makan 24 March 28 - 29, 2009 WEEkend LIVING

Having your cake

DeSté’s Alice in Wonderland ($818).
is a 4kg, two-tier Chef Ste-
Chocolate Royale fano of DeSté
cake — featuring once made a
continued from page 23 her daughter’s first and second nothing half-baked about the luscious chocolate 5kg Alice in
birthday cakes, custom made by wedding cake. What then would mousse and sponge Wo n d e r l a n d
Children’s birthday cakes, in a freelance baker. “I loved how an award-winning pastry chef’s with a crunchy themed cake
particular, have always been a keen my daughter’s eyes lit up when own wedding cake be like? hazelnut base — for for $818, which
indulgence. And bespoke creations she saw the cakes, but I probably A 100kg, seven-tier master- her ROM (Regis- was paired
are sure-fire ways won’t do the same piece fashioned after Victorian try of Marriage) with a 30-piece
to impress. But A Tea Part y crea tion by when she’s older.” architecture, scented with vio- celebration. This chocolate can-
kids aren’t neces- The Patissier ($306). A friend of lets and layered with raspberry was in 2002 (when dleholder. His
sarily always the mine also admits confiture (a type of confection or chef Pang was with 3kg Louis Vuit-
target audience. to living vicari- preserve) was chef Pang’s scene- Hilton Singapore). It ton chocolate
Evelyn Tan, ously through her stealing conception. set her back $300. and marzi-
a group brand two children. Her This Carla Bruni of a cake was “It had vanilla pan briefcase
marketing man- recent splurge was one of his most extravagant. What icing brushed on, and was deco- — filled with layers of chocolate
ager with a leading a 4kg sweet opus would the rest of us need to pay for rated with strawberries, blueber- mousse, and coffee and mascar-
cosmetic company, of all things girly something similar? ries and cherries, pone cream — sold for $780.
spent close to $400 for her daughter’s “It would cost more Chef Pang’s sprayed on with Despite the high cost, more
on her daughter’s third birthday. than $15,000,” said wedding cake. white chocolate,” people are apparently buying into
first birthday cake, A l s o f ro m chef Pang. she gushed. the idea of specialty cakes, even
a customised crea- The Patissier, the Well, I wouldn’t Besides the if they’re not exclusive.
tion from Canelé design boasted have expected any- quality of the According to Bakerzin CEO
Pâtisserie Chocolaterie, which is handmade miniature candied thing less from this cakes these con- Daniel Tay, the company sells,
helmed by executive pastry chef interpretations of her daughter’s pastry specialist. summate profes- on average, a hundred of its 3D
Pang Kok Keong. favourite things — think story- He and his team sionals are known (three-dimensional) cakes a
“My daughter’s only one once,” books, handbags and ballet shoes. spent five days bak- for, it is important month, which are priced between
she said. “I know she won’t even The price tag: A little above $800. ing, and finishing to note that such $138 and $298.
remember it, but I felt guilty for not Like it is for many parents, the decorations. elaborate confec- Pun intended, the concept of
spending enough time with her.” she simply wanted to afford her “Special moulds, tioneries are not custom-designed and specialty
On hindsight, she also felt it children the extravagances she ingredients and the priced based on cakes is obviously about having
was a little too indulgent. “I’m still never had while growing up. cherub stand were weight alone. your cake and eating it, too.
feeling the pinch.” flown in from the There is a And if it tasted as good as it
Angeline Ng, a training and Money’s worth United Kingdom,” he added. level of artistry and skill involved, looked — and made you feel just
PR manager for Christian Dior, Unlike generic off-the-shelf birth- Marketing manager Ruth and the quality of ingredients to as special — then clearly, it was
spent more than $200 on both day cakes, there is almost always Chew’s favourite by the maestro consider. worth every penny.

Bakers Quartet ... Choice picks for some of the sweetest treats
DeSté Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie
Tel: 6536 1556 (Upper Circular Rd) Tel: 6738 9020 (Shaw Centre) /
6738 8145 (Robertson Walk)
Chef Stefano attributes the high cost
of such cakes to “a strict selection of When Canelé first started customis-
ingredients (the best in the international ing birthday cakes (2004), chef Pang
market), workmanship, and the study shared, prices were relatively lower
of the design and textures”. But, give ($138 for a 2kg cake), as opposed
him a brief idea of what you want and to the current starting price of $190
let him decide the rest. The cost, he for a similar-sized cake. Charges for
shared, would be cheaper. “Sugar-free workmanship varies. “Despite this,”
cakes can also be done, but not with said chef Pang, “we are still getting an
The Patissier just any design,” added chef Stefano, increasing number of orders.”
Tel: 6220 5565 (Ann Siang Rd) / reiterating the fact that the exclusion of Bakerzin
6737 3369 (Mohamed Sultan Rd) sugar will affect the texture of the cake. Tel: 6251 5550 (United Square) / 6333 6647 (Paragon) MacBurger ($80,
20cm): Chocolate
Four talented female chefs, who translate A 3D cake, CEO Daniel Tay explained, macaron sandwich
traditional French techniques into innova- requires three working days to make. A with a 64-per-cent
tive cakes and pastries for any occasion, customised cake will take seven days. Tay menjari dark
run this popular homegrown patisserie. also emphasised the fact that customers are chocolate patty and
Helmed by executive chef Tan Siang Yee, it enjoying the best of both worlds — quality
almond chocolate
aims to “provide a complete sensual feast”. and good design. “It’s hard to break down
glaze. (You saw
It also offers croquembouche towers and the cost, but several factors, such as the fill-
cupcake creations. A minimum of 10 days ing used and the size of the cake, will help this here first!)
notice is required. dictate the price,” he said.

foodNotes Instant gratification

With the opening of Cold
minute for you.
In addition, there is a deli
Snack attack can choose to have Storage’s Specialty store at section offering foods such as
Here’s another a set of four pieces Tanglin Shopping Centre, pies, quiches, sandwich wraps
reason to kick back of Winglets, a box of instant food has taken on a and pizzas, which are perfect
with a finger-licking Popcorn Chicken or one literal meaning. for a quick meal.
good snack: The new Signature Original Recipe For the first time, customers Cold Storage Specialty @
Kentucky Fried Chicken Drumstick, each served can enjoy the food they have Tanglin (Tel: 6738 6615) is a
Snackers. with french fries. Add $1 just purchased from the super- self-service store. Diners can
Some of KFC’s popular for a regular Pepsi. market instantly, with the store’s eat the fresh sausages you just enjoy their food al fresco style
side orders are now available in For snacking in the comfort free heating, grilling and bak- bought from the supermarket, at The Terrace, a private area
three affordable combos. Priced of your home, call KFC Delivery ing facilities. you can pass it to the counter just outside the supermarket.
at $2.90 each, peckish folks at 6222 6111. Don Mendoza If, for example, you want to staff and they will grill them a la SHERMAINE WONG