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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

Fullerton Chocolate Buffet

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

L'Espresso

This is one place one will not want to miss out for English High Tea and has achieved almost 100% positive reviews via internet and word-of-mouth. Since Goodwood Park Hotel is housed in a uniquely designed building with decorative plasterwork and graceful archways, it is no surprise the ambience offered by L'Espresso was pleasant.

Located alongside the hotel lobby, this café offers comfy leather seats and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, providing plenty of natural lighting and a nice view of the main pool.

The buffet includes a beverage which can be tea, coffee and soft drinks. For an afternoon tea, the spread is worth mention with its main focus on sandwiches. The selection of sandwiches is extensive with fillings ranging from sausages, chicken, seafood, Parma ham, etc.; accompanied with fruits, vegetables, caviar, etc. to contrast the overall taste. Apart from the right proportion of filling, the slices of crustless, lightly buttered white bread is soft and fresh.

The open sandwiches looks lovely on its presentation and the few that leave a deep impression were, Tortilla Wrap with Pepper Chicken where chunks of well-seasoned chicken were neatly wrapped in the tortilla; Chicken with Apple & Apricot in Crispy Shell, a lovely twist from the conventional kueh pie tie where the fruits provides a refreshing and light punch; Salmon Mille Feuille with Caviar for its layering effect and freshness.


The croissant sandwiches were not soggy despite the generous filling and the soft, buttery pastry makes it delectable with a melt-in-your-mouth effect.


Apart from the sandwiches, there is a small section of finger food. Something to munch on if you want savoury when taking a break from the desserts.


Many has raved about L'Espresso's scones and according to Yuan, it was one of the best which he has eaten so far. Slightly glazed on the top and has a cake-like texture.

Bread Pudding was more memorable for me for its fluffy buttery content. Sufficiently moist and not overly sweet.


Crème brûlée is a must try at L’Espresso and setting aside the conventional rich custard base with its layer of hard caramel. What makes it outstanding from the other crème brûlée we have tried was its strong and fragrant vanilla scent whiffing in every bite.


The dessert spread boasts a diverse assortment of fabulous cakes, fresh tropical fruits, tarts and chocolate fondue. This is one buffet dessert lovers would not want to miss out since L'Espresso includes Deli's popular cakes and pastries such as Goodwood's signature Royal Chocolate Crunchy Hazelnut, White Chocolate and Green Tea Cake, Apple Tart, Chocolate Éclair, Strawberry Tart and Cheesecake.


People who don't mind a sour twist to their palette would not want to miss out the cassis slice for a nice combination of raspberry gelee and alternating layers of almond sponge cakes; lemon meringue tart for its generous lemon filling, topped with a hardened piece of meringue. Since the proportion of lemon filling tipped over the small blob of meringue, one can expect a sour twist on the tartlet pastry with a tiny hint of sweetness. Mango Pomelo Soup (杨枝甘露) was disappointing in our opinion as it resembles a mango puree rather than the version found in Chinese dessert huts. Probably lacks the coconut milk and evaporated milk.




Reservation is a must given its full house crowd on a Monday afternoon and service is commendable, given the frequency the tables were cleared and the water was refilled. With the pianist playing in the background, its classy ambience and the spread of tea, finger foods and desserts, it is no surprise that L'Espresso offers one of the best tea-buffet on the breezy poolside terrace. However, this buffet focus on English high tea so don’t expect a variety like what an international buffet gets to offer.

For Afternoon Tea,
Monday to Thursday - 2pm to 5pm
$33++ (A), $16.50++ (C, 6-11 years old)

There will be 2 seatings for Friday to Sunday,
11:30am to 2pm (1st seating)
2:30pm to 5pm (2nd seating)
There is a promotion for the first seating till the end June where each adult pays $28++; second seating remains at $33++ (A), $16.50++ (C, 6-11 years old).

L’Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221

Operating hours :
Set Lunch - 12pm to 2pm
Afternoon Tea - 2pm to 5pm
Set Dinner - 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Drinks - 10am to 1am

Tel: 6730 1743

Durian Cake

Talking about durian treats, there are a few popular names in Singapore. Apart from the durian fiesta @ Goodwood Park Hotel and durian buffet @ Carlton Hotel, other choices for durian by-products includes Emicakes, Angie the Choice, Jane's Cake station and 717 Trading.

Emicakes has 3 types of durian cakes with varying percentage of durian pulp namely classic ($33.30, 20cm), premium ($42.80, 20cm), and ultimate ($51.90, 20cm); ultimate is not available off the shelf so pre-ordering is required. Apart from the pure durian cakes, they also have a D24 Durian Espresso ($42.80, 20cm) and eggless alternatives.

Like Goodwood Park Hotel, the durian cakes are frozen and has to be thawed for more than 2 hours before serving.


This is a combination which most bakeries will adopt when durian cake is concerned. Durian-flavoured cream, vanilla sponge and durian pulp filling to provide a refreshing after-taste, particularly when served chilled.

Having eaten the creations at Goodwood Park Hotel and Carlton Hotel lately, Emicakes' durian filling is alittle diluted and blend; lacking the punch from what Goodwood Park (Durian mousse cake - $8.50+ per slice) has to offers. Carlton Hotel (Durian cake - $6+ per slice) fares better for its lighter, fluffier cream and softer sponge so we personally felt that Emicakes' Premium D24 Durian Cake is expensive (i.e. $42.80 for 6 servings) since it has 3 layers of sponge with lots of butter cream and minimal durian pulp.

Emicakes, Toa Payoh
Blk 116
Lorong 2 Toa Payoh
#01-170
Singapore 310116
Tel: 6353 2313

Operating hours - 9am to 9pm daily
http://www.emicakes.com.sg/