With the end of October marks the end of SIFF2010…. as with every other year, I ventured around Sydney to savour the creations of this year’s sugar hit restaurants and hotels.
Grace Hotel
The rave this year was all around Grace Hotel. Word spread that Grace has triumphed over and hence this was a must try. Even though the staff had no idea what was being served and were unattentive, they were forgiven as soon as the fondant was served.
The self saucing chocolate fandant was perfectly self saucing as you cut it open ~ success!! It was rich and runny on the inside like it should but would have enjoyed it more if it was served warm rather than room temperature.
My macaron was slightly too chewy but the chocolate fairy floss was fun and added an exciting touch. Fairy floss always gets my vote. Kahlua ice cream got me cheering also! Could not get enough of the creaminess and its perfect Kahlua companion.
Chocolate fondant with self-saucing chocolate centre, Kahlua ice cream, chocolate macaroon and chocolate fairy floss. Orange Muscat Brown Brothers
Grace Cafe
Corner King and York Streets
Sydney
NSW 2000
0292726636
http://www.gracehotel.com.au/
Shangri-La
Although the dessert description did not entice me, the appearance made me pay a visit to Shangri-la. It wasn’t as busy as prior years and was promptly seated for our 9.30pm booking. The dessert itself looked amazing! Served in a martini glass, tempered chocolate strips sprung out off the top of a laced tempered chocolate casing.
This dessert had way too much tempered chocolate for my liking as I found most of my time eating only chocolate. The alcohol soaked raspberry snuggled up inside the casing were too overpowering and had to balance it off with copious amounts of chocolate mousse. Although I really enjoyed the panna cotta hidden at the bottom of the glass. It was impossible to have all the flavours in one mouthful as the tempered chocolate was too unforgiving. I have to admit it was quite a disappointment this year compared to prior ones. Hopefully future sugar hits will improve!
Black Forest Cocktail: vanilla panacotta, cherries in kirsch, chocolate bonbon, cocoa sponge, chocolate cream. Cienna Brown Brothers
Shangri-la
Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
176 Cumberland Street
The Rocks, Sydney
NSW 2000
0292506123
http://www.36levelsabove.com.au/
Monkey Magic
Monkey Magic’s black sesame crème caramel caught my eye in the list of sugar hit offerings…..and it did not disappoint! Situated in surry hills, we walked from Central and did our fare share of exercise before arriving at its doors.
We all chose to have the Umeshu wine, which is a Japanese plum wine. It was wonderfully sweet with accents of plum and highly praised by my companions who are Japanese fanatics. Our desserts took a while to arrive but when it did, it was worth the wait. A crusty flaky puff pastry twist balanced on the black sesame crème caramel served with red wine poached pears and coconut ice cream. What a wonderful combination of flavours.
The crème caramel was rich in black sesame flavour, tasting similar to the chinese black sesame soup dessert…it was extra smooth but became overly sweet as each bite progressed. The puff pastry was light and had toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on them for extra taste. I loved the coconut ice cream as it was creamy and full of flavour.
Black sesame creme caramel with red wine-poached pear : a creamy, nutty, sesame flavour with a sweet toffee syrup and tart fruit. Umeshu wine
Monkey Magic
3&4 - 410 Crown Street
Surry Hills
NSW 2010
0293584444
http://www.monkeymagic.com.au/
Radisson Hotel
This was my first sugar hit experience at Radisson. It was a quiet night and only one other table was there. The waitstaff were fabulous and served our desserts once everyone arrived.
The chocolate mousse was rich and scrumptious but the toffee must have been made for quite some time as it was super chewy. The white chocolate panna cotta doesnt wobble as it should and once the spoon cuts into it, it was obvious how firm the texture was. It could definitely be smoother and lighter but the white chocolate flavour was a winner.
Chocolate truffle delight accompanied with white chocolate panna cotta, laced with mixed berries.
Radisson Hotel & Suites Sydney
0282688888
72 Liverpool St
Sydney
NSW 2000
www.radisson.com/sydneyau
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