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Lifestyle Singapore Singapore

Here’s How to Celebrate World Chocolate Day All Day!

The best time of year is just around the corner: World Chocolate Day! On 7 July, the world will dedicate 24 hours to celebrating the godsend that is chocolate. What better way to celebrate than by throwing diet plans to the wind and spending the entire day enjoying chocolate in its many shapes and forms?

From pancakes to martinis, here’s how you can have chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast/Brunch

Dark Chocolate Souffle at Laurent’s Cafe

Dark Chocolate Souffle.JPG

Go full-out fancy and have some artisanal chocolates at Laurent’s Cafe. This hidden gem serves authentic French brunch fare, but the star of the show is definitely the sweets. Opened by French chocolatier Laurent Bernard, you know you’ll always get quality chocolate here. A definite must-try is the famous Dark Chocolate Souffle. Fluffy and soft but somehow bursting with decadent chocolate flavour, this is the queen of all souffles. Pour the vanilla sauce into the souffle to make it sweet and fudgy, but still every bit as delicious. Be warned, though: once you have a Laurent’s souffle, no other souffle will ever suffice.

Find it at Robinson The Heeren, 260 Orchard Rd, B1-02C, Singapore 238855.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.
Book Now

ChocoCro at St Marc Cafe

ChocoCro
Cr: primer.com.ph

Of course, those who’d rather not dive head-first into a sore throat will want something gentler on the stomach. That’s where the ChocoCro comes in! Flaky layers of freshly-baked croissant hug a deliciously molten chocolate core for the perfect balance of rich, light, and buttery. A fan-favourite at St. Marc Cafe that’s been around for 15 years, it’s not hard to see why so many people are enamoured with this delicate pastry.

Click here for more information on St Marc Cafe.

Lunch

Viennese Hot Chocolate at Antoinette

Hot Chocolate
Cr: nookmag.com

Hot chocolate is just milk, chocolate, and sugar – right? If you think that way, then you clearly haven’t had the Viennese Hot Chocolate at Antoinette. This lavish restaurant has all the makings of an upscale Parisian Patisserie. Head down for a relaxing lunch of perfectly-executed French delights, and make sure you order a Viennese Hot Chocolate as well. Thick, rich, and smooth, drinking the hot chocolate is just like giving your tummy a warm hug. Served in a gorgeous fluted teacup with creme Chantilly on the side, we’re sure even Marie Antoinette herself would approve.

Book a table at these outlets and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

 A variety of chocolate desserts at NineThirty

All Chocolate Cake
Cr: awfullychocolate.online
Dark Chocolate S'more
Cr: mokumsurfclub.com

No chocolate-themed celebration would be complete without enjoying desserts from our beloved Awfully Chocolate. Swing by NineThirty, a cafe opened by Awfully Chocolate, for a hearty meal of comfort foods and, of course, the entire selection of Awfully Chocolate desserts. Dig into a slice of their signature chocolate cake, or if it’s a hot day, have a scoop of dark chocolate ice cream. For an extra-special treat, try the Dark Chocolate S’more, a toasted marshmallow with a core of oozing dark chocolate.

Find it at 131 East Coast Road, Singapore 428816.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.
Book Now

 Dinner

Chocolate buffet at The Courtyard

Chocolate Buffet

It’s basic maths: chocolate + buffet = paradise. Get a taste of heaven at The Courtyard, which offers a spectacular marriage of chocolate, gastronomy and theatrics. The closest thing we can find to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, this buffet is a superb tribute to World Chocolate Day. Everything here is oozing with chocolatey delight – even their savoury items. There’s Cocoa and Spice-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs, Wagyu Beef, Peruvian Chocolate, and Poblano Chilli Empanadas, and much more. Not feeling adventurous? DIY the perfect hot chocolate at the Hot Chocolate Trolley, or see an exciting display of liquid nitrogen freezing chocolate into a perfect sphere. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true!

Find it at 1 Fullerton Square, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Singapore 049178.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.
Book Now

 Chocolate Feuilletine Crémeux at Prive

Chocolate Feuilletine Cremeux
Cr: facebook.com

A cosy family-friendly restaurant with a menu of hearty meals, Prive’s boasts not just delicious mains but also luxurious desserts, and we’ve got our eyes on one in particular: the Chocolate Feuilletine Crémeux. A chocolate-coated dome of passionfruit and banana curd rests on a base of gingerbread. That, in turn, is supported by a soft, moist chocolate sponge. The entire dessert is a mix of sweet, mellow, spicy, soft, and crunchy. In other words, bliss in a bite. It’s only available at Prive Keppel Bay and Prive Asian Civilisations Museum until 8 July, so hurry to get your endorphin rush!

Book at these outlets and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.

 Drinks

Chocolate “Mortini” at Morton’s The Steakhouse

Chocolate Mortini
Cr: timeout.com

What’s the perfect drink to end an indulgent steak dinner with? An even more indulgent martini, of course! More specifically, the Chocolate “Mortini” at Morton’s Steakhouse. High-quality chocolate is everywhere, even coating the glass, so you get that rich, smooth goodness in every sip. Paired with booze, it’s like an alcoholic iced chocolate – the ultimate adult drink, and perfect for sweet tooths looking to get buzzed.

Find it at 5 Raffles Avenue, 4th Floor, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Singapore 039797.
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG.
Book Now

 Chocolate Flambe-tinis at Maison Ikkoku

Chocolate Flambe-tini.jpg
Cr: eatbook.sg

Maison Ikkoku’s Chocolate Flambe-tinis are flashy and over-the-top as the Mortinis are down-to-earth. What else could you expect from the bar that mixes a $35,000 drink? Their gorgeously creamy mix of dark chocolate and gin gets a balance of bitter and sweet just right. Top that off with sugary toasted marshmallow melting over the top of the cup, dark chocolate shavings, and a stunning view for the quintessential luxury choco-holic experience.

Find it at 20 Kandahar St, Singapore 198885.
Click here for more information on Maison Ikkoku.

Dessert

The Dark Gallery

Chocolate Tasting Flight.jpg
Cr: cforcassan.com

So it’s the end of the day, and you still haven’t gotten enough to satisfy your chocolate addiction? That’s okay, we can fix that with a trip to The Dark Gallery. Take World Chocolate Day to the extreme by trying samples of the finest cocoa from around the world. They’ve got pastries, ice cream, and other desserts made using chocolate from Venezuela, Madagascar, Brazil, and more. The connoisseurs out there will adore their chocolate tasting flight, while those of us who prefer something decadent and sinful will find satisfaction in their Frozen S’more, featuring a toasted marshmallow wrapped around a rich 80% chocolate ice cream.

Find it at 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-K5 Millenia Walk, 039596.
Click here for more information on The Dark Gallery.

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Categories
Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 11 – 13 May

It’s Mother’s Day this weekend! We hope you’ve got something planned, but if you don’t, then you’re in luck – we’ve got just what you need to salvage the situation. Also, is it a coincidence that a blueberry fits perfectly in a raspberry? According to Justin Timberlake, absolutely not.

Mother’s Day checklist: Dinner? Check. Flowers? Check. Presents? Don’t panic just yet! Here are some gift ideas perfect for a foodie mum.

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Cr: foodandwine.com

If you love doughnuts and need a holiday, then this 80-mile doughnut trail in Ohio is the place for you.

In other doughnut-related news, do you fancy being doughnut company Entenmann’s Chief Donut Officer?

Reese’s Pieces and Reese Witherspoon are so adorable, they’re pretty much everyone’s OTP.

It’s time to up your Instagram game with these tips and tricks to help you take drool-worthy photos.

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Cr: zig.com

Justin Timberlake is making “brasberries” – stuffing blueberries into raspberries – a thing.

Tequila shots have nothing on these yummy tequila cocktails.

A truck carrying 12 tons of chocolate flipped over on a Polish highway. Nobody was badly hurt and the roads are now a chocolate river, making this one of the coolest traffic accidents ever.

Categories
Links We Love Singapore

Weekend Reads: 17 – 29 April

Celebrate the last weekend of April in style, with a glass of wine and a rosé marshmallow. Have a bit of chocolate too – it’s good for your health. We’ve also got to ask: are you Team Ramsay or Team Bourdain when it comes to a vegan diet?

The trailer for Crazy Rich Asians has been making its rounds on the internet, but can you recognise any of the Singapore restaurants featured in the trailer?

Last week we talked about Gordon Ramsay’s vegan diet, and this week we’re looking at Anthony Bourdain’s opinions on the Impossible Burger.

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Cr: bustle.com

The world is on a rosé craze this summer, and it just got better with these rosé-infused marshmallows, perfect for roasting over a fire.

And have you heard about the ice cream sandwiches that KFC Japan are selling?

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Cr: elitedaily.com

Thanks to Starbucks, you can now get foam on top of all your coffees, even cold ones.

If you can’t get enough of the crispy, cheesy satisfaction that is pizza, then this pizza museum is for you!

Pizza may not be your thing, but what about fries? Martin Zwerts, hugely popular in the Netherlands, is opening a flagship fry shop in Singapore.

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Cr: inpathybulletin.com

Dark chocolate is good for you, but don’t take it from us. Take it from the scientists who published a paper about it!

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Categories
Links We Love

Weekend Reads: 2 – 4 Feb

Yummy cup noodles, awkward cookbook covers, and gorgeous flowers you can eat – how is it already February?

 

Presenting a series of awkward cookbook covers.

Learn to say ‘cheers!’ in 70 countries.

This week in WTF: a cocktail garnished with a pig’s eyeball?!

Here’s a list of the Top 10 Cup Noodles available in Singapore.

Find out which food holiday falls on your birthday here!

These chocolate flowers are almost too pretty to eat.

More #fooddrama, as Fantasy Desserts sends a lawyer’s letter to a customer who left a poor review of them on Facebook.

A bag of chips at this warehouse in Britain only costs 20 cents.

Here’s where to get your fill of 2018’s latest craze – fried chicken skin.

And if you’re planning a Valentine’s night in, here are some recipes that will impress your date!

 

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Categories
Features Lifestyle Others Reviews Singapore

Chope Tries: All 18 toppings at The Magnum Pleasure Bar (on 10 ice creams)

If you’re well-versed in all things ice cream, then The Magnum Pleasure Bar needs no introduction. Known for their bespoke Magnum bars, The Magnum Pleasure Bar provides a “Make My Magnum” experience for those who enjoy an extra touch of lovin’ to their usual icy delights.

Magnum Pleasure Store - Store Front
With a whopping 18 classic and exotic toppings to choose from (rose petals and chilli flakes, anyone?), there are all sorts of interesting creations you can experiment with.

Being scientific people, we made space in our stomachs and marched down with a mission to try all 18 toppings available to us. 10 ice cream bars, 2 cups of coffee, and 1 serious case of diet-related regret later, here’s our definitive guide to the Magnum experience.

Loco for Cocoa: The Humble Chocolate vs. The Massive Attack

oreo-speculoos-almondchoc-cookies-mixed-choc-pearls-cocoa-nibs
For a full-fledged cocoa experience, your best bet is the Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle topped with Crushed Oreos, Almonds, and Speculoos (above left). You would think that this chocolate-heavy creation would be overwhelming on the palate, but the speculoos crumbs provide just the right hit of flavours to cut through all that cocoa.

On the other hand, the Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle with Crushed Chocolate Cookies, Cocoa Pearls, and Cacao Nibs (above right) guarantees you a one-way street to achieving that chocolate high. There’s nothing about this combo that doesn’t scream “chock full of chocolate” with every bite!

Verdict
If you just need a chocolatey boost, the first combo’s definitely go-to. But if you think you’re ready, go all out with the second pairing because #yolo.

 

Insta-worthy Babes: Flatter-Me-Floral vs. Vanilla Romance

rose-pearls-popping-candyrose-pistachio-popping-candy
When comparing Rose Petals, White Chocolate Pearls, and Popping Candy with Dark Chocolate Coating & Milk Chocolate Drizzle (above left) with the Rose Petals, Crushed Pistachio, and Popping Candy with White Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above right), we didn’t know what to expect – until we had our first mouthfuls of these two gorgeous ice creams.

With the first combination, you get dark, velvety smooth chocolate punctuated with sweet fizzing from the popping candy and a hint of floral essence from the rose petals. On the other hand, the second creation was creamy and light with the white chocolate coating that’s mellowed down by the dark chocolate drizzle. The crushed pistachios add a nice contrast in textures as well.

Verdict
Need a shot for your Instagram? These bad boys are where it’s at. Even if your friends can’t taste the ice cream through your photos, these visually stunning creations are enough to get them drooling over your Insta-feed!

 

The ‘Spice’ Girls: Fiery Delight vs. Pop-Rock Bonanza

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The Popping Candy, Rose Petals, and Chilli Flakes with Milk Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above left) combination opens with an innocently smooth first bite before the floral and herbal hints from rose petals makes a subtle appearance. Then, without warning, the small-but-powerful chilli flakes show their strength and leave your mouth tingling with warmth.

If you love textures, you can’t go wrong with the Gold Nuggets, Popping Candy, and Chili Flakes with Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle (above right). Not only do the gold nuggets and popping candy paint a contrast of colours against the noir-coating of the ice cream, the fiery chilli flakes once again do their thing and spice things up on the palate too. 

Verdict
Take heed: these creations are not of the faint of heart! But if you’re looking to try something out-of-the-box, look no further than these two combos at the Magnum Store.

 

Salty is the new Sweet: The Wolfberry Beauty vs. The Nutty Novice

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Combining Goji Berries, Sea Salt Flakes, and Cacao Nibs with Dark Chocolate Coating & White Chocolate Drizzle (above left), a bite out of this gives you the smoothness of the chocolate with hints of saltiness staccatoed with bittersweet wolfberries.

We compared this creation with its equally salty counterpart, comprising Salted Peanuts, Chocolate Pearls, and Sunflower Seeds with White Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above right). Perfect for those who prefer a little more texture, and less of an Asian bent, this creation has a layer of White Chocolate coating that brings the sweetness to a whole new level.

Verdict
These beauties are meant for those who love a touch of umami to go with their desserts. Though these may be odd combinations for some, we say ‘don’t knock it till you try it’!

 

The Battle of Textures: Pillowy Ebony vs. Crunchy Ivory

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What happens when you top Peanut Butter Chips, Marshmallows, and Crushed Oreos onto an ice cream and coat it with Dark Chocolate with a Milk Chocolate Drizzle (above left)? You get this insanely indulgent piece Reese’s’ Pieces and Marshmallows, coming together with the dark, smooth chocolate ice cream.

If you’re in need of something milder, the Crushed Speculoos, Pretzels, and Almonds with White Chocolate Coating & Dark Chocolate Drizzle (above right) transports you back into time with its vanilla-esque flavours and fun, crunchy bits to keep things interesting.

Verdict
These combinations are jam-packed with fun flavours and it’s impossible not to feel like you have a party in your mouth with every bite – perfect for people old and young.

 

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