Hazelnut-chocolate special

Hazelnut-chocolate special

This entry will summarize our favourite four for chocolate creations that comes with hazelnut praline but do note that taste is a preferential topic and this should just be used as a reference.

Also note the date these specials are published as we are constantly trying new cakes so do look out for our entries on chocolate-hazelnut for newer updates and interesting finds.

Noisette ($6.70 w/o GST) Obolo 452 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427665 Tel: 6348 9791 http://www.obolo.com.sg/ Appearance - 9 Texture (chocolate mousse) - 9 Hazelnut praline- 8.5 Our preference index - 1st (26.5) Yuan: What I liked about the Noisette is the layer of chocolate fudge over the top rather than cocoa powder. Also this is the only cake which uses full hazelnut. Fen: To me, this is the least sweetest, probably this is due to the shiny chocolate gleam. Also, this is the only one that has whole roasted hazelnuts. However, there is only a thin layer of hazelnut praline at the bottom of the cake which I felt would be better if it is inserted in middle of the chocolate mousse. Anyway, this is featured in the Sunday Times' 50 best cakes as No. 46... "This dark chocolate mousse cake has lots of texture from the caramelised toasted hazelnut praline"	Hazelnut Royaltine ($6.50 w/o GST) Checkers Deli Hilton Singapore 581 Orchard Road Singapore 238883 Tel: 6730 3392 Appearance - 7.5 Texture (chocolate mousse) - 9.5 Hazelnut praline- 8.5 Our preference index - 3rd (25.5) Yuan: The Hazelnut Royaltine is one for those that love hazelnut praline. Half the cake is hazelnut praline. Fen: Not too sweet but what is nice and unique about this cake is the huge proportion of hazelnut praline. The light and crunchy praline when eaten together with the chocolate mousse is the best among the 4. However, this is not the choice if you are going for rich chocolate mousse with a thin crispy hazelnut praline. Checkers Deli is featured in the Sunday Times' 50 best cakes but not for the Hazelnut Royaltine. So, if you change your mind at the last minute, American Cheesecake is the way to go...
Le Royale ($7 w/o GST)	Cru Royale ($7 w/o GST)
Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie 11 Unity Street Robertson Walk #01-09 Singapore 237995 Tel: 6738-8145 http://www.canele.com.sg Appearance - 7 .5 Texture (chocolate mousse) - 8.5 Hazelnut praline- 8 Our preference index - 4th (24.0) Yuan: The Le Royale has the highest chocolate content among the 4. However it may be a little too rich and lose its texture. Fen: With a 64% chocolate content, the chocolate mousse is no doubt very rich but do let it equilibrate at room temperature. So far, this is the most highly rated hazelnut-chocolate mousse cake among blogs. Also, this is featured in the Sunday Times' 50 best cakes as No. 8... "Made of 64% dark chocolate, this deep, dark cake has a touch of rum to give the eater a nice buzz"	Centre Ps Pte Ltd 78 Guan Chuan Street #01-43 Singapore 160078 Tel: 6220 1285 http://www.centre-ps.com/ Appearance - 9 Texture (chocolate mousse) - 9 Hazelnut praline- 8.5 Our preference index - 2nd (26.5) Yuan: The Cru Royale is for those who love to eat Ferrero Roche. The mousse resembles the mousse inside the crust of Roche. Fen: The chocolate mousse is close to a smooth chocolate bar and apart from Hazelnut Royaltine from Checkers Deli, this is the next one that has a higher proportion of hazelnut praline but this is much denser than Hazelnut Royaltine. Rich and dense texture, also slightly sweeter than the other 3. A star-casted special where all 4 favourites are featured in the Sunday Times' 50 best cakes, and this is mentioned as No. 25... "Premium grand cru Valrhona chocolate and creamy hazelnut paste make for an exquistive treat."

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Devil-Misu from tcc

Devil-Misu from tcc

Decided to chill out after dinner. Ultimately, dinner is never complete without a dessert or two. Since I can't make up my mind between cakes and desserts, I guessed I will just stick to lovely creations and that is 2 desserts from their menu.

Devil-misu...


Now what is so devilish about this...
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Fen's comments

I don't understand why some people actually curse and swear so much over tcc's change of menu. tcc's tiramisu is still as good as before, if not better. In fact, be it the presentation, taste and service, it is worth some praises...

In fact, like I said this is better than the previous as the savoiardi sponges are thicker and thus the taste of the "cakes" and its alcohol can be tasted more distinctively. However, I prefer the one from aroma as I generally prefer a higher proportion of savoiardi sponges. Anyway, for more tiramisu recommendation, jus click on tiramisu under the "search by dessert type" dropdown bar or our tiramisu special.

Oh, what is so devillish about this? Its alcohol content...
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Yuan's comments

I totally agree with Fen. The Devil-Misu is an improved version of their previous tiramisu. The major improvement as pointed out by Fen is that the savoiardi sponge is thicker and you can feel the taste of the alcohol from the mascapone cheese more distinctively. What I particularly like about this creation are the grapes that are soaked with alcohol. Dip the grapes into the mascapone cheese and it taste heavenly. But be warned - this creation has an high alcohol content. On the whole I would say that this remains as the top few tiramisu which I have eaten.
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The Coffee Connoisseur (tcc)
Bugis Junction (Atrium)
80 Middle Road
#01-97 Bugis Junction
Singapore 188966
Tel: 6336 6956
Operating hours - 10am to 10pm (daily)
http://www.thecoffeeconnoisseur.com/

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Dark Devotion from tcc

Dark Devotion from tcc

Warm chocolate cake from The Coffee Connoisseur (tcc)... pass or fail?

Look at the smooth chocolate that oozed out from the cake...

Of course, it passed... Satisfied my sugar cravings... This is comparable to Soffiato from Ricciotti. The warm chocolate just flows out from the cake the moment we pushed our fork in. The chocolate is not that rich but just right since excessive chocolate maybe too heaty. Not too sweet and that the chocolate cake has a very soft texture in which the interior tasted alittle like a souffle. I wiped the plate clean and anticipate to finish the Devil-misu, what do you think?


Alright, second opinion from Yuan, as quoted from him,
"What I particularly like about this version of the warm chocolate cake is that the sponge is very soft. Sometimes cafes overheat their warm chocolate cakes to have the burnt effect on the outer layer, I think this really spoils the taste of the chocolate cake. Further the other strength of this cake is that the chocolate fudge is not too rich thus you will not feel so heaty after eating it. Overall I think it is one of the best warm chocolate cakes which I have eaten."

The Coffee Connoisseur (tcc)
Bugis Junction (Atrium)
80 Middle Road
#01-97 Bugis Junction
Singapore 188966
Tel: 6336 6956
Operating hours - 10am to 10pm (daily)
http://www.thecoffeeconnoisseur.com/

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Bean Curd Tarts

Bean Curd Tarts

Comes in box of 6. Le-cafe is popular with their golf balls pineapple tart and that this cafe don't sell their stuff in individual pieces, mainly in box of 6s, 12s or so...

Lots of people actually reserve these babies...

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Fen's comments

This tarts are nice, I am not kidding you. First, how often you get beancurd tarts. Second, they are not sweet. Third, it gives you the impression that these are healthy stuff as they are beancurd.

The pastries is crunchy and not soggy while the filling is refreshing with the smell and taste of beancurd. However, I don't rule out the possibility that there is addition of eggs as it does has a "background" taste of egg custards.
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Yuan's comments

As you open the box, you will smell the strong scent of beancurd. As you bite you will feel the crunchy and slightly sweet pastry. This is complemented by the smooth beancurd. Generally Le Cafe's tarts are rather nice. Coupe with beancurd that doesn't over whelm the taste, the effect is simply heavenly. Try it and you may give up eating egg tarts.

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Le Cafe Confectionery & Pastry
Blk 42
Cambridge Rd
#01-02
Singapore 210042
Tel: 6298 1477

http://www.lecafe.com.sg

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No. 46. Noisette from Obolo, a re-visit

No. 46. Noisette from Obolo, a re-visit

Obolo was one of the bakeries which I have spotted on online forums while hunting for a good chocolate cake for daddy. From vague memories, Yuan told me that I picked Noisette because it was a chocolate mousse and it looked the most tempting of the entire lot.

I was pretty surprised we actually picked the cake that was featured on Sunday Times, 50 best cakes, ultimately, it was a random choice and I thought Obolo was more popular for its cheesecake.

Anyway, Noisette falls in our category of hazelnut praline with chocolate mousse and its actual description is dark chocolate mousse, caramelized toasted hazelnuts, crunchy praline feulltine, chocolate genoise enrobed in a shiny chocolate glaem.

Listed as No. 46...
"This dark chocolate mousse cake has lots of texture from the caramelised toasted hazelnut praline"

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Fen's comments

The chocolate mousse is richer than hazelnut royaltine but frankly speaking, I prefer the latter due to its crunchy hazelnut praline. Ultimately, when the chocolate mousse is of a lesser quantity, it feels less sin to finish the entire pastry but nevertheless, this is the only one I have come across with whole hazelnuts embedded within the chocolate mousse.

The chocolate is inclined towards the dark chocolate, thereby it has a bittersweet after-taste. One will like this cake if he or she is a dark chocolate lover. I do find this nice but hazelnut royaltine is closer to what I like as Noiette has only a thin layer of hazelnut praline which is at the bottom of the cake (usually the most neglected layer).
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Yuan's comments

There are 2 unique characteristics of the Noisette. First this is the only cake which I have eaten what uses full hazelnuts in the cake. (Usually it is paste form) Second, it is the only mousse which I have eaten with the layer of dark chocolate on the top. The dark chocolate fudge complements with the mousse and thin layer of hazelnut praline. Although the mousse is not that rich compared to others which I have tried, I guess the overall combination is just right. Overall I think this deserves something like 8/10 - worth a shot.

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Obolo
452 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427665
Tel: 6348 9791

Operating hours -
12:30pm (Tues to Thurs),
12:30pm to 10pm (Fri)
11:30am to 10pm (Sat)
11:30pm to 9:30pm (Sun)
Closed on Mondays and Public holidays

http://www.obolo.com.sg/

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Les Macaroons at Obolo

Les Macaroons at Obolo

Macarons are said to be traditional French pastry and Obolo has several flavours which include bittersweet chocolate, raspberry, mango-passion, pistache, cassis, hazelnut-chocolate, noisette, ruby, chocolat-passion, vanille, pabana.

The texture is good, at least the shells are chewy and the most important thing is that it is not sweet. The only thing I thought was a pity is that it didn't have our favourite flavours. Generally, I prefer green tea and pistachio (sold out for that day) while Yuan's favourite was lychee.

It tastes pretty much like the bite-sized ones from the Atrium Deli, Pan Pacific Singapore so do I termed this as a cheaper alternative and an upsized version?

Rose was alittle too strong on its taste and it tastes pretty similar to bandung while Mango taste outshines the passionfruit. Since the flavours are pretty intense, the taste of almond is almost absent. Nevertheless, I don't mind getting some macaroons from Obolo, it is good.
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Yuan's comments

These macarcons would probably win the prize for being the "fattest" macarons. Looking at the cream in between, it is probably twice the size of your typical macaron. Best of all, it has that slight chewy feeling. Overall I would say this macaron has what it takes to curb your macaron craving - one of the best I have eaten.

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Obolo
452 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427665
Tel: 6348 9791

Operating hours -
12:30pm (Tues to Thurs),
12:30pm to 10pm (Fri)
11:30am to 10pm (Sat)
11:30pm to 9:30pm (Sun)
Closed on Mondays and Public holidays

http://www.obolo.com.sg/

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Waffle day... Yes, at Geláre

Waffle day... Yes, at Geláre

By now, everybody should have known that Tuesday is waffle day since Geláre's freshly baked waffles are 1/2 price every Tuesday. Of course, this is only valid for plain waffles with syrup and cream, dine in only and not valid on public holidays and with any other vouchers, discounts or privileges. What's new? Always read the fine prints.

Geláre waffles are freshly baked to order and the wonderful aromas are simply hard to ignore. With a choice of chocolate sauce or maple syrup topped with fresh cream and Geláre Ice Cream, we can't possibly have all the toppings on 1 waffle, so we end up with two waffles.
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Fen's comments

Kind of disappointed, the waffles were pretty soft. Though the taste remains the same for so many years, the inconsistency is still there. Sometimes, you will end up with soft ones like today's. While at times, it is crispy and hollow. I do miss the good old Geláre waffles that are crispy on the outside with a soft and springy interior.

Ice-cream not too sweet, generally I am ok with both flavours, Pecan nut and Macademia nut. Lastly, I prefer the one with the chocolate sauce. Thought that the amount of maple syrup used was not enough to allow the taste to be outstanding.
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Yuan's comments

Generally Geláre Waffles are the all time favourite. Everytime you walk past a Gelare shop, you would smell the baking smell arising from freshy baked waffles. As Fen pointed out, the standards vary from branch to branch. Nonetheless the batter taste is still good and this type of waffle typically taste better with maple syrup. I would say that it is still one of the nicest waffles in town but i somewhat prefer Belgian waffles.

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Geláre @ Citylink Mall
1 Raffles Link
#B1-26B
Singapore 039393
Tel: 6835 7910
http://www.gelare.com.sg/

With 13 branches island-wide, why did the one at Choa Chu Kang Centre closed. I do miss the good old days when I visit it every Tuesday. Even the popular book store was no longer there, they shifted to Lot One. Yes, that was ages ago when Yuan was still in his school uniform. (Yuan: I must clarify that we are not that old)

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Macarons at Atrium Deli

Macarons at Atrium Deli

It has been quite some time since we last had macaroons. Macaroons are something pretty expensive but yet its satisfaction index is really low. Although it is sweet but somehow or rather Yuan and I end up eating more… Anyway, as mentioned in the few entries on the Atrium Deli, I was curious about the chocolate éclairs but apparently, they are not available off the shelves, pre-ordering is required.

These macaroons are packed in lovely Ikea jars and the vibrant colours of these mini babies are so tempting as a gift… The packaging also makes it the most expensive macaroons given how small they are… For $10 (excluding 7% GST), these bite-sized macaroons comes in 5 pieces and of course, 5 different flavours… namely, Orange, Lychee, Lemon, Pistachio and Chocolate…

For guys who don’t know what to get for girls and are tight on budget, I thought this was pretty lovely as a gift… At least, when I first saw it… I was going “Oh my god, they are so cute… so cute… so cute… Yuan, I want a 1 bottle”… Yah, after munching the macaroons, I thought the bottle was useless, oh well… females spend on impulse…

I guessed I leave it to Yuan to tell you how he finds the taste of them, macaroons to me has reached to a point where I will just comments on three things… “Sweet, Chewy, Nice flavours”… Yes, these are sweet but not that bad, some are chewy (e.g. orange, chocolate and pistachio) while some are hollow and crispy (e.g. lychee and lemon) and orange and lemon are the most distinctive flavours…

Yuan's comments

The first impression I had of these Macarons was that they were kept in frozed bottles. The bottle was rather cold when I picked it up. Next was that these macarons are really expensive. $10 for pieces of 5 but they are so mini that I consider them to be half the typical macaron. As for the taste, honestly it didn't leave much of an impression but Fen was telling me that that it tasted like a miniture version of the ones from Obolo. Overall I think the texture was there and has this slight chewy feeling. But I doubt I will purchase it again as there are better macarons out there.

Atrium Deli
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square
Singapore 039595
Tel: 6826 8240

Operating hours - 7am to 9pm (Daily)

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Green Tea Red Bean Creame

Green Tea Red Bean Creame

As mentioned, Matcha cakes are always an acquired taste, either you like it or you hate it. So far, apart from Matcha Chiffon from Tampopo Deli, I find it hard to like most of the Matcha cakes I have tried so far. When the cake is too sweet, it lacks the sense of green tea. On the contrary, if it is too bitter, I would rather prefer the tea itself.

The Atrium Deli, located at Pan Pacific Hotel, do have quite a selection of cakes, ranging from the common ones like chocolate opera, tiramisu to unique ones such as their signature passionfruit cheesecake and matcha opera or matcha red bean. Decided to stick to Yuan's choice since he somehow or rather knows my preference, I decided to pick this particular one.

This cake contains 3 layers of matcha ladyfingers with matcha buttercream and red bean paste. The buttercream is smooth with a generous serving of red bean. Not too sweet but I thought it has a banana after-taste, might be due to the essence they used. As for the strength of Matcha taste in this cake, this is considered the mildest of the entire lot I have tried.

Personally, I didn't quite like it but as what I always say, hotel cakes has never disappoint in terms of the texture of the cake. The only question is whether you like the combination or flavour. Anyway, each sliced of this Green Tea Red Bean costs $6.00 (excluding of 7% GST).

By the way, I thought they have a 5-inch gigantic Eclairs, but I didn't see it.

Atrium Deli
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square
Singapore 039595
Tel: 6826 8240

Operating hours - 7am to 9pm (Daily)

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Chocolate Royal Cake from Pan Pacific

Chocolate Royal Cake from Pan Pacific

Apart from the Green Tea Red Bean Creame, Yuan pointed out that Chocolate Royal Cake and Tiramisu look the most tempting. Thus, I picked a chocolate mousse cake for my sister. According to Pan Pacific Deli, they have several signature cakes namely, Chocolate Royal Cake, Fruit Charlotte, Passion De coco, Tiramisu and Blackforest.

Basically, chocolate royal cake consists of light chocolate mousse, vanilla sponge and hazelnut crunch. I just took a mouthful and the hazelnut crunch leave a very deep impression, the crunchy and nice fragrance of the hazelnut reminds me of the hazelnut royaltime of Hilton Hotel. The chocolate mousse is pretty rich and smooth thus I can't deny the fact that these 2 cakes may share some resemblance. Maybe I should get these 2 cakes and eat it back to back, then I will know which is a favourite of mine. I can't comment much since it is just a mouthful but I can only say that the vanilla sponge was not to my sister's liking. She finish up the entire cake, leaving that piece of sponge behind. Costs $6.25 (excluding 7% GST) per slice.

Anyway, know why I drop by this bakery. I heard about their gigantic eclairs but they need an advance notice especially if you order large number of this item. Guess I will drop another visit.


Atrium Deli
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square
Singapore 039595
Tel: 6826 8240

Operating hours - 7am to 9pm (Daily)

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Mini tarts from Prima Deli

Mini tarts from Prima Deli

Apart from the chocolate fudge cake, daddy got some mini fruit tartlette (for a box of 6, it costs $4.20) and Philadelphia cheese bites (for a box of 6, it also costs $4.20).

The mini fruit tartlettes comes in flavours such as strawberries, peach, lychee and kiwi. The fruits are pretty fresh, tartlets shells are generally crunchy. As for the fillings, I was alittle disappointed that it wasn't custard. It was a form of thickened cream. The only good thing is that it is not too sweet and are in bite-sized. Thus, good for popping after dinner.

The tartlets shells of the Philadelphia cheese bites are the same as the mini fruit tartlettes except that it was alittle soggy, not sure is it because of the filling. Anyway, the amount of cheese used was too little and I suspect cream cheese was used since it was on the sweet side. Not much comments about it since I have not tried other versions of cheese tarts.


Prima Deli (West, Choa Chu Kang)
21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4
#B1-13 Lot 1
Tel: 6760 7231
http://www.primadeli.com.sg

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Chocolate fudge cake from Prima Deli

Chocolate fudge cake from Prima Deli

Rich chocolate sponge and fudge with generous spread of decadent, premium dark chocolate from Belgium.

Was out to grab some lunch with daddy and decided to get some pastries for high tea. As usual, when I spot my target, I will not let it easily. Scanning what is available at Prima Deli, I know what I want and ta dah, gotten a slice of chocolate fudge cake.

Priced at $3.70 per slice, this baby has a combination of choc.a.bloc and cedele chocolate fudge. Why do I say so, notice the lighter colour chocolate fudge at the top surface of the cake, from my vague impression, this is similar to the choc.a.bloc creamier and less chocolately fudge. The darker chocolate fudge seen in between the chocolate sponge is simlar to the one from cedele, sweeter and slighter richer than the top layer.

Generally, the cake is relatively sweet but in terms of moisture, I think it is pretty good. Thus, if you don't mind the sweetness, chocolate fudge cakes are readily available in sliced form.

Prima Deli (West, Choa Chu Kang)
21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4
#B1-13 Lot 1
Tel: 6760 7231
http://www.primadeli.com.sg

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The story about calories burning didn't end there...

The story about calories burning didn't end there...

After a hearty dinner at Seah Street Deli and a light dessert from Ice Queen, we didn't stop there. How can we miss out the Belgian waffles.

Being disciplined human beings who knows their limits, we only took Set A, 1 waffle + and a bowl of Belgian chocolate dip ($2.50).

Anyway, I personally prefer the Belgian waffles from Sun Moulin, thought this is relatively dry. Nevertheless, they are pretty nice desserts to go along after dinner. For a more comprehensive description of this stall, you might wanna visit ieatishootipost blog.

In short, for our chocolate decadence cake, 3 scoops of ice-cream and a Belgian waffle, we practically walked for a distance of about 5.7km. Sounds alot but given the amount of calories we pumped in for the day and the speed we are walking, hai...

Here is the estimated breakdown of our distance travelled...
From City Hall MRT to Seah Street Deli - 900m
Along Bras Basah Road - 450m
Along Beach Road - 3.3km
From Golden Mile Food Centre to Lavender MRT - 1.05km

The Sweet Stone Parad'Ice
Golden Mile Food Centre
#01-67/76
505 Beach Road
Singapore 199583

Operating hours -
open everyday - 11.30 am to 9.30 pm EXCEPT
on Monday and Wednesday - 11.30 am to 6 pm

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Wanted to burn some calories while walking but...

Wanted to burn some calories while walking but...

I know this is irrelevant to cakes but it kind of revive good old memories. While schooling, walking and eating has become a past-time for me and Yuan. Earlier on this evening, we walked from City Hall to Seah Street Deli, Raffles Hotel and we thought the evening ends there. Since dinner was alittle heavy, suggested walking to burn some calories.

Before meeting, I was debating whether to go the Seah Street Deli or Golden Mile Food Centre, settled with the latter but realized it is going to be a long walk from City Hall. Heck lah, just go straight to Seah Street Deli. After dinner, we wanted to walk to Singapore Flyer but alas in the midst of walking, we decided to walk to Kallang MRT, oh well... thought might as well just take a bus home while we were outside Park Royal Hotel. However, greedy Fen is curious about Ice Queen Ice Cream and Belgian Waffles at Golden Mile Food Centre. Okok, just see see only... but look what we got...


Yes, 3 scoops of ice-cream... namely Black sesame, Rum & rasins and Chocolate Hazelnut at $3.50.
Aren't we simply unbelievable? This is what happens when we fail to stick to our usual Friday gym routine. Also, know why Fen is persistent to go to Golden Mile... Blame it on food blogs...

Ice Queen Ice Cream

Golden Mile Food Centre
505 Beach Road
Singapore 199583

#01-86

Closed on Mondays

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Chocolate Decadence Cake From Seah Street Deli

Chocolate Decadence Cake From Seah Street Deli

Alright, Ah Teng's bakery didn't satisfy our cake carvings and thus we finally settle our Friday evening at Seah Street Deli. Many blogs have mentioned about this place, including the LadyIronChef and Camemberu.

Didn't expect to find such a light-hearted restaurant in the heart of Singapore CBD area. Opening the doors really bring a very light-hearted feeling, the waiters and waitresses presents their broadest smile with their red caps and jumper suits. Wow, with the jukebox and the typical New-York style setting, you just can help but to Rock and Roll ONLY IF the music is louder. I guess Friday was after all a good time to drop this restaurant a visit.


Had the TriBeCa which contains a beef patty, broiled with parma ham, cheddar cheese, tomato, portobello mushroom and lettuce (180g, $18.40) and the Broadway, a combination of quarter roasted chicken and half a rack of baby pork ribs ($19.90). But since this is a cake or rather a dessert blog, I think I will not post the pictures until I have more burgers to compare. Generally, the portobello mushrooms in the burger is solid but I thought the burger from Oh Carol! at biopolis is better. As for the ribs, just too tough but the chicken is tender and juicy.


Anyway, claims to be the all-time favourite dessert, how can we resist not ordering the chocolate decadence cake ($11.90).

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Fen's comments

After eating so many cakes and attempting to pay to the finest attention to all the lovely pastries, Yuan declared that the cake is not going to be good. Haha, prove himself wrong.

Recall our definition of haunting desserts, this cake is gigantic but it didn't stop us from clearing every single bit of it. Know what is the pros of this cake, it is not very sweet.

With alternating layers of chocolate mousse and chocolate cake with a thin layer of raspberry puree, this chocolate mousse has a texture which is in between the creamy chocolate mousse of Aroma's Valrhona Chocolate Mousse Cake and the rich + smooth chocolate layer of Canele's Gateaux Chocolat. I purposely highlight these 2 examples is to show the extremes between high chocolate content and the texture of the chocolate mousse. So in a way, this cake has the best of both, with a rich and relatively high chocolate content but not compromising its texture. Not a bad deal huh?

But it wouldn't be the best chocolate mousse I have ever tried despite my praises as the chocolate sponge lacks the springy and soft texture like the Chocolate Amer of BakerZin.

This is what happens when you go into so much details... Hai, since when eating cakes has ended writing a lengthy comment...

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Yuan's comments
First look at this cake and I concluded that this will be similar to the typical flourless chocolate cake. Indeed it does taste like the flourless chocolate cake except that it is actually softer than Canele's Gateaux Chocolat. It has a slightly chewy feeling as well. I guess this cake would be better than most other flourless chocolate cakes as I actually finished it with ease. I think the main reason would be that Raffles Hotel Cakes are generally not sweet thus you will not feel so sin after eating the whole cake. I would say it deserve something like 7/10.
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Seah Street Deli
Raffles Hotel Singapore
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: 6412 1816

Operating hours -
Sunday to Thursday - 11.00 am to 10.00 pm
Friday, Saturday and eve of public holidays - 11.00 am to 11.00 pm

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Sliced cakes at $4.50 nett

Sliced cakes at $4.50 nett

So far, hotels' cakes have not disappointed us and thus we have decided to drop by Ah Teng's bakery. Located in Raffles Hotel, this hotel was declared a National Monument in 1987 and reopens after restoration in 1991 (Raffles Hotel opened in 1887 in a rather sombre-looking old bungalow).

Located side-by-side with the Empire Cafe, the bakery adopted a typical 1920s Singapore coffee house style. Anyway, it was a little confusing as entering the bakery leads us to the warm welcome of the Empire cafe. Yes, ended having a pricey local fare...

Here are some of the sliced cakes available off the shelf. Starting from the left, Banana slice, Tiramisu, Manjari Chocolate, Chocolate Fudge...

Briefly, some description...
Tiramisu - Mascapone cheese cream, gelatine, egg yolk, coffee syrup (Nescafe powder), Vanilla sponge, honey...

Manjari chocolate - Strawberry cosume (jelly), Vanilla cream, Raspberry jam, Chocolate sponge, Manjari chocolate mousse, Hazelnut sable (biscuit)

Chocolate Fudge - Chocolate sponge, chocolate ganache

Chocolate cheesecake, Ambroiser, Willams...

Ambroiser - Chocolate mousse with no cake content (similar mousse used as chocolate fudge)

Willams - Pear-flavoured mousse with chocolate sponge

Fruit tart and Croquant...
Croquant - Peanut butter infused chocolate cake, chocolate and vanilla mousse

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Presenting Fen's choice from the array of cakes... Manjari chocolate

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Fen's comments

Regret not sticking to Yuan's choices, he actually picked Willams and Croquant but he preferred me to have a cake of my choice. Damn, this wasn't up to my expectation at all. Although it is a unique combination of Vanilla cream, Raspberry jam, Chocolate sponge, Manjari chocolate mousse, Hazelnut sable (biscuit). The overall texture was pretty yucky.

Actually, the way I savour my pastries will indicate how much I like it. If I take it by mouthful and allow every single bite to melt in my mouth, that is fantastic. But in this case, I was seperating the different layers and dumping it into my mouth in huge chunks in a pretty fast mode...

The vanilla cream is pretty rich and has a custard-like or rather a thickened texture. It is very smooth and there is no sign of any grainy after-taste. Manjari chocolate mousse was ok on its own, chocolate content was just right but the chocolate sponge and hazelnut biscuit spoils the entire thing. The sponge wasn't soft and springy enough while the hazelnut biscuit was not crunchy at all. Give me the impression that this has been exposed to air and moisture, and that its has started to lose its potency.
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Yuan's comments

I think this cake is your typical neighbourhood confectionery cake. A layer of jam over the top, vanilla cream and chocolate mousse. Well, maybe slightly better then your neighbourhood cakes as it is vanilla cream and not fresh cream. Nonetheless the strength of this cake is that it is not sweet hence a healthier choice. But it will not curb your cake craving. I think this would not be a cake that i will try again.

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Ah Teng's Bakery
Raffles Hotel Singapore
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: 6412 1816

Operating hours - 7:30 am to 10.45 pm (Daily)
Website

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Croquant - A peanut butter cake

Croquant - A peanut butter cake

If you were to compare this and Manjari Chocolate, the combination is pretty similar. You have chocolate mousse, chocolate sponge, vanilla cream with peanut butter and a layer of hazelnut biscuit.

However, something makes this taste much better than Manjari Chocolate. Maybe it is the order but it gives me the impression that it is fresher since the moisture content is much higher than Manjari chocolate. In addition, the absence of the strawberry jam enhances the overall chocolate and vanilla combination.

Last but not least, although I am not a peanut butter fan but this cake is really nice with the peanut butter. Since the texture of peanut butter is sticky and thicker, it stands out pretty much within the vanilla cream even though the amount is not alot.

I would say this is worth a try. Something different and not too sweet.
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Yuan's comments

This is the first peanut butter cake which i have tried. Chocolate Mousse + Vanilla Cream + Peanut butter = excellent combination. However if you are looking out for rich chocolate mousse, this would be a disappointment. As i mentioned before, Ah Teng's cakes have a milder and lighter taste than other cake shops. Though it is nice, this cake may not curb your cake craving. Nonetheless I would say this cake is worth a try.
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Ah Teng's Bakery
Raffles Hotel Singapore
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: 6412 1816

Operating hours - 7:30 am to 10.45 pm (Daily)

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The issue with Tiramisu has not ended >.<

The issue with Tiramisu has not ended >.<

Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie is getting more and more popular and we noticed that our readers have been making lots of recommendation from this pastry outlet. How can we miss out their tiramisu during our August Tiramisu spree...

Tiramisu
The Italian classic, made with marsala mascarpone mousse, finger sponge soaked in coffee, white rum and brandy. A closer look...
From Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie's website... The whole version...

The sliced version...

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Fen's comments

I led Yuan into the temptation of eating Tiramisu again. Anyway, I didn’t enjoy this as much as our highlighted favourite 4. Although the savoiardi is well-soaked with espresso and liquour but I thought the texture was pretty grainy and rough. In addition, I didn’t like the mascarpone cheese; it wasn’t the richy and creamy like tcc, da Paolo, Prego and Ricciotti nor light with a tint of freshness like BakerZin and Aroma. In short, I didn’t pass it even though Yuan felt that it deserved to be in our favourite 4.
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Yuan's comments

This is the first tiramisu which i have eaten that is more to the sweet side. It has this layer of jelly (or syrup?) over the top which probably accounts for the sweetness. Light cheese taste and slightly stronger liquour taste. Overall I would say that it is one of the better Tiramisu I have tried.

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Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie (Raffles City Shopping Centre )
252 North Bridge Road,
#B1-81/82 Raffles City Shopping Centre,
Singapore 179103
Tel: 6334 7377
Operating hours - 11am to 10pm daily
http://www.canele.com.sg

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The Chocolate Amer of Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie

The Chocolate Amer of Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie

The main difference between the chocolate creations of BakerZin and Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie is the chocolate content. Generally, Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie tends to have a very high chocolate content, thereby providing a very rich texture.

Le Royale did impress Yuan, let see how this chocolate baby fare...

Gateaux Chocolat
Dark chocolate cream, flourless chocolate sponge decorated with triple chocolate shards

Looks like there is still lots of improvement for my "pointing and shooting" skills... Whole cake presentation obtained from Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie's website...

The sliced version...

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Fen's comments

---------------------------------Warning, non-cake reviews-----------------------------------

This cake was my dinner just before gym. Yes, that is how unhealthy females can be but anyway, Yuan was amazed I wasn’t hungry. Actually just before I sleep, my stomach was reminding me about the short-changed dinner…

Curious how much calories I have gotten from yesterday’s junk food…
Let me see,
Breakfast was Sausage McMuffin (370g), Fresh milk (165g) and Hashbrowns (140g)…
Lunch was Root Beer Float (170g + 120g) and Carbonara (about 600g?)
Dinner was Gateaux Chocolat…

Hmm… excluding Gateaux Chocolat is already 1565g. Geez, lucky I did gym yesterday…

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Anyway, I have been curious about Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie’s version of Chocolate Amer (BakerZin’s description of their Chocolate Amer was a flourless chocolate sponge layered with bitter chocolate mousse) whereas the description of Gateaux Chocolat is dark chocolate cream, flourless chocolate sponge decorated with triple chocolate shards. Fair competition huh?

Out of curiosity, Amer doesn’t mean anything, wonder is it a short-form for America?

I guessed I still prefer BakerZin’s chocolate amer. This is just too rich. The chocolate, no doubt, is very smooth but that’s not cream. It is so rich that I think it is close to a milk chocolate bar. This chocolate cream as you can see from the photos is about 60-70% of the cake and since Le Royale is about 64% dark chocolate content, I won’t be surprised if this is close to 70% chocolate content. I am not kidding you; this is how rich the cake is.

I do like the flourless chocolate cake and would prefer it being thicker; I was practically peeling it off from the cake and enjoying every single bite of the cake. I think I will only like it if only there is more flourless chocolate sponge.

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Yuan's comments
This cake taste pretty much like flourless chocolate cake from Aroma. Generally dry and a little tough. (Probably due to the chocolate content) The mousse portion of this cake is pretty nice but i would prefer it to be slightly more creamy and the sponge a little more wet. I guess it depends on what you look out for in a chocolate cake. If you are like me who prefer wet sponge and creamy mousse, this one definitely fail. But if you are into thick and rough chocolate, you will probably like it.

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Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie (Raffles City Shopping Centre )
252 North Bridge Road,
#B1-81/82 Raffles City Shopping Centre,
Singapore 179103

Tel: 6334 7377
Operating hours - 11am to 10pm daily
http://www.canele.com.sg

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