Mooncakes from InterContinental Singapore

Mooncakes from InterContinental Singapore

Man Fu Yuan celebrates this Mid-Autumn Festival with a delightful collection of traditional snowskin and baked moon cakes which have been handcrafted with the finest ingredients. We were previlleged to be able to sample InterContinental Singapore's creation before their official release on 10 August 2012.

 Man Fu Yuan's traditional range of lotus paste moon cakes are mainly paired with nuts for an added crunch. Among the selection, I prefer the lotus seed paste with double yolk mooncake as the lotus paste is moist and fragrant. My only complain is that the lotus paste sticks to your teeth as you savor the mooncake.



The selection of snowskin mooncakes include this year's creation, the Mao Shan Wang Durian Mooncake with coconut as well as past year's favorites such as the Green Tea Paste with Dragonball Jasmine, Sesame Paste with White Sesame Seeds and Lotus with Macadamia Nuts. While the flavors are quite well paired, I prefer the simple Lotus with Macadamia Nuts as I can enjoy the smooth lotus paste with a crunch.

Man Fu Yuan moon cakes are available at the Teahut, located at the hotel's Bugis Junction entrance, from 10 August to 30 September 2012.

Special thanks to Teresa Koh, Marketing Communications &PR Executive for the opportunity to sample the hotel's Mid Autumn creations. 

Mooncake Enquires

22 July to 30 September 2012, 10am to 8pm (daily) 

Tel 6820 8519/6820 8520

Email: sinhb-festive@interconti.com

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Tiramisu by Aroma

Tiramisu by Aroma

Last year in our tiramisu special, we gave Aroma top spot for tiramisu. This year we revisited Aroma. Will our verdict remain? Read on...


Appearance wise,the tiramisu looks pretty consistent apart from using white chocolate sheets instead of milk chocolate. The miniature tiramisu and "chocolate well" remains.

Tastewise, I think the standard is about the same however it does not seem to have any alcohol content as opposed to the last time we tried. Slightly sweet and you will feel the expresso from the soaked savoiardi sponge cake. I guess it's still nice except that I would have prefered them to soak the savoiardi cake in liquor.

Nevertheless it does remind us of BakerZin's tiramisu and I would say it is still the better few but having read the comments and reviews on tiramisu, I guessed the general public would prefer stronger liquor content in this classic Italian dessert, which this tiramisu is lacking.

Note that the sliced cakes are sold at $10 for every 2 slices from 5pm to 9:30pm and half price from 9:30pm to 10pm.

Aroma
Intercontinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: 6825 1058

Operating hours - 7 am to 10 pm (daily)
Website for Aroma

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No. 7 Banana Chocolate Cake by Aroma

No. 7 Banana Chocolate Cake by Aroma

Although the Sunday Times' 50 yummiest cakes article has been published quite some time ago, and that Fen has blogged about this cake before, I thought it is interesting to share my opinions towards this cake (close to what Fen has shared a year ago).

As quoted in the article...
"This sugar-free cake, made with the sugar substitute maltitol, will make you go bananas with slices of the fruit sandwiched between layers of banana sponge and chocolate cream"

This is really a dream combination for banana lovers.
"Chocolate cream, Banana slices and Banana sponge"


I liked the cake for 2 areas. First, it is not sweet and second the banana slices really made my day (I am a banana lover).

However as a chocolate lover as well, I felt that a richer chocolate cream would have been better. More chocolate content rather than a creamy texture.

Further, I would have prefer a softer banana sponge as the base. In short, plus points for the banana mousse layer but not so, for the 2 layers accompanying it.

Note that the sliced cakes are sold at $10 for every 2 slices from 5pm to 9:30pm and half price from 9:30pm to 10pm.

Aroma
Intercontinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: 6825 1058

Operating hours - 7 am to 10 pm (daily)
Website for Aroma

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Fruit Tartlet

Fruit Tartlet

Hotel tarts are often more expensive than stand-alone pâtisseries and bakeries but are layered exquisitely with varying layers (e.g. Chocolate Banana Tart from Goodwood Park, Pear with Almond Cream from Regent Hotel) . This fruit tart ($8.00+) has 4 layers, namely the crispy tartlet base, a thin layer of sponge cake, custard and a generous topping of fruits.

The overall combination is predictable judging from the combination and personally I prefer the Delifrance's mixed fruit tart more than this. Although the custard is pretty much the same as Delifrance, the tartlet base lacks the fragrance and the fruit toppings is very sour, particularly the mango and kiwi cubes.

Despite my preference inclining towards Delifrance's fruit tart, I have to admit I do enjoy this dessert completely but I don't deny that I expect more from hotels, given its more expensive price tag.

Note that the sliced cakes are sold at $10 for every 2 slices from 5pm to 9:30pm and half price from 9:30pm to 10pm.

Aroma
Intercontinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: 6825 1058

Operating hours - 7 am to 10 pm (daily)
Website for Aroma

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Daddy's birthday cake - Valrhona Chocolate Mousse Cake

Daddy's birthday cake - Valrhona Chocolate Mousse Cake

I took this cartoon from Angie the choice and request to be placed on their creation... Angie's fans will recognise this as Freddy.
What they did was to paint the outlines on a small chocolate disc.

Anyway, the original Valrhona Chocolate Mousse Cake is supposed to look like that but with the tender loving care of the Executive Pastry Chef, Mr. Reinhard Lackner, this cake simply melts my daddy's heart. I appreciate all the time and effort to design this cake for me.

According to Mr. Reinhard, the Valrhona Chocolate Mousse cake is a relative to a Chocolate Royal Cake. The Valrhona cake is centred with a vanilla brulee inlay. The sponge and crispy feullatine layer are similiar to their signature Modern Style Sacher Chocolate Cake. For the Chocolate Mousse, Valrhona Equatorial Couverture with 55% Cocoa content was used and of course, the cake is glazed with a very glossy dark chocolate glaze.


The texture of the mousse is so smooth, fine and rich that it tasted like chocolate ice-cream. A highly recommended chocolate mousse for chocoholics. Definitely passed my daddy's requirements in terms of chocolate mousse.

By the way, I thought that the sugar can still be reduced slightly but apart from that, this cake is too perfect for any criticism nor comments. Anyway, this 1kg cake costs $50+ ($53.50 including 7% GST).

Aroma, Intercontinental Singapore
80 Middle Road.
Tel: 6825 1058
Open: 11am to 10pm daily

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Macarons from Aroma

Macarons from Aroma

There is one reason why I frequent Hotel Intercontinental. Firstly, their pastries and service have impressed me so far. They respond to my mails and enquiries fast and of course, the stuff is good. Lastly, and of course the most deciding factor is that I was gym-ing nearby and to minimize walking and to satisfy my craving... Viola...

Maybe I should start going to the other branches to be fair to the other hotels...

Aroma only have 4 flavours when it comes to macarons, namely chocolate, coffee, strawberry and pistachio. Since I am not really a coffee fan, I only got the remaining 3 flavours. The colours are obvious so no introduction is needed.

They don't have a box specifically for macarons so it was packed it a cute little bag.

In terms of appearance and colour, it doesn't look at attractive as Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie and BakerZin and of course, the flavours are very limited in comparison to the previous three mentioned bakeries (including Amande). However, in terms of texture, it is definitely one of the better lot. It does have a crisy outer shell with a chewy interior and the centre cream is just right even though some are barely visible.

Pistachio is my favourite among the entire lot. It is not too sweet and the cream has the right amount of pistachio taste and fragrance. In this way, the taste of the almond in the shell is still there, thereby making me enjoy every single bite.

Chocolate is pretty rich and creamy. The chocolate ganache is slightly thicker than the filling of the strawberry and pistachio. However, I would prefer the presence of hazelnut to enhance the texture. But the almond is not distinct in the macaron shell due to the stronger chocolate aroma.

Strawberry according to my sister was too sweet to her liking. However, I can't comment much since I didn't eat it but judging from her expression, she is not a macaron fan. My daddy prefers the chocolate one since pistachio was alittle too blend. As for mummy, she felt that it was not worth spending on macarons since they taste like crispy sweet flakes. She would prefer Australian nougats... So I guess macaron is only a hype among those who are in their twenties or early thirties?

Before I forget, their macarons are selling at $1.35 each (excluding of 7% GST). They do accept credit cards with no minimum amount but not NETs.

Aroma, Intercontinental Singapore
80 Middle Road.
Tel: 6825 1058
Open: 11am to 10pm daily

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Tiramisu (Intercontinental Singapore)

Tiramisu (Intercontinental Singapore)

This is one Tiramisu you will fall in love on your first bite but take note that this was made upon special request and is only available as a whole.

The cake looks like Mozart Tranche and it is so lovely on its presentation that you will think twice about pushing your fork through. According to wikipedia, the Italian name "Tiramisu", which most knows, is "pick me up" (Tirami su) but it can be translated figuratively as "cheer me up". Aroma's Tiramisu fits both description completely.

Layered beautifully with expresso-soaked savoiardi sponge cake with strong taste of liquor, the combination of mascarpone and whipped cream is just right, not too light nor heavy. Thus, when eating it as a whole, it simply hits your expectation, and viola, a smile on your face. I have no complains over this cake but simply full of praises.

I have to add that the Executive Pastry Chef is very friendly and is willing to customize your cake order. With such great service and attention, presenting their exquisite creations with wonderful taste, what's more can I say, do consider them as one of your choice when looking for a birthday cake.

As usual, Yuan's comments are as follows,

"This is by far the best tiramisu which i have eaten. Just purely on appearance, this tiramisu already won all the rest which i have tried. Particular i like the "chocolate well" which you see on the top layer. Basically it is a depression on the top layer filled with chocolate fudge. Furthermore, there is this mini tiramisu on top of the tiramisu and 2 layers of thin chocolate by the side. You will really hesitate to eat it as it is so lovely.

Moving on to taste. It is somewhat like Bakerzin but with higher alcohol content. Even the combination of mascarpone cheese and lady's finger sponge sponge cake is just right. Excellent texture and slightly moist. All these fulfills my criteria of an excellent tiramisu, both in appearance and taste. This is a must try. "

The Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: 6825 1046

Operating Hours:
Mon to Sat - 8am to 1am (last order at midnight)
Sun - 9am to 12am (last order 11pm)

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Flourless Raspberry Chocolate Cake from Aroma

Flourless Raspberry Chocolate Cake from Aroma

According to the Executive Pastry Chef, Mr. Reinhard Lackner, the Flourless Raspberry Chocolate Cake is one of Aroma's signature sugar free items. Also, listed in the 50 best cakes, the Sugar Free Banana Chocolate Cake was the one that was mentioned. In all the sugar-free selection, Aroma uses a sugar substitute called Maltitol sugar, thereby making it suitable for diabetic patients to consume.

This cake consists of two moist flourless sponge layers, combined with raspberry jam and glaced with a marbeled chocolate ganache. The cost per slice for most of their cakes is between $7 to $8++ excluding $2 for dine in and this happens to cost us S$10 for us to dine at the Lounge.

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Fen's comments

Most of the cakes in Aroma looks lovely in the glass display and if you want to enjoy a slice in the hotel, they apparently invite you to their Lounge. Alternatively, the sliced cakes are sold at $10 for every 2 slices from 5pm to 9:30pm and half price from 9:30pm to 10pm.

For your information, they do offer the following as a whole but you might need to enquire via email or phone since they do not have a cake list nor brochure. They are Flourless Chocolate Cake, Modern Style Sacher Chocolate Cake, Valrhona Chocolate Mousse Cake, Tiramisu Cake, New York Cheesecake, Fruit Charlotte and Sugar Free Banana Chocolate Cake.

Personally, I didn't quite like their flourless raspberry chocolate cake. I felt that it was relatively rough and the mousse was not smooth at all. In fact, it does resemble a little like the chocolate cake from tcc. In addition, the presence of raspberry jam gives a sourish after taste. Though, Aroma has a nice selection of cakes, this flourless chocolate cake and the banana chocolate cake is definitely not on my preferred list.

Anyway, some background information, I always ponder how on earth can one make a cake without flour so I googled. Apparently, a flourless chocolate cake is a type of cake made from an aerated chocolate custard, in which low heat is used to thicken the mixture of melted chocolate, whole eggs (unlike chiffon in which the whites and yolks are whisked separately) and milk. I guess this is created for people who requires a gluten-free diet due to allergies or auto-immune disorders.

Also, so far, I thought the nicest flourless chocolate cake is none other the Chocolate Amer from BakerZin where the flourless chocolate sponge is layered with bitter chocolate mousse.
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Yuan's comments
Generally I didn't quite this cake. The regular reader of this blog would know that the texture of the cake is very important to me. This chocolate cake is relatively tough. (Somewhat like brownie) Further I do not like chocolate cake to be mixed with raspberry as I personal feel that this will out shine the taste of the chocolate. Thus even if you use the finest of chocolate, you will only taste the sourness of the raspberry. Maybe readers who love black forest may like this cake but personally i didn't quite enjoy it.
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Aroma
InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: 6825 1058
Opens daily from 7am to 10pm

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Aroma, Intercontinental, Singapore's signature... Modern Style Sacher Chocolate Cake

Aroma, Intercontinental, Singapore's signature... Modern Style Sacher Chocolate Cake

Apart from the Banana Chocolate Cake, this is Aroma's signature cake in which they will recommend all time. Modern style Sacher which consists out of Chocolate sponge, a Crispy layer, Apricot Mousse and Jelly as well as Valrhona Chocolate Mousse.

Some introduction about Sacher Torte, hailing from Vienna in Austria, Sacher Torte was created in 1832 and is dubbed as the most famous cake in the world! This delectable dessert is none other but thick moist chocolate and almond sponge cake layered with apricot jam, and finally coated with rich dark chocolate. Of course, sinfully delicious!

By the time I take pictures of the cakes, upload onto the computer and distribute to my family, the piece of art has loses it foundation and has started to embark its journey to become a Leaning Tower of Pisa. This just prove one point, the chocolate mousse is going to be good.


I like everything about this cake except the sourish taste from the whitish layer which is the apricot mousse and jelly. However, note that this sour taste is only distinct ONLY when you deliberately separate the chocolate from the apricot layer. So this cake settles all cravings for chocoholics if one don't mind the subtle sour taste of the apricot mousse...

By the way, I tried this cake twice, first version - Leaning Tower of Pisa (equilibrated to room temperature) and second version - tall and sturdy like the Eiffel tower (chilled, fresh out from the fridge)... The first was velvety smooth and creamy that I practically licked the plate clean... I am dead serious... The second was appreciating every single layer and that is when I notice the sour portion of the cake... Both taste just as good since the quality of chocolate used is fantastic...

Since the chocolate is so good, I have decided to order a chocolate cake from them on daddy's birthday... In the midst of enquiring for their other cakes, I have the honour of having their Executive Pastry Chef to reply my mail... More incentives to support them. Yummy cakes plus fantastic service...

Since when Singapore hotels disappoint... So far, no...

Aroma
InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: 6825 1058
Opens daily from 7am to 10pm

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A modern Austrian dessert creation that melts my taste buds

A modern Austrian dessert creation that melts my taste buds

There is something that Yuan might not know but I am a fan of pistachio and thus this cake caught my attention. Of course, anybody will take a second look of this dessert as it looks lovely behind the glass display.

Aroma only has Mozart Tranche in sliced and now is a good time to eat sliced cakes purchased from Intercontinental, Singapore. Between 5pm to 9:30pm, any 2 slices of cakes cost only $10 and between 9:30pm to 10pm, the cakes are going off at half price.

Consisting of 5 layers in which the top layer as a light hazelnut mousse dusted in pink with traces of blueberry. It does resembles an extremely light version of the mascarpone cheese found in Tiramisu. Pretty light and lightly sweetened…


The thin layer of pistachio cream is sandwiched between 2 layers of almond chocolate sponge which blended pretty well. The top white layer of mousse and the pistachio cream “soften” the taste of chocolate so one won’t get the feeling of eating a very rich chocolate truffle.

Beneath the cake lies a layer of chocolate mousse which provides the ultimate satisfaction.

This is definitely one of my favourite and I don't mind using Yuan as an excuse to get a second slice for myself... It is a pity they do not have a whole cake for this. If not, I would not hesitate getting it for my best friend. Do give it a shot if you happen to drop by Intercontinental Hotel.


By the way, since pistachio flavoured cakes are rare, the other one which I know is the Fraisier from BakerZin. For those who don’t know what I am talking about, it is an almond sponge soaked in strawberry liquor, layered with pistachio butter cream and fresh whole strawberries.

BakerZin classified this under their all-time favourite and I would say this is exclusively found in BakerZin due to its unique composition. With a bountiful of fresh whole strawberries, this creation features an almond sponge cake soaked in strawberry liquor laced with pistachio butter cream. Each bite imparts an invigorating fruity flavour.

Aroma
InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: 6825 1058
Opens daily from 7am to 10pm

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New York Cheesecake from Aroma

New York Cheesecake from Aroma

Cheesecakes... I am never a fan of it. Simply too rich. I thought cheese on its own taste the best since it is salty by nature. Anyway, the last time I ate a good cheesecake was Hilton. Through this cake spree, although I have bought a couple of New York Cheesecake, the tester is never me but my dearest sister, 小湘. I generally prefer Japanese light cheesecake.

Anyway, among the few (Classic cakes, Checkers Deli, Cafe Cartel) that I managed to get a mouthful, this is pretty close to the one from Checkers Deli (Hilton, Singapore). The texture is smooth and rich, unlike the other 2 which have a slight grainy texture. In addition, it does not have a sourish after-taste (i.e. Cafe Cartel has too much lemon) and the base is the digestive biscuits sort, not the chocolate type like Classic cakes.

The only difference between this and Checkers Deli is that the latter has a nicer baked top. Also, Checkers Deli's feels like Ritz biscuits melting in your mouth and that the base is smoother and less grainy. Thus, Checkers Deli's is slightly better than Aroma's. Nevertheless, this cheesecake is still worth a try.

Aroma

InterContinental Singapore

80 Middle Road

Singapore 188966

Tel: 6825 1058

Opens daily from 7am to 10pm

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No. 7. Banana Chocolate Cake from Aroma, Intercontinental Singapore

No. 7. Banana Chocolate Cake from Aroma, Intercontinental Singapore

My colleague brought along 2 slices of her birthday cake and it happens to be one of the featured cakes in the 50 best cakes article. It is the banana chocolate cake, ranked No. 7.

According to her, the café accepts reduced sugar request so that it is suitable for diabetic patients to consume so the cake is generally not sweet but strong in its banana taste.

Unlike the chocolate banana cake from Choc.a.bloc and Awfully chocolate, this cake is made up of chocolate mousse (milky and soft, taste like chocolate ice-cream), banana puree with chucks of banana and banana cake (pretty dense texture like a banana muffin).

I would say the texture remains smooth with strong banana fragrance, despite it being kept in the fridge for 2 days. Mind you, I am currently on my flu medication and thus my tasting is not very accurate. The fact that I can taste a distinct banana taste from this cake means that it is very rich in its bananas (The bananas are probably very ripe unlike the ones used in Choc.a.bloc).

I would say if you are a banana lover, you will love this one but if you expect it to be chocolately, I guess there will be a slight disappointed. However, if you want a balance between banana and chocolate, The Line is good.

As quoted in the article...
"This sugar-free cake, made with the sugar substitute maltitol, will make you go bananas with slices of the fruit sandwiched between layers of banana sponge and chocolate cream"

Aroma, Intercontinental Singapore
80 Middle Road.
Tel: 6825 1058
Open: 11am to 10pm daily

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