It is impossible not to fall in love with the place the moment I stepped in front of this quaint bakery. The colourful ribbons and pom poms displayed behind the tall glass panel exude that British charm and simply show how meticulous the owners are. The interior is just as charming, with bouquets of dainty flowers adorning the shelves and tables, handmade decorations lining the walls. I want so much to fall in love with the cakes also, especially when the cakes here are very unique, being infused with local touch and flavour.
Well, there are some cakes that I love, but there are some that do not quite blow me away. The hits are namely Avocado Cheesecake and Orh Nee. I always like avocados in my food since this fruit is mild in taste yet creamy in texture, thus going well with a variety of ingredients. But this is the first time I had heard of Avocado Cheesecake, and I knew I got to get it when I saw it at the counter, despite the not-so-pretty green colour of the cake. I was not disappointed. It is very creamy, and the refreshing taste of avocado adds an extra zest to the usual cheesecake taste while complementing the light cheese perfectly—going hand-in-hand to create a new taste instead of trying to overshadow each other. This is a must-try. Though I did not take photo of this delightful cake since given the fragile structure of the cake, it was not in a photogenic mode when I reached home.
As for Orh Nee, it is as good as it looks. Based on a traditional Teochew yam dessert, this cake is considered the fluffier, lighter, and hopefully, less artery-clogging, version. I actually prefer this cake to the traditional Orh Nee due to lightness of the cake. The earthy flavour of the yam reminds me of one of my favourite cake, Mont Blanc, a Japanese chestnut cake from Flor. This is another must-try from this bakery.
As for the Earl Grey Lemon and Lavender, the great texture of the cake, being buttery yet light, and the taste of wholesome taste of the combination of butter cake sponge, slightly heavy cream and lemon makes it an awesome tea cake that is comparable to the one from Lynda Ann, one of the cakes I have been having a craving for it. If there is no lavender added to it. While I love the luscious scent of roses in my cakes, lavender just does not cut it for it. Its smell is too strong and reminiscent that of cosmetic powder, and cosmetics don't invoke thoughts associated with food. The lavender essentially ruins this cake for me. Sometimes, less is more.
Pulut Hitam looks absolutely great with a delicious-looking layer of coconut cream smoothed on top the black glutinous rice. In fact, this is the first thing I ordered from the counter since I love pulut hitam dessert. The exceedingly fragrant coconut simply goes so well with sticky black rice that presents a stronger earthy flavour than other variants of rice. However, this combination does not translate well to the tart. That distinctive nutty flavour in thin layer of coconut cream tastes too diluted to act as great complement to the rice. And the aroma of the baked pastry shell clashes badly with the strong taste of the rice. It is like two strong wielders of earth power fighting it out, not giving it, shattering the whole dimension in their battle. I even find Pulut Hitam from Pine Garden to be better as the cake is like the solidified form of the dessert, without trying to be unique.
The service ... is meticulous. I can see that from the way the service staff carefully packed my cakes. But no smiles or anything. So no extra points in this department.
Despite the misses, there are still hits that make me want to try the other cakes in their repertoire. And I appreciate how the bakers try to push new boundaries to create interesting cakes. But I do have the tendency to go to my usual favourites instead when I have the time.
My Thoughts: Not Bad
Nearest car park: Blk 30 at Bendemeer Road
Nearest MRT: Boon Keng
30 Bendemeer Rd #01-889
Singapore
Contact No: 62993450
