World Cakes at Down to Earth prices" and their tart-sized Apple Crumble, which was featured earlier this year in the Sunday Times, 100 snacks under $10, is something one wouldn’t want to miss.




Selling at $2 each, the Opus Deli apple crumble was still warm in its core despite our prolonged photoshoot at the non-air-conditioned seats in hawker center. The crumbly pastry, the apple filling and crunchy crumble topping make it simply irresistible and good on its own.


Opus Deli’s apple crumble will appeal to people who prefer to eat pastry crust and crumble topping as its apple filling is pretty little. Because of the little filling, the tartlet base remains crunchy unlike those who has its filling seeped and softened the crust. The thick layer of streusel topping is lightly flavoured with nutmeg and cinnamon and the slight caramelized texture is the winning factor for their apple crumbles.

We bought a couple of Opus Deli's apple crumbles home and the apple crumbles were well-received by our family members.

Yuan's Comments

I love apple crumbles and a crumble at $2 is a steal. What made the Opus Deli apple crumble stood out was the buttery smell and you can eat it on the go. In fact, I ate it the next day for breakfast and it still taste good. Highly recommended.

Opus Deli
18 Raffles Quay #01-33
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market
Singapore 048582
Tel: 6223 1916

Operating hours – 8 am to 7pm (Mon to Fri)
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
http://www.opusdeli.com/

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Chocolate fudge cake

Chocolate fudge cake

Note that the serving portion shown in the picture is not the actual size of the cake. The actual portion is about 2 to 2.5x of what is shown in the picture. However, this is the portion of each cake if one orders the dessert platter (small - $25, premium - $30) which consists of bite size "petite" cakes and some others specially made for the platters, e.g. macaroons, chocolate balls, etc.

Opus Deli has their chocolate fudge cakes served in 2 versions, Original ($2.30) and Dark ($2.70). When eaten back to back, there isn’t a distinct difference between the two and we thought that the chocolate fudge is alittle thin to bring out the goodness of chocolate.


As for the chocolate sponge, it is closer to what Lana Cake Shop offers; a little dry cake sponge with a thin layer of chocolate fudge. Depending on what one looks for in a chocolate fudge cake, I would say this is worth a try for chocolate fudge cake fix for its convenient location and that they sell it in sliced. Yuan however felt that the it would be better if the layer of fudge is thicker.

For a quick recap, we thought that the chocolate fudge cakes from the following places has the mentioned niche,

Lana Cake Shop
The most consistent old-school taste since Ms. Violet Kwan has started

Jane’s Cake Station
Jelly-like chocolate fudge

Choc.a.bloc
Creamy chocolate fudge with extremely moist chocolate sponge

Awfully chocolate
Allows a reduction of sugar (up to 5%), relatively moist sponge

Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
On the sweet side but the richest chocolate fudge

Opus Deli
18 Raffles Quay #01-33
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market
Singapore 048582
Tel: 6223 1916

Operating hours – 8 am to 7pm (Mon to Fri)
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
http://www.opusdeli.com/

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Chocolate Caib

Chocolate Caib

Note that the serving portion shown in the picture is not the actual size of the cake. The actual portion is about 2 to 2.5x of what is shown in the picture. However, this is the portion of each cake if one orders the dessert platter (small - $25, premium - $30) which consists of bite size "petite" cakes and some others specially made for the platters, e.g. macaroons, chocolate balls, etc.

Chocolate Caib ($5.20) is considered the gem of Opus Deli which is described to be of soft top quality chocolate on a crunchy base. With a shiny layer of chocolate ganache, generous layer of milk chocolate mousse on a not-very-crunchy hazelnut praline. This is one cake which is good for a chocolate mousse fix. Although the impression is not as deep as the other chocolate mousse (with hazelnut praline) we have tried, we thought that the sweetness and smoothness is just right to appeal to the majority. But for those like Yuan who likes rich chocolate cakes, you will find this abit mild.


Opus Deli
18 Raffles Quay #01-33
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market
Singapore 048582
Tel: 6223 1916

Operating hours – 8 am to 7pm (Mon to Fri)
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
http://www.opusdeli.com/

[ ... ]

White Chocolate Raspberry Light and Cappuccino

White Chocolate Raspberry Light and Cappuccino

Note that the serving portion shown in the picture is not the actual size of the cake. The actual portion is about 2 to 2.5x of what is shown in the picture. However, this is the portion of each cake if one orders the dessert platter (small - $25, premium - $30) which consists of bite size "petite" cakes and some others specially made for the platters, e.g. macaroons, chocolate balls, etc.

White Chocolate Raspberry Light ($6.20) is the favourite cake of the owner, Mr. Erlich Phua for its light and refreshing taste. Although this is a white chocolate cake, the taste of chocolate is extremely light and almost undetectable. What makes this cake outstanding is mild vanilla sponge with raspberry bits, providing a mild and plain taste with slight sourishness. Yuan added that this may be a good alternative to strawberry shortcake. At least vanilla mousse is more healthy then fresh cream.


Cappuccino cake (only available on order) is a combination of chocolate and coffee mousse. The taste is generally mild and what Erlich felt was that this cake does not leave an “aftertaste” present in Bengawan Solo’s coffee cake. We thought it was pretty ordinary but might be a different story for coffee lovers.


Opus Deli
18 Raffles Quay #01-33
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market
Singapore 048582
Tel: 6223 1916

Operating hours – 8 am to 7pm (Mon to Fri)
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
http://www.opusdeli.com/

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A cheesy business @ Opus Deli

A cheesy business @ Opus Deli

I was pretty surprised at the pricing of the New York Cheesecake. A decent portion of cake priced at only $2.70 and its taste was not compromised at all. Although this is not the richest cheesecake I have tried, I do like the soft, creamy and smooth texture. There is nothing special about the base since it is the softened version of a digestive biscuit and for those who prefers a cheesecake with little or no lemon, this is worth a try and does not have much lemon in it. But Yuan felt that it was a little sour and doesn't stand out from the other cheese cakes e.g. Marble Cheese Cake from Hilton.


The other version of cheesecake they have at Opus Deli is the Chezcake m Blueberry and Chezcake m Strawberry which adopts a muffin structure. I didn’t try this but my sisters were fine with it. In fact, they find these more appealing to the New York Cheesecake. These are sold at $3.20 for 2 pieces.


Opus Deli
18 Raffles Quay #01-33
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market
Singapore 048582
Tel: 6223 1916

Operating hours – 8 am to 7pm (Mon to Fri)
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
http://www.opusdeli.com/

[ ... ]

Along Singapore River ~ Dallas Restaurant & Bar

Along Singapore River ~ Dallas Restaurant & Bar

Nowadays when I pen down a review for a restaurant, it is definitely more than just food. The ambience, the service and the overall experience count it all in my rating and this place has impressed me in a way or another. Walking along Boat Quay has given people an impression that it is all about drinking and seafood and a peep at the ground level of Dallas didn't leave much of an impression.




Being a non-drinker, walking down Boat Quay at night dread me. With the lingering cigarette smoke and the humid weather Singapore has, I would never imagine myself dining at Boat Quay but little did I know what Dallas offers is more than I can imagine.


Having a bar on the ground floor with alfresco seating that overlooks Singapore Asian Civilisations Museum and the other landmarks of City Hall, allows one to enjoy the Singapore nightlife along the waters.


Up to the second level brings a different perspective of the place, a restaurant serving American fare on the second floor. Having lunch with a view of Boat Quay in air-conditioned comfort is something which I enjoyed through the meal.


A 'Den' on its third level with a decent selection of wines and beer, one will be surprised by the other dimension Dallas provides.






The use of red and black provides a touch of class, the mysterious feel presented by surrounding tinted mirrors and the muted lighting provide a relaxing feel for one to unwind after work.


The use of artworks allow diners to take things slow and observe the decor the owner has put up and it is no surprise why this place is getting popular for functions and gatherings.


And who can resist the view offers at the balcony at level 3.


Thank you for LIC's effort to organize a wonderful food tasting session at Dallas. I am definitely going back for their 50% off promotion on Dallas' fiery or regular baby back pork ribs on Monday and Tuesday Nights (from 5.30pm to 10.30pm till 19 Jun 2009).

Dallas Restaurant & Bar
31 Boat Quay,
Singapore 049820
Tel: 6532 2131
http://www.dallas.sg/

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Dallas - LIC's Outing

Dallas - LIC's Outing

This was a food tasting session organized by LIC. As usual we were treated to a variety of great food and Dallas was kind to give us sample size for 9 dishes. As Dallas’s core business is a pub, the dishes are naturally finger food which you can go with liquor. Of course, they do have a restaurant menu but I guess the entry wouldn't be useful apart from the ribs.

Dish 1: Salt and pepper calamari


Dish 2: Chicken and cheese quesadillas


Dish 3: Shredded Pork Tacos


Dish 4: Baby Back Pork Ribs


Dish 5: Tempura Barranmundi


Dish 6: Dallas Wings


Dish 7: Corn and Crab Fritter


Dish 8: Beef Fajitas


Dish 9: Breaded Mushrooms


Being overwhelmed by the varied taste of food, I think it would only be fair to give an overall opinion of this food sampling season. I would say that the selection would be great for a gathering and for munching as you chat. There was nothing fanciful or extraordinary about the food except that it was well fried and mildly seasoned.

I would like to highlight the baby back pork ribs which is served in 3 flavors – Fiery, Alabama and Smoked Hickory BBQ. It’s lightly seasoned to retain the pork taste, tender and slightly sweet.

Overall too much fried food for this selection but I guess if you order one or two dishes to coup with your liquor, the finger food at Dallas probably won’t disappoint.
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Fen's comments

My second participation to LIC's outing and I must say it was a good meet-up. From my previous experience, in the event of food tasting, it would be fairer to the restaurant to give an overall experience and like Yuan, I shall just highlight a few of my favourite dishes.

I must say it was nice of Jason to introduce the style of cooking, the type of ingredients and the sauce Dallas' chefs has whipped up. Although the staff were alittle shorthanded but it was still a good experience to feel the ambience of the place and what the restuarant get to offer.

Kicking up the 9-dish food tasting, it was good that Dallas started with their signature dish, Salt & Pepper Calamari. Unlike the conventional squid rings, the squid were huge, tender and juicy but alittle oily. Quesadillas has always been my favourite and this did meet my expectation. The proportion of cheese goes pretty well with the flour tortillas and turn out to be the best among the wraps (i.e. Chicken Tacos and Beef Fajitas).

Having ate ribs from Tony Roma's, Bobby Rubino's and Dan Ryans, I must say that the flavours Dallas offer is impressive. Before touching on any flavours, the baby back ribs was tender and moist to my liking. Fiery adopts a sweeter and more ketchup-y taste (close to Tony Roma's), Alabama with a smokier BBQ sauce (similar to Dan Ryans) and Smoked Hickory in between. Being a fan of Bobby Rubino's ribs, my choice is the Alabama.

I realized the bulk of the food served were bar food and thus was cloying towards the 5th dish but apart from the mentioned 3 dishes, the Breaded Mushrooms with Cheese & Garlic Mayonnaise and Corn & Crab Fritters with Chilli Glaze were worth a try. Although Bobby Rubino has a better version of breaded mushrooms, Dallas does it nicely with melted cheese in the centre. Corn & Crab Fritters, breaded potato cakes were light and not-as-oily as the other fried food.

Overall, I have enjoyed myself and it was nice to meet FatPig (Timeless facade), Elaine (Divine Essentials), Caterine (Camemberu), Keropokman (Singapura Daily Makan Photos) and good old buddies, Evan, Elaine (Simply Etel), Weili, Brad and Sihan.
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Some of the other coverage of this outing,
LadyIronChef - Dallas Restaurant & Bar: LIC food outing
Camemberu - Dallas Restaurant and Bar
AromaCookery - Dallas Restaurant & Bar
Singapura Daily Makan Photo - Dallas Restaurant & Bar at Boat Quay
Timeless Facade - Dallas Restaurant and Bar
Jaime-La-Nourriture - Dallas Restaurant & Bar

Dallas Restaurant & Bar
31 Boat Quay,
Singapore 049820
Tel: 6532 2131
http://www.dallas.sg/

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