“A party without cake is just a meeting” ~ Julia Child

22 May 2014 - Have you ever tasted 12 cakes in one sitting? Yes I just did. Some of you might think that I am crazy, but sometimes we just need to do some crazy things to keep ourselves sane. You probably have to agree with me after seeing these gorgeous looking cakes.

It was really fun as it was my first time attending a pop-up tea party. Firstly, a Big Thank You to BreadTalk for inviting me to this wonderful event; and celebrating a season of new cake collection comprising 12 exquisite creations that are available to you at all BreadTalk stores. 

In celebration of the new cake collection, BreadTalk is running a campaign themed "A DediCAKEtion To You" to signify the spirit of giving. From now to June 2014, BreadTalk pledges to raise $30,000 for Community Chest; and this campaign is open to anyone who wants to raise money for a good cause. 

For every regular or classic cake purchased, $1 or $2 will be contributed to this cause. Every charitable dollar raised will go directly to the charities and social programmes for the less advantaged in Singapore. You can always join me by doing a good thing with the good guys for a good cause. 

BreadTalk's whole new cake collection comprises a variety of novel creations and reinterpretations of well-loved classics such as Black Forest, Mango Paradiso, Strawberry Chantilly and several more.

These new cakes are conceived after months of intense taste tests led by BreadTalk's very own in-house Research & Development team and working with international chefs and consultants to bring the best combination of delectable pastries and desserts, in order to cater to the discerning tastebuds of today's customers.

I was very fortunate to witness how the Masterchef from Japan, conjure her culinary magic right in front of my own eyes. It was an elevating visual experience for me, being able to see the Japanese craft and baking presentation with such dedication and precision. 

You can look forward to a lavish spread of 12 wondrous creations; starting first with one of the new signature cakes; the (1) SALTED CARAMEL SURPRISE ($28.80 / $36.80). 

Expect a burst of caramel-nutty flavours when you taste this unique creation. The 'surprise' lies in the delicate Gula Melaka genoise sponge layers, which are melded by an overlay of Chantilly cream and caramel sea salt. Sprinkles of walnut encircle the base of the cake to lend texture. 

Second new signature cake in line; is the (2) CHOCOLATE FUDGE SOUFFLE ($32.80 / $42.80).

Luxuriously moist and rich with 55% cocoa, this soufflé-inspired innovation from BreadTalk will have chocolate lovers fall head over heels in love with it. Imagine a dense chocolate soufflé base studded with orange peel and encased in chocolate almond glaze. Garnishes of fresh strawberries, raspberry, chocolate décor and a flourish of cocoa powder complete the masterpiece. 

The third new signature cake goes out to; the (3) CHEESECAKE ORIGINALE ($35.80)

Indulge in this classic full-flavoured cheese cake that has a thin smooth layer of Chantilly cream and is decked with glazed strawberries, raspberry and chocolate décor. 

Last but not least, the fourth new signature cake; the (4) OREO CHEESE ($35.80).

Taking cheesecake to another level, this creamy Oreo creation features a base and top layer generously lined with scrumptious Oreo cookies and Chantilly cream. It is then topped with whole Oreo cookies and dusted with icing sugar.

The remaining 8 cakes that you will be seeing are reinterpretations of the well-loved classic cakes. Featuring the (5) STRAWBERRY CHANTILLY ($32.80 / $42.80).

Light and fruity, BreadTalk’s Strawberry Chantilly is a sight to behold and will woo palates with its soft fresh cream and fruity allure. The moist Genoise sponge base is delightfully layered with fresh Chantilly cream, fruit cocktail and laced with Cointreau syrup. Toppings of plump strawberries, raspberries, grapes and pistachio lend colour and vibrancy to this top seller.

Another hot favourite is the (6) AZUKI MACHA ($29.80 / $39.80).

A refined Japanese inspiration, this matcha green tea flavoured treat is the perfect marriage of East and West! The fluffy matcha Genoise cake is layered with lashings of fresh Chantilly cream, matcha ganache, and speckled with sweet azuki red beans. Completing the artful presentation are matcha glaze, matcha powder and silvers of chocolate décor. 

Something for the coffee lovers, (7) KOPI KONNOISSEUR ($32.80 / $42.80).

A perfect melange of coffee, chocolate, and Bailey’s Irish cream, the BreadTalk’s Kopi Konnoisseur sure packs a punch with its caffeine goodness! Slice into it to unveil tiers of chocolate almond sponge cake, praline walnut cream, Bailey’s Irish cream, and chocolate coffee cream. The finishing touches include a dark chocolate glaze, chocolate sheets, and hazelnut sprinkles.

Peanut Butter is an old-school favourite you shouldn't miss. (8) PEANUT BUTTER BETTER ($28.80 / $36.80).

For a taste of nostalgia, turn to this comforting yet luxe peanut butter delicacy that comprises a delicate Genoise base and peanut butter cream. Speckled generously with sliced caramel almonds all around, it is crowned with chocolate décor, cocoa powder and a chocolate macaron. 

(9) BLACK FOREST ($33.80 / $43.80).

BreadTalk has given the traditional Black Forest cake a truly luxurious treatment with the combination of a light chocolate almond sponge base, chocolate cream, Kirsch cream and dark sweet cherries. It is then covered with a gorgeous layer of thin chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries for a pop of colour!

Mango lovers will definitely go for this (10) MANGO PARADISO ($32.80 / $42.80).

This tropical fantasy is divine with every bite! Set in an unconventional cake mould, the exquisite mango cake is made up of a light finger sponge, passionfruit jelly, and mango mousse. A sure hit with all ages, it is bejewelled with fresh mango cubes, raspberries, blueberries, white chocolate shavings and pistachio.

Who can resist this elegant (11) BANANARAMA ($28.80 / $36.80) that is sumptuous and light at the same time.

Coated evenly in a sprinkling of desiccated coconut, the winsome creation showcases almond sponge layers, milk custard cream, roasted macadamia nuts and caramelised sweet banana – topped with Chantilly cheese cream, cookie crumbles, macadamia nuts and red currants.

The last classic cake on the list is the (12) BOWLED OVER TIRAMISU ($32.80).

BreadTalk has reinvented the timeless Italian dessert and added a surprising twist of Kahlua and Bacardi rum to the sponge fingers, espresso coffee and mascarpone mousse. The luscious pick-me-up comes in a big bowl portion for six persons or individual cup sizes. 

Before we actually tasted the cakes, we were given a task to "VOTE" for the "BEST Cake" by judging from it's look and presentation. 

The question on your mind: "Which was the BEST cake I voted for?" 

We were then given the luxury to savour all the 12 cakes, and to vote again for the "BEST cake" amongst the ones we had, in terms of taste and texture. 

It was a close fight for all the 12 cakes that I have tasted; and in my opinion, each cake creation are definitely worthy of my sensory experience. 

Well, if you still want me to choose my favourite cake(s), my top 3 picks/recommendations will be the Salted Caramel Surprise, Black Forest and Cheesecake Originale.

I hope that you have an eye candy feasting by just looking at all the pictures. To sweeten up this good deal, please look out for the following BreadTalk promotions, valid for a limited period till 31 May 2014.

- Enjoy any two cake slices at $8.80 (U.P. $9.60 to $11.60)

- Every Wednesday is "DediCAKEtion Day" whereby you can enjoy 15% off classic or regular cake pre-orders.

- UOB card members get 50% off for the second slice cake purchased.

For more information, please visit www.breadtalk.com.sg and like them on their Facebook page. 

Supply & Demand - Modern Italian Peruvian Bistro & Rooftop Bar

The space at Supply & Demand looks pretty cool, and I was absolutely intrigued by its cozy wooden setting from the entrance to its interior.

It also holds a touch of industrial chic decor, featuring both wood and concrete elements. I typically love the overhead filament bulbs and brick walls.

This mammoth restaurant is able to host up to 200 people for private events and gatherings. 

The open bar and kitchen

You can dine at the cozy indoor area, or head to the rooftop for alfresco dining under the stars. 

I headed immediately to the rooftop after placing my orders, as I couldn't resist touring this gorgeous looking restaurant and taking more pictures before the sun sets.

There is a collection of literary classics and cookbooks lined along the stairway, which leads to the rooftop bar.

Stairway to Rooftop Bar

It would be great to have your beers here while enjoying the breeze on cooler days.

Rooftop bar with waterfront views

There is a private tent that could accomodate up to 10 easily, but make sure you make a request to use the space here. 

I almost had an headache looking at the drink menu earlier, simply because there were too much to offer. 
From coffee and tea; to house pours, to draft beers and speciality cocktails. I finally decided to have tea instead of coffee, and once again I was spoilt for choice with the tea selections.

African Solstice Tea in a Pot

Iced Mint Tea

Supply & Demand offers a mix of Peruvian and Italian grub, which is unique and new in Singapore. 

There was a tantalizing array of made-to-order pizzas (over 20 flavours available) and pastas selections.

I want to start with something safe and familiar; the Italian fare - so Pizza was obviously my answer. 

The pizzas here come in regular (9"inch $17+) and large (13"inch $21+) sizes. You have an option to select 2 flavours in 1 pizza, or have it Calzone-style, with just an additional $3 charge.

I decided on having two flavours and my selections were Quattro Formaggio Four Cheese and Tartufo E Uovo Truffle and Egg.

It took less than 20 minutes for my food to arrive. The pizza was thin crust, crispy yet fluffy; and I can literally taste the freshness of ingredients as it was baked to order. 

My vote out of the two, goes to the Tartufo E Uovo, simply because of the soft egg set in the centre, and the black truffle paste on the side. Needless to say, why I loved this; you just have to check it out yourself.

Supply & Demand is an excellent venue to have a quiet dinner with your loved ones, and I would say it is my kind of place to unwind and make merry with friends on a Friday night.

I will definitely return to try their unique fusion specialities, and Peruvian-inspired cocktails. 

Supply & Demand
Tel: 6336 0588

Address: 8 Raffles Ave, #01-13, 

The Esplanade - Colours by the Bay, 

Singapore, 039802. 

Opening Hours
Mon – Thu: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 3am
Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: supplydemandsin
www.facebook.com/supplydemandsin

On a lovely Saturday afternoon, a group of Burpple Tastemakers met up for lunch at Shinzo hosted by the hospitable Chef Lawrence Chia.

The entrance may seem unassuming, but behind the door we were welcomed by the intimate space and friendly greeting from the Shinzo team. 

The seating layout at Shinzo has more seats around the counter, as it was designed specifically for Chef Chia to play host and interact with his guest. Shinzo pledged on their belief, with people coming to Shinzo as strangers but leaving as friends.

Chef Chia said to us in a joking manner; if you don't mind standing throughout your meal, he can host more than 30 person, which makes it a true standing sushi bar. I smiled after hearing this and I'm pretty sure he wasn't really joking when he said that.

Shinzo specialises in Omakase; one of the promotion you should not miss, is this Early Bird Omakase Dinner (6 course and 1 dessert at $68++) featuring Chef Chia's creations made with the season's best ingredients sourced directly from Japan. All you need to do is to enjoy your food, and end your meal before 7.30pm.


Shinzo serves lunch from Monday to Saturday, 12 pm to 3 pm and dinner from 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm.
Back to our lunch meet up, here are some highlights of the menu offering (Lunch Set at $38+ onwards)

Crispy Leather Jacket Fish 

Whitebait with Crawfish Salad

Mentaiko Grilled Cod (Chirashi Set)

Chirashi Don

I was amazed by the unique presentation of my Chirashi don, served in 3 separate bowls of rice.

First up was chopped Tuna, followed by Snow Crab and lastly Horse Mackerel.

Presented in an odd-shaped bowl, it was rather difficult to get a good shot, so I decided to take close up shots of each bowl. 

My fellow tastemakers ordered the Sashimi Lunch Set ($38+) and the Wagyu Beef Lunch Set ($45+).

Lunch set includes a fresh green salad, starter, choice of main, and a miso soup.  

Shinzo Lunch Menu. More can be found here - http://www.shinzo.com.sg/menu

Assorted Tempura (Sashimi Set)

Chef Seasonal Selection (Sashimi Set)

Hot or Cold Udon (Sashimi Set)

Chawanmushi with Truffle Sauce (Beef Set)

Stir fried wagyu beef and vegetables with rice (Beef Set)

To complete our lunch, we were treated to a trio of ice cream dessert made up of classic Japanese flavours - Matcha (Green Tea), Yuzu (Citrus) and Kurogama (Sesame). 

Starting from 1 May 2014, Shinzo will be offering 4 set lunches for the price of 3 every Saturday.

If you are planning for a Saturday lunch with your family or friends, this is definitely a steal you must not miss.

Brief Note about the Chef

Chef Lawrence Chia started Shinzo Japanese Cuisine in September 2013, after spending more than 23 years as honing his skills as a sushi artisan. Trained under the famous Chef Yoshio Nogawa at the renowned Sushi Kaiseki Nogawa; Chef Chia helm the sushi counters of several renowned Japanese restaurants in Singapore, including Hinoki (at China Square), Tatsuya (at Goodwood Park Hotel) and Tatsu (at Asia Square Tower). 

The word Shinzo means heart in the Japanese language. Chef Chia had proven to us his passion for Japanese cuisine and every dish he created was done with love. 

We not only tasted the great quality of food, but also experienced the impeccable service and warm hospitality of the Shinzo team. 

Thank you Chef Lawrence Chia and Shinzo for the incredible experience, we had a great time together. 

Shinzo Address: 17 Carpenter Street, 01-01, Singapore 059906.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12 pm to 3 pm / 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm

Reservation is recommended (Tel:) 6438-2921

Like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shinzojc

Visit their Official Website: www.shinzo.com.sg