An afternoon walk for cakes

My friend Steph came over today and took me out for a birthday treat at Cafe Icon Nature to try their Hokkaido rolls. Do not let it’s looks deceive you, it’s not a normal Swiss roll, it’s way so much better. There were four flavors available just now, strawberry, blueberry, mocha and Belgium chocolate. We tried the chocolate and strawberry, it was divine! Like a pillow, the cake was so soft, the strawberry filling was not overly sweet or creamy, perfect balance. The chocolate was to die for and I ordered 5 to go for the family. Their Tiramisu contained no alcohol or coffee, what I found interesting was that they used their own almond cookies instead of ladyfingers in it. The mascarpone was so delightfully creamy that you wished the cup was bottomless. The owner recommended that we try their Australian Flat White, I love the coffee art that he did. It was a darn good cup of coffee. We tried the guava tea, such a lovely sweet aroma and a pleasant aftertaste.

Afterwards we walked along Neil Rd, stopping ever so often to take pictures of the Peranakan Heritage houses. These houses are beautiful, one could just stare at the intricate and colourful facades.

Our walk led us to Everton Park, where we came upon Grin Affair. Grin Affair specializes in desserts in a jar. We were able to try only the Honey Lavender and the Matcha Adzuki. I quite like the Honey Lavender with the bursts of fresh blueberry makes it fun to eat. Whilst the Matcha Adzuki was pretty good, green tea and red beans one can never go wrong. I’m dying to try their Strawberry and Banofee in a jar.

I am loved

This past month, I haven’t been writing much here. Sometimes the words that one wants to express just refuses to come out. Emotions was translated to tears, pints of Chunky Monkey, dozens of macarons and endless whatsapp messages to best mates that try their hardest to bring you back to an almost sane emotional state. Eating just salads and protein every night probably didnt help either. These past weeks have been difficult but having my friends “close” electronically have helped heaps.

Today, I turn another year older and I am overwhelmed by the love my friends and family have shown me. Mommy surprised me with mac & cheese with mushrooms for lunch and a strawberry shortcake. Mommy hasnt been well lately but she spent the morning cooking and preparing for tonight’s dinner. She made glutinous rice with coconut milk or basically pulut(Yums), Indonesian roast chicken thats basted in a coconut, candlenut and other spices sauce and roasted in the oven or simply known as Ayam Panggang, dried cuttlefish sambal with eggs and a huge bowl of salad. Quite a different spread from what I’ve been having for dinner everyday for the past month. I was really surprised and so touched by what mommy had made with love. My second birthday cake was from @pinknina who had customized a chocolate cake for me. I was really touched and so happy by this amazing birthday present. The cake was light, fluffy and damn chocolatey good with cold milk. But best of all we got to spend time with Nina after a very long time. Thanks for spending your time with us @pinknina on my birthday My phone has been ringing non-stop and I appreciate all my mates that took the time to call or leave messages for me.

It’s the friends and family that make such a day like this utterly special.

Desserts are like temporary stitches for a shattered heart

Desserts are like temporary stitches for a shattered heart. Well, it is to me anyways, but with every breath I take, the stitches keep snapping. Perhaps it’s not really a good permanent solution for a heart that’s battered and bruised, but for now I guess it’ll suffice as a temporary balm..

One of the places that i loved to go to is Antoinette at the Mandarin Gallery. My favorite drink here is the Royal Hot Chocolate, a thick hot chocolate, spicy with dashes of cinnamon, orange, star anise, cloves and vanilla. An aromatic treat for the senses! Antoinette serves one of the yummiest Crépes Sucrées or sweet crépes. You’ll never be disappointed by the Chocolicieux. The crèpes are served with a 66% dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate pieces, vanilla créme Chantilly and warm chocolate sauce. Chocolate overload! But in a oh so good way!

If that doesn’t satisfy your chocolate cravings, go for the Versailles cake a delightfully dark chocolate flourless sponge. Studies have shown that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, reduces blood pressure, improves blood flow and prevents plaque formation in your arteries. All the more reasons to continue eating dark chocolate.

Oh and if you’re at Antoinette be sure to try their macarons. My four favorite flavors are Charlotte, Brittany, Antoinette and Grand Cru. The Charlotte is filled with vanilla cream and strawberry coulis whilst the Brittany oh how I loved thee, a Beauty thats filled with caramel and fleur de sel. I like anything with caramel and salt, I just think it’s genius! The Antoinette is a macaron that’s filled with a milk chocolate Earl grey tea ganache and raspberry jam. And of course the Grand Cru, a dark bitter chocolate is used as a filling. I’m a dark chocolate fiend!