Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, Canele

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, Canele

Walnut chocolate fudge cake, chocolate chip cheese cake and dark chocolate chantily. I normally do not like the cheesecake and chocolate combination however I think canele does this pretty well. The chocolate taste stands out more and the cheese just adds that creamy effect. Hence it taste like eating chocolate ice cream rather than a cheesecake. If you are a cheesecake fan, you may not like this combination however if you like chocolate, I am sure you will like this.

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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Bar & Billiard Room, Raffles Hotel

Bar & Billiard Room, Raffles Hotel

Buffet Lunch at Bar & Billard is distinctive western. You will not find any local cusine in this buffet. As requested by the hotel, we did not take any photos of the buffet table. Hence the spread is taken at our table.

Appetizers served include: Homemade Smoked Salmon, Parma Ham, Gammon, Vegetable Gazpacho, Marinated and Grilled Assorted Vegetables. Soup served include Leek and Potato Cream and Chicken Soup

Homemade bread with Mon's cheese

Appetizers

There is also a seafood Station consisting of Poached King Prawn, Oysters, Steam Mussels Mariniere Style, Sweet Claims and Mud Crab.

Oysters with smoked salmon

Clams & Mussels

Not forgetting the Pasta Station whereby the chef will prepare pasta of your choice on the spot. I chose the Carbonara.

Carbonara

Main Course includes: Pan-fried Salmon on the Skin with Champagne Sauce, Broccoli and Caulifower Gratin with Comte Cheese, Scallops in Sweet Wine Sauce, Pan Fried Chicken Flavoured with Tarragon, Braised Beef with Carrot Confit. Also do not miss out their carving Live station where they have the chef selection of fish and meat based on the daily market.

Pan-fried Salmon on the Skin with Champagne Sauce

Desserts served include: Vanilla and Grape Bread Pudding, Apple Cinnamon and Rasin Crumble and selection of their in house cakes.

Desserts

Overall if you are looking for spread, lobster, meat etc, you would probably be disappointed with this buffet. What this buffet offers is its ambience as the whole deco is similar to those old colonial houses. If you asked me what was memorable in this buffet, it would be the carbonara (seldom you find such excellent carbonara on a buffet table), veal (so tender and juicy) as well as the scallops (succulent, well-marinated and big).

Bar & Billiard Room
Raffles Hotel Singapore
1 Beach Road S(189673)
Tel 6337 1886
Website

Feed At Raffles American Express -
2 Adults entitles 50% Disc
3 Adults entitles 33% Disc
4 Adults entitles 25% Disc
5 to 10 Adults entitles 20% Disc

Citibank - 15% discounts up to 24 persons
UOB Generic - 5% up to 24 persons
UOB Platinum - 10% up to 24 persons

Lunch buffet is served from 11:30am to 2pm (Mon – Sat) @ S$58.00++ per adult & S$35.00++ per child
High Tea is served from 3:30pm to 5pm (Sat) and 4.00pm to 5.30pm (Sun & Public Holiday) @ S$38++/Adult and S$25++/Child
Dinner buffet is served from 7pm to 10pm (Mon – Sat) @ S$72.00++ per adult & S$44.00++ per child

International Seafood Champagne Brunch are available from 11am to 3:15pm on Sun at the following prices
@ S$148.00++ per Adult with Free of Flow of Rose Champagne, Bloody Mary and Freshly Squeezed Juices
@ S$138.00++ per Adult with Free of Flow of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Bloody Mary and Freshly Squeezed Juices
@ S$108.00++ per Adult with Free of Flow Bloody Mary and Freshly Squeezed Juices.
@ S$51.00++ per Child with Free Flow of Freshly Squeezed Juices.

Note that there are two seatings, with the First Seating from 11am to 1pm and Second Seating at 1:15pm to 3:15pm

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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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Spike D @ Big "O"

Spike D @ Big "O"

A sister company to NYDC, I have a misconception that having eaten at NYDC, you would have tried the food at Big O. However, since I am on a durian spree, we can't miss out Spike "D", which is said to be an awesome durian cake that can fix any craving.


Before digging straight into the cake, this cafe adopts a contemporary, open concept layout. Similarly to NYDC, the wood furnishing complements the overhead lightings to provide casual dining but instead of the funky writings found on the walls of NYDC, Big O display a cute collection of dogs portraits and huge comic print outs.


Looking at the cake display, I was surprised by the appearance of Spike "D". It looks like a humble looking chocolate cake unlike the spiky real thing. According to the description, this is made of fresh durians and topped with chocolate fudge and has been rated to be one of the best cake in either 2007 or 2008.

Spike "D"
$5.95++ (per cup) / $57++ (whole)


Consist of durian mousse, sponge and a thin layer of bitter chocolate fudge, the cake does have a light fluffy texture without compromising on the strength of durian. In fact, the chocolate complements the durian mousse pretty and adds the slight bitter touch to it. The only flaw which Yuan felt was the presence of coconut milk.

This definitely outshines the regular vanilla sponge with durian cream / filling which Jane's cake station and Emicakes have adopted but nothing beats what Goodwood Park Hotel offers.

BigO Cafe. Restaurant
Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road
#02-04/#02-05
Singapore 238880
Tel 6737 8472

Operating hours -
11:30am to 10:30pm (Sun to Thurs)
11:30am to 11pm (Fri, Sat and Eve of PH)

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Fruit of the Forest

Fruit of the Forest

Described by Big "O" to be a Blackforest Cake done BigO Style and a cherry anyone would pick. This cake costs $5.95++ (per slice) / $57++ (whole).

Most blackforest stands out for its rich chocolate mousse or the Kirsch-soaked cherries but this one stands out because of its moist chocolate moist, thereby providing a very refreshing after-taste. By far, this one has the most generous amount of chocolate shavings and has a nostalgic old school taste.

BigO Cafe. Restaurant
Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road
#02-04/#02-05
Singapore 238880
Tel 6737 8472

Operating hours -
11:30am to 10:30pm (Sun to Thurs)
11:30am to 11pm (Fri, Sat and Eve of PH)

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Familie Chocolade

Familie Chocolade

Familie Oven is a home baker specializing in chocolate fudge cake. This cake consisting of 2 layers of chocolate sponge with chewy chocolate fudge, are only sold in 2 sizes - Regular ($26) Large ($50).


Solely by visual inspection, this cake wins by the gloss on the surface which really makes this cake looks so yummy.

Scent-wise, I felt that the chocolate smell is not strong enough, in fact there is a tint of butter smell.

Taste-wise, this cake is really old school, similar to those found in the neighbourhood confectionery, those that your mum would buy for your breakfast (Not sure if I am in the wrong generation). The chocolate jelly is kind of chewy and you will be able to peel off the whole layer. Do note that dark chocolate is used so it is a pity that it was not thick enough, thus not rich enough to pit against the industry leaders. However after letting my family members (2 + 5) try it, they seem to enjoy it. Hence I guess sometimes simplicity is good.

Soft enough, not heaty and the most important thing, not overly sweet and thus widely accepted.

Familie Oven
Mobile: 9029 2191
E-mail: sales@familieoven.com
Website: http://www.familieoven.com/

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1 Caramel @ the LUXE

1 Caramel @ the LUXE

Managed by One Rochester, 1 Caramel made its appearance last month at the LUXE. Located in a chic-looking condominium located between Plaza Singapura and The Cathay, this chic dessert pâtisserie houses sweet surprises for dessert lovers. Adopting French pastry-making techniques with Japanese presentation, this pâtisserie serves cakes, chocolates, gourmet coffees, teas, wines, dessert cocktails and a small selection of savouries such as quiches and soups.


The contemporary combination of yellow cosy sofa and white bar top gives a classy dining experience. For a more spacious and breezy feel, the al fresco dining area provides a romantic atmosphere at night.


The highlight of this place are the brightly coloured cakes and cookies displayed at the bar counter and the massive window display of exquisitely decorated cakes as well as pastries is already a feast for anyone with a sweet tooth. This is one rare occassion when I wanted to order everything on the shelf as I got captivated by 1 Caramel's collage of colourful creations. Can you imagine seeing 27 freshly baked cakes in a huge glass display?


Lychee Rose
Lychee rose mousse with juicy lychee jelly and Valrhona ivory chocolate glaze.
$7.90 (slice) / $75 (whole cake)

Apart from the mango mascarpone in my previous entry, this is another unique creation by 1 Caramel, a "dream come true" for Ispahan lovers. By far, this is the only cake which we have come across that is wholly rose mousse and lychee jelly. The entire combination resemble a less sweet version of CentrePs' lychee macaron which makes it the best dessert we have come across when the marriage of rose and lychee is concerned.

In our opinion, 1 Caramel is highly recommended for dessert lovers, be it for its ambience or for its cakes. Rarely after eating 4 cakes in a row, there is still room for the 5th thus indicating that the selection is light and generally not overwhelming. Within the same week, we made a second visit and the impression remains as the Chocolate Berry Lust and Tropical Fruits and Passionfruit continue to impress. And yes, the quality and freshness is consistent in both visit.

1 Caramel
The Luxe
6 Handy Road
#01-01A
Singapore 229234
Tel: 6338 3282

Operating hours -
11am to 11pm (Sun to Thurs)
11am to 1am (Fri and Sat)

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Mango Mascarpone

Mango Mascarpone

Considered to be one of 1 Caramel's signature, this cake is made up of mascarpone cheese cream on coconut crumble with mango compote as its topping. Each slice costs $8.90++ and a whole cake will be $85++.


Recommended by 1 Caramel's general manager, Ms Melanie Ng, this was no doubt the best among the 4 desserts we had that evening. A modern twist to a conventional cheesecake, the use of mascarpone cheese makes it less cloying. The mango compote makes the dessert refreshing. Apart from crushed biscuits and butter, the incorporation of coconut gives an extra fragrance.

1 Caramel
The Luxe
6 Handy Road
#01-01A
Singapore 229234
Tel: 6338 3282

Operating hours -
11am to 11pm (Sun to Thurs)
11am to 1am (Fri and Sat)

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BlackForest

BlackForest

A traditional favourite combining moist chocolate sponge with layers of chocolate cream and kirsch soaked cherries. Each slice costs $7.90++ and a whole cake will be $75++.


In a way, this version of Black Forest resembles closely to what Mezza9 offers. Apart from the chocolate sheet supporting at the back of the cake, the cream in both cakes are similarly bland. What makes this slightly better than Mezza9's is the less sour berries and the overall texture is not overwhelmed by Kirsch.

1 Caramel
The Luxe
6 Handy Road
#01-01A
Singapore 229234
Tel: 6338 3282

Operating hours -
11am to 11pm (Sun to Thurs)
11am to 1am (Fri and Sat)

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Hazelnut Pear Torta

Hazelnut Pear Torta

Sold at $6.90++ per slice and $45++ as a whole, this is basically a crunchy hazelnut cake with caramelized pear slices.


This creation was mistaken as a tart and hence the opinion obtained after eating this cake was disappointing. In short, this resembles closer to a walnut cake with its texture alittle tad dry.

I guessed how this cake is accepted depends alot on one's preference so this cake is most likely to appeal to those who fancy nutty cakes or brownies.

Anyway, I just learn from Wikipedia that there are several defintions to the word "Torta". For instance, it can refer to a small fried mixture of scrambled eggs (huevo en torta), or a sweet cake in most South American countries and even a kind of omelette in the Philippines.

1 Caramel
The Luxe
6 Handy Road
#01-01A
Singapore 229234
Tel: 6338 3282

Operating hours -
11am to 11pm (Sun to Thurs)
11am to 1am (Fri and Sat)

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Chocolate Berry Lust

Chocolate Berry Lust

Another famous creation of 1 Caramel, this tart is made up of luscious layers of Valrhona chocolate ganache with fresh exotic wild berries laden on a bed of pure crunchy hazelnut mix and is sold at $8.90++ per slice or $85++ as a whole.

For the next few entries, we will be bringing in desserts from a newly opened dessert pâtisserie, 1 Caramel. For classification purposes, these cakes will be published as separate entries over the next few days.

For those who had visited 1 Caramel, one will not miss out on their Chocolate Berry Lust. This chocolate tart topped with a medley of berries presents a wow factor when the smooth chocolate ganache melts in the mouth. Eating this tart with the generous toppings of berries resemble a chocolate fondue indulgence.

Apart from the dark chocolate ganache, the layer of hazelnut praline gives the tart an extra crunch. However, the tart pastry is kinda of disappointing with a slight burnt taste.

In any case, this definitely impresses in my opinion. I would consider this as a worthy alternative to my favourite, Laurent Bernard Chocolatier's chocolate tart.

1 Caramel
The Luxe
6 Handy Road
#01-01A
Singapore 229234
Tel: 6338 3282

Operating hours -
11am to 11pm (Sun to Thurs)
11am to 1am (Fri and Sat)

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Churros Fondue @ Max Brenner

Churros Fondue @ Max Brenner

One of the new desserts offered by Max Brenner - Churros Fondue ($15++). This is basically churros with chocolate and caramel sauce. If you ask me, I would say churros taste better on its own. By dipping into chocolate or caramel, it overwhelms the cinnamon sugar coating.


Of course some mention must be made on our all time favourite ice chocolate drink. The Iced Dark Chocolate Granite ($8.90++)Ice dark chocolate is pretty difficult and this drink probably has just the right concentration.

Max Brenner
8 Raffles Avenue, #01-06/08 Esplanade Mall
Singapore 039802
Tel: 6235 9556
Opening Hours:
Sun-Thurs - 11:00am to 11:00pm
Fri-Sat - 11:00am to 12:00 (Midnight)

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Durian Cake @ Jane's Cake Station

Durian Cake @ Jane's Cake Station

Taking a short break from durians, sgdessert.com brings its 4th installation for this year's durian special - The durian cake from Jane's Cake Station. Located at the rustic Jalan Kayu, this shop is a rare find in an area more known for its prata.

This cake is made of one layer of fresh cream over the top and sponge cake which sandwich the durian cream. For those expecting solid durian pulp, you would be utterly disapointed. The filling tastes more like durian ice cream, slightly milky and creamy rather than anywhere close to the real thing. Overall I wouldn't recommend this to the true durian lover however I do understand that there is a group out there would like light durian desserts.

This durian cake is sold at $38 (8"), $58 (10"), $98 (12"x12"), $128 (12"x14") and $158 (12"x18").

Jane's Cake Station
265 Jalan Kayu
Tel: 6481 1322

Mon to Sat - noon to 6pm
Sunday & public holidays - noon to 4pm
Closed on Wednesday

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Fullerton Chocolate Buffet

Fullerton Chocolate Buffet

Note: We have dropped by Fullerton once again for this splendid buffet so don't miss out on our new 2011 post.

Built in 1928, the Fullerton Building which has previously housed occupants such as the General Post Office, The Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, this iconic building was transformed to what it is now, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, since 2001.


Courtyard, the sunlit atrium lobby lounge of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is the dine-in place for the hotel's renowned chocolate buffet, which is served on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to 11pm.


Apart from the chocolate buffet, Courtyard offers a range of beverages, main courses and finger food.

Nivole Moscato d' asti, Michele Chiarlo, $15++ per glass

The chocolate buffet is separated into 3 sections, namely hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, cakes and pastries. Though the focus is on chocolate, there are several non-chocolate items or rather "mildly flavoured with chocolate" desserts such as Cranberry Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding, Lychee Tiramisu, Strawberry Melba and Coconut Sagu Pearl.


For the chocolate based desserts, Fullerton Hotel did a wonderful job in varying the chocolate content and pairing it with other ingredients. For instance, Alto El Sol Pineapple was a combination of pineapple puree with chocolate mousse. Ginger, Espresso, Earl Grey, Mandarin Orange, Mint, Hazelnut Praline, Raspberry and Yoghurt were splendidly introduced into chocolate cakes.


Apart from cakes, this buffet also offers a variety of French Pastries, Shortbread Cookies and Chocolate Cabosse.


For those who wants an extra doze of chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate sauce are within reach.


There is also a small section at the main entrance of the Courtyard which features Frangelico Chocolate Soup, Banana Chocolate Tart, Chocolate Pralines and Jivara Chocolate Tart. The Fullerton Hotel's banana chocolate tart is worth a mention as it was an interesting twist to the conventional chocolate banana mousse.


To fit into the chocolate theme, Fullerton Hotel paired the classic French dessert, Crème Brûlée with chocolate mousse.


The highlight of the buffet should be the hot chocolate section. With a selection of 8 different types of chocolate, namely Gianduja Noisette Noir (32%), Tanavira Lactee (33%), Grand Cru Jivara Lactee (40%), Tropilia (53%), Orange Noir (57%), Grand Cru Pur Caraibe (66%) and Grand Cru Araguani (72%), it gives an opportunity for diners to appreciate the subtle flavours of different chocolate.




Of course, a chocolate buffet will not be complete without chocolate fondue and ice-cream.


I am sure there are people like us who feel that paying $38++ to eat-all-you-can is not a very value-for-money decision and having experienced the chocolate buffet, even chocolate lovers will not be able to sample every dessert in this buffet as it is simply too heaty and sinful. Instead of having the mentality of trying every dessert, appreciate the fineness of the chocolate desserts offered at this buffet. Apart from the fine chocolate, the posh ambience and the piano pieces playing in the background provides a different level of chocolate appreciation.

For Chocolate Buffet,
Friday and Saturday - 8pm to 11pm
$38++ per pax

North Courtyard
The Fullerton Singapore
1 Fullerton Square Singapore
Singapore 049178

Tel: 6877 8129

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