8_Days__June_1_2017

STORY
KI’ERN TAN PHOTOS CHEE YAN & LIONEL NG
THE FOOD
Yuzu Raspberry
Cake $9
A beautifully balanced
slice that tastes as good
as it looks. The bright,
Japanese citrus-kissed
meringue mousse has a
gorgeously silky, marshmallow-like texture that
goes delightfully with the layers of fluffy, meltin-the-mouth
Japanese sponge, generous
chunks of raspberries and whipped
Valrhona white chocolate cream. The
Lychee Oolong Tea ($9/400ml) it is
paired with has a fruity bouquet that
complements the tanginess of the cake.
8 DAYS
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Le ‘Omm’ $9
The lush combination of
velvety matcha mascarpone
cream, light rum-soaked
sponge, mousse and
sweetened
adzuki beans
gives this
slice a luxurious
mouthfeel that isn’t
too heavy. The green tea is
fragrant and not overwhelmingly
bitter (some may prefer a more
heavy-handed dusting, though). Goes
well with the umami creaminess of
the Green Tea Oolong ($9/400ml).
Duo Crème Brûlée $11.50
This generous portion with a crisp golden cap
that splits open with a satisfying snap comprises
two silky layers: a speckled Madagascar vanilla
custard on top and 66 per cent Valrhona chocolate
beneath. Crème brulee purists may baulk at
this reinterpretation of the classic sweet, but
non-fans may find this version more palatable.
The deep bitterness of the chocolate balances
the creaminess of the custard and gives it a
robust kick. It pairs really well with the roasty
notes of the nutty Japanese Kuki-Hojicha
($9/400ml). We didn’t much care for the sliced
fruits atop the crème brûlée, though.
Noisette Rocher $10.50
This elegant chocolate sphere
is basically a more atas, luxe
version of a Ferrero
Rocher. Fluffy
hazelnut
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sponge and creamy chocolate mousse are covered in a
crackly hazelnut-studded chocolate shell. However, the
too-bitter Valrhona dark chocolate ganache in the centre
completely overwhelms the palate. There is also not enough
crunch in the too-thin feuilletine layer beneath this to relieve
all the richness.
BOTTOM LINE: This pretty café offers a small but
well-made clutch of Japanese-French desserts. It’s a
lovely spot to while the afternoon away, if you can find a
parking space along the narrow roads surrounding the
shophouse.
PRICE GUIDE (excl. beverages)
As a rough guide, dollar signs have been assigned to each eatery:
< $30 per person
$30 – $59 per person
$60 – $100 per person
> $100 per person
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