Goodwood Homemade Durian Ice-Cream

Finally bought and tried the Goodwood Homemade Durian Ice-cream.  The ice-cream was pretty pulpy (and therefore not the smoothy type) and not too sweet.  However, it wasn't as creamy as I would like it to be.  My personal preference has always been towards creamier ice cream.  As there isn't any preservatives added to the ice-cream, it must be consumed within a week! 

As with the rest of the durian pastries from Goodwood, the price is always of concern.  At $18 a tub (after adding the GST), it isn't as affordable and probably one of the most expensive ice-cream in town.

Available at the Goodwood Park Hotel Deli (22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221).  Tel: 6730 1786.  The deli is opened from 9am to 9pm.

Getting there: Take the MRT to Orchard Station.  Use the underpass and go towards TANGS (departmental store).  You will pass by an exit with an escalator to the street level on the right-hand side.  Do not exit and just keep walking until you reach the underground level entrance to TANGS.  Take the escalator that is opposite the entrance to get to street level.  At the street level, keep right and walk along Scotts Road.  Pass by Scotts Square and Far East Plaza and keep walking until you reach Goodwood Park Hotel which is on your right side.



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Chocolate Lava Cake from Chocolate Origin

Seriously, this lava cake in a cup ~ try it and you will love it.  The cake is almost perfect, at least to me, in terms of firmness, richness and sweetness.
 

It is an excellent idea to hold in a cup with the cold vanilla ice cream at the bottom with the warm and moist cake with the chocolate lava on top. Better still, there is no fuss, no mess and you can scrape the cup till the last bit of ice cream. At $5, this is an affordable indulgence when you need something to perk up your mood. ;)
 

 

Chocolate Origin

313@Somerset, #B3-10A, 313 Orchard Road

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun 10am to 9.30pm

Website: http://www.chocolate-origin.com/ 

 

 

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Dessert Indulgence at Brunetti (Tanglin Mall)

The dessert was surprising crowded on a working weekday with customers who are students, business executives and tourist.  Tanglin Mall isn't a very convenient location, being quite a distance from the MRT station, yet this manages to draw an impressive crowd. 

I suppose the reason behind this might be the wide range of beverages. Besides the usual coffee and tea, beer is also available from this dessert bar. But, I think the biggest draw is the range of desserts that look so irresistable.  Pretty-looking cakes, cute pastries, drooling chocolates/pralines, gelato that comes in usual (chocolate, tiramisu, macha) and un-usual (hazelnut, caramel) flavours.  The experience seems incomplete, if you walk out of the dessert bar without a taste of their gelato.  But if you already had more than you should, perhaps just ask for some sampling and hopefully, that satisfied your curiosity and craving about the gelato.

 

Brunetti Singapore

163 Tanglin Road 01 - 35 Tanglin Mall Singapore 237993

Telephone: +65 6733 9088

Honeymoon Dessert (满记甜品)

Honeymoon Dessert has arrived in Singapore in 2010 but I did not have a chance to try it until months later.  The Singapore outlets can be found at Vivocity (#01-93), Bugis Junction (#01-70) and 313@Somerset (#04-20 and #04-32).

The outlets' facet are similar to those at Hong Kong... Big brown signage at the entrance and cosy interior and yellow dessert bowls.  This dessert has come a long way since it started in 1995 at Sai Kung district in Hong Kong.  It has now expanded to mainland China, Indonesia and now Singapore.

Desserts ranges from cold to hot variations. Mango, durian, sago, black glutinous rice are some of the main ingredients. My favourite so far has been the Thai Black Glutinous Rice with Mango (Coconut Juice).  In fact, the best part of this dessert is the coconut juice, a light fragrant drink with vanilla taste.  The glutinous rice was "crunchy" and not over-cooked. However, the mango was a little sour.  Would have been perfect if it was sweeter =)

Since I'm spoilt for choice, would definitely be back to try the other desserts, especially the Mango Pomelo and Sago Sweet Soup with Ice Cream (雪山杨枝甘露) which is the most popular dessert accordingly to the shop.

Fiesta Cheese Cake (Ichiban Sushi)

Kudos to Fiesta Cheesecake for coming up with single portion cheesecake. Though I would very much like to indulge in the entire full-size cheesecake, it is really too much to finish all of it within 3 days.

$2.10 available at Ichiban Sushi Restaurant (AMK Hub).

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This is the full-size fiesta cheesecake.  It is very light in taste, unlike Amercian cheesecakes where it is rich in cheese.  Each cake comes with a plastic knife.  The amazing thing is the cake will not stick on the knife.  Very easy and hassle free.  An ideal food for potluck =)

Costs $8.80. Available at Ichiban Sushi restaurants.

Marvelous Cream (City Link)

Marvelous Cream

#B1-04, City Link Mall,

One Raffles Link, Singapore 039393

TEL: 6238 1683

Originates from Japan, this is its first franchaise outlet in Singapore, located at the end of City Link near the exit to Suntec City. Its 2nd outlet is at ION Orchard (B4-81/82/83).

With its pretty and attractive facade, it is difficult to miss the shop.

What's interesting is that, you get to see the ice cream chefs doing up your ice, mixing your choice of premium ice-cream with toppings and whipped cream on a ice marble top.  There are 28 ready creations available or you can "customise" your own creation.

The toppings are irresistable... check out the cookies, sponge cake cubes, fruits, macaron etc.

You can an option to have your ice-cream served in cup or waffle cup or waffle cone or chocolate waffle cone.  I chose to have mine in a waffle cone.  Ta-da!

The ice-cream isn't too sweet and not as creamy as it looks.  It melts quickly under Singapore's warm climate.  At $6.90, it is a little expensive for an ice cream cone, but I think I will be back to try out some of the other creations when my craving comes.

Other than ice-creams, dessert lovers can also check out other pretty cakes in the shop.

Jos' Fudge Brownies

Had been thinking about the brownie cake which I ate at a colleague's housewarming partya couple of days ago, which inspired me into the baking mood on this Hari Raya Haji....

The good thing was there was a packet of pre-mix for fudge brownies and some mini choc chips.

Using the pre-mix is always easy. Simply mix it with water, vegetable oil and eggs. It is that easy.

I added the mini chips before sending the batter into the oven, which was preheat at abt 180 degrees.

There were 3 sets of baking duration provided for different baking tray sizes. I wasn't sure how big was my tray but reckon that the brownie would be cooked just before it gets burnt.

But half way through, I felt a little uneasy about the timing uncertainly and took a measuring tape to measure the tray size outside the oven. Haha....

Here's how the brownie looks like after 48 mins of baking... thou the instruction provided said that it should be done within 52 to 54 mins. Since the oven started getting a little smoky, I suspected that the top layer might get burnt anytime and hence decided to turn off the heat.

Here's the final product which I will be sharing with the HIPPIES tmr. The brownie seemed more chewy than it should be. The top and sides were a little "tough" while the centre is still a little damp. I kinda regretted not letting it bake "until full term" ie. 52 mins.

Anyway, I hope HIPPIES will like it and that my little impulsive experiment will caste away their Tuesday Blues for this week.

Bobby's @ CHIJMES

While planning for this year's gathering, this was one of the places which we were seriously considered using. But for practical reasons, we chose our alternative choice.

Was back at Bobby's Taproom.Grill.Ribs for a casual dinner with my friends and my, the food, especially the BBQ ribs and pizza are really delicious. We were told that a second outlet was scheduled to open @ Cuppage in September. A quick check from the website and realised that they had a 'soft opening' on 2 Sep.

There's also Happy Hours for drinks from Sunday to Friday, 5pm to 8pm. Beer and selected alcoholic drinks are at $10nett.

We shared the Buffalo Wings. Looks are deceiving... though it does not look extremely appetising, I do like it very much. It has cripsy skin and juice meat... of cos, best to eat it while hot. It was so delicious that I forgot to dip into the mayo sauce.

I ordered the Bobby's wood-fired pizza which was huge. I guess it was at least 12 inches in diameter. It came in 8 slices and I thought it would be achievement if I could finish 4 slices while I have the other 4 slices to my friends. Boy, and I did finish all 4 slices!!!

The pizza filling was quite simple - tomato, cheese and BBQ pork.
 

So some unpleasant reason, the restaurant gave us a slice of their brownie with ice-cream as their token. The warm chocolate brownie came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream covered with a THICK layer of fresh cream and chocolate mousse, sprinkled with crushed peanuts.

Overall, it was a very satisfying dinner! Can't wait for another dinner at Bobby's soon.

Ice Cream Balls @ Sushi Tei

Have recently discovered this interesting, delicious and value for money ice cream balls from Sushi Tei. 15 pieces for $2.80. Unbelievable, right? It came with 2 flavours - coffee and chocolate. A great snack to do along for afternoon tea.

Swensen's Topless Five

Who can resist ice creams that are so tasty? I love Swensen's ice-cream, especially those creamy flavours such as Vanilla, Butterscotch, Rum & Raisin.

I just realised that it is much more worthwhile to order a topless 5 cos it is 5 scoops for $7.50, unlike if you get a single scoop for $3.60.

But to be fair, topless 5 scoops are smaller but it does not matter to me cos I just want variety!!

In my ice cream bowl - O' Fashion Vanilla, Banana Split, Sticky Chewy Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Buttercup, Yummy Raisin.

Minicupcakes

Besides donuts, the other talk of the town is probably cupcakes. I never imagined that there is so much creativity we can put in to turn boring cupcakes into 'oh, i cant bear to eat it!' cupcakes.

These cupcakes were deliciously done up by Nani, Queen of Cupcakes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/minicupcakes/

Chocz (Bukit Timah Plaza)

Went to check out NTUC Finest at Bukit Timah Plaza after hearing some raving reviews about this newly opened supermarket. It is supposed to be an upmarket version compared to other NTUC located in the housing estates.

I found the supermarket pretty normal but what's interesting is the co-location of Chocz inside the supermarket. On weekends, there are chocolate buffets during 4 designated time slots. Each person is $12 I think. Due to limited space, prior registration is required.

Mad Jack (Jalan Kayu)

The shop got me a little confused when articles pasted around the shop did not mention 'Mad Jack', I thought the owner was a little mad to help others advertise. It was only after I checked out the website that I realised that Mad Jack, Pancake King and PK Xpress are under the same F & B Group - Mad Jack Group.

Address : Jalan Kayu Outlet - 242, Jln Kayu (Next to URA Car Park)

Tel : 64831202/ 62575951

Before this place was taken over by Mad Jack, it used to be a Teochew porridge buffet place and I kinda miss it cos it moved out pretty quickly and quietly. One of those places where I've had meals with my parents. The deco and all remained unchanged after Mad Jack took over.

Anyway.... Mad Jack offers a variety of set lunch and dinner, applicable even on weekends. Full Menu.

Here's what we had ordered - Crazy Chick ($7.90), Grilled Salmon with Mushroom Rice ($14.90) and Sweetie pie, an apple pie with ice cream ($4).

Crazy chick was quite alright, comes with fried and fruit & veg salad. Half deep fried spring chicken. Can't quite go wrong with this.

Grilled salmon was ok, not fantastic though for the price we had to pay.

Sweetie pie was a little let-down... could have added more sweetness to it. The vanilla ice cream was the only saving grace.

They also had 2 display shelf of cakes and pastries. Was very tempted in trying out the chocolatey stuff but decided not to, in case it is another disappointment.

Gobi (The Central @ Clarke Quay)

I was on a snack spree to destress myself after a hectic week. Decided to check out Gobi, specialising in French pastries (desserts, sweets and chocolates), who calls themselves 'Happiness in a Box'.

Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central, #01-27

Tel: 6534 8187

It is a classy, dainty looking shop facing the main road.

I was a little disappointed to learn that there are only 12 types of chocolates available. 6 each for the Chocolate Factory and Fantasy range. Each piece of dessert is petite by itself. They look like miniature toys.

And, the sales staff told me that I can only mix and match only when there are no other customers around. Hmm.... Since there was no one around, I had my pick.

Ta da! Here's my selection - Dark Angel, Opera, Love Boat and 3 others which I forgot the names. I was also told that the sweets can't stay outside fridge beyond 1.5 hours. OMG!

How much did it cost? $12.80 for 6 pieces. (Found out that it only cost $9.80 a year and a half ago!)
Was it good? So far so good... I've not finished them all yet.

Classic Cakes

Another interesting place at the Clementi Arcade.

Address: 41 Sunset Way, #01-06 Singapore 597071

Tel: 98278005

Besides traditional 'English' cakes, they also have oriental carrot cakes, yam cakes and pumpkin cakes with green onions and chilli slides as garnish. The yam and pumpkin pieces are pretty big, its ingredients also included dried shrimps and preserved chinese sausages (lup cheong).

I also tried the mille crepe with chocolate chips, definitely something interesting. It comprises about 10 levels of crepes (like kueh lapis) with fresh cream and chocolate slices in between. I ate it slices by slices :)

I was eyeing at this cake for a while and finally decided that I shall get it the next time - I have had more than enough calories for the day.

They provide delivery service too. Delivery charge at $3 for cakes above $30 and FOC delivery for cakes above $50.

Operating Hour:

Tue & Sun: 2pm - 9pm

Wed-Sat: 11am - 9pm

(Closed on Mondays)

The Daily Scoop

After Bather's, I hopped over to The Daily Scoop Ice Cream Cafe, which was just a few steps away from Bather's.

Address : 41 Sunset Way, #01-04 Clementi Arcade, Singapore 597071

Tel: (+65) 6463 3365

Email: icecream@thedailyscoop.com.sg

After a few sampling on strawberry and chilli choc flavours, we decided on a double scoop in the choco-coated cone with butterscotch pecan and cookie monster flavour.

Love the butterscotch pecan but Kookie Monster was a lil disappointing as we could not taste the choco - maybe the butterscotch had overpowered my tastebuds.

Actually I would love to get the chilli choc flavour the next time. It is quite cool, there is a spicy after taste :)

Total damage : $5.50 for a double scoop with choco-coated cone.

Operating hours:

Mon-Thu 11am - 9pm

Fri & Sat 11am - 10pm

Sun 2pm - 9pm

Closed on selected public holidays

Banana Dessert Pizza

Like R said, you can't go wrong with chocolate and banana. Yeah... and Pastamania has creatively created a dessert using ingredient from a main course - Banana Dessert Pizza.

It is made of banana slices and probabaly banana paste, sprinkled with chocolate bits. It was delicious and not expensive - $3.50.

Maybe I should try making this at home one of these days.