Friday, January 24, 2025

The Awfully Chocolate Experience Cafe @ Orchard - Experience The World's First Chocolate Raclette Wheel with Speciality Chocolate Desserts

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The Awfully Chocolate Experience Cafe, on the third floor of Wisma Atria, is a paradise for chocolate lovers. It offers a unique dining experience centred around the world's first dark chocolate raclette wheel.

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Guests are invited to scrape warm, molten chocolate directly from the wheel onto their decadent desserts, creating an interactive and indulgent moment. The cafe also boasts a range of curated chocolate treats, beverages, and artisanal gifts.

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Cacao Tea 160

We started our experience with the Cacao Tea 160 ($9), a caffeine-free, antioxidant-rich beverage made from double-roasted cacao husks.

Awfully Chocolate roasts these rare cacao husks locally, creating an aromatic tea that uniquely tastes like chocolate with hints of fruity undertones. Cacao teas are available in three intensities - 160, 170, and 180, indicating the depth of their chocolate flavours.

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Iced Cacao with Fresh Fruit

Another drink we had was the Iced Cacao with Fresh Fruit ($9.50). This was refreshing and served chilled with an added mix of fruits. Each beverage ordered is also served with a piece of chocolate of the day.

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Pisang Pisang 4.2/5

Among the five speciality chocolate raclette wheel desserts, we had the Pisang Pisang ($18), a local-inspired creation paying homage to goreng pisang. This dessert combines crispy, sweet banana chunks with spiced apple and toasted walnuts, all atop a banana cake.

The highlight, however, is the table-side raclette experience, where diners scrape melted dark chocolate from the wheel onto it. It was a harmonious combination that satisfied the sweet cravings without being overwhelming. However, we did wish that the banana cake was more fragrant.

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100% awfullychocolate Muah Chee 4/5

We also tried the 100% awfullychocolate Muah Chee ($15), a playful reimagining of traditional muah chee. This dessert features delicate, jiggly warabimochi made with dark chocolate.
Diners can enjoy it in two ways: dipping the soft mochi pieces into chocolate sauce and crushed peanut soil or drizzling the sauce and sprinkling the soil over the mochi and tossing them up evenly.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Awfully Chocolate Experience Cafe
Wisma Atria
#03-12/12A/13/13A
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 6592 7361
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant @ Sheraton Towers Singapore - Ushering in Lunar New Year with Festive Elegance

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Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant at Sheraton Towers Singapore welcomes the Lunar New Year with an opulent lineup of festive dishes and reunion feasts, available from 1 January to 12 February 2023. Known for its refined Cantonese cuisine, Li Bai’s offerings this year are both traditional and creative, featuring premium ingredients presented with flair.

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Crispy Eel, Australian Lobster and Hamachi Yusheng 4/5

Li Bai kicks off the celebration with a visually stunning Crispy Eel, Australian Lobster, and Hamachi Yu Sheng. Designed like a vibrant garden with an intricate snake motif in the centre, this dish pays homage to the Year of the Snake. The medley of crispy eel, succulent lobster, and fresh hamachi adds both texture and flavour, while the festive toss promises a year of abundance and prosperity.

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Sauteed Bird's Nest with Crab Roe 4.2/5

The Sauteed Bird's Nest with Crab Roe is a winner for a nourishing and comforting start. The crab roe infuses the dish with a burst of umami, enriching the already delicate flavours of the bird's nest. This soup strikes a fine balance between indulgence and subtlety, making it a highlight for those who love refined Cantonese soups.

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Steamed Alaskan King Crab with Egg White 4.5/5

A standout dish, the Steamed Alaskan King Crab with Egg White, combines the meaty Alaskan King Crab's sweetness with the steamed egg white's silkiness. Enhanced with a drizzle of superior soya sauce, this dish is luxurious yet comforting, showcasing Li Bai's ability to highlight the natural flavours of premium ingredients.

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Braised 27-head South African Dried Abalone with Dried Oyster 4.5/5

The Braised 27-Head South African Dried Abalone with Dried Oyster is a true delicacy. The abalone is perfectly braised to tender perfection, paired with a flavourful sauce and complemented by the richness of dried oysters. The addition of greens adds a touch of freshness to balance the dish's richness. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a taste of indulgence this festive season.

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Grilled Eel Claypot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Dried Shrimp 4.2/5

Paying tribute to the Year of the Snake, Li Bai presents Grilled Eel Claypot Rice. The eel's snake-like appearance makes it a symbolic addition to the menu. The eel is grilled to perfection over fluffy, fragrant rice and enhanced with savoury Chinese sausage and dried shrimp flavours. The crispy edges of the claypot rice add a delightful textural contrast, making this dish a comforting favourite.

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Double-boiled Snow Fungus, Dried Apricot and Basil Seed 4.2/5

Refreshing and light, the Double-Boiled Snow Fungus with Dried Apricot and Basil Seed is an ideal dessert to cleanse the palate after a rich meal. The dried apricot's fruity sweetness complements the delicate snow fungus, while the basil seeds add a unique texture.

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Nian Gao, Water Chestnut Cake 4/5

Rounding off the meal, the Nian Gao and Water Chestnut Cake are delightful treats. The Nian Gao is chewy and subtly sweet, symbolising progress and growth, while the Water Chestnut Cake is light and refreshing, providing a satisfying conclusion to the festive feast.

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant delivers a stellar Lunar New Year dining experience with its thoughtfully curated menu of traditional and innovative dishes. Highlights like the Steamed Alaskan King Crab, Braised 27-Head South African Dried Abalone, and Grilled Eel Claypot Rice showcase the restaurant's finesse in elevating classic Cantonese flavours. Whether dining in or celebrating with takeaway, Li Bai is an excellent choice for ushering in a prosperous Year of the Snake.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant
Sheraton Towers Singapore
39 Scotts Road
Singapore 228230
Tel: +65 67376888
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Website
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1030am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]