Cursed Masterchef has ruined my favourite Saturday afternoon ritual.
I used to be able to stroll into Adriano Zumbo, grab a croissant and be on my merry way. But now, I have to fight off thirty other customers in line, while secretly hoping they don’t pick the dessert I want.
Luckily, it’s a little easier to enjoy a slice of Zumbo heaven at Cafe Chocolat. There are four made-to-order creations, along with Adriano’s signature macarons and a tempting selection of hot and cold drinks.
Heaven on a plate
On this occasion, I’m joined by a couple of friends, who have driven close to an hour to check out this top nosh patisserie. Naturally, we divide and conquer the menu by ordering everything and sharing.
Chai Latte
Miss Marple Deconstructed
Miss Marple Deconstructed is first up. The crepes are suppley soft, but it’s the tantalising maple and mascarpone cream inside that melts away in your mouth. To finish off, the crepes are topped with fresh strawberries and orange jellies, which provide a fresh and tart pop of flavour with each bite. While I don’t usually like citrus, this dish hits all the right notes for me.
It's Not A Burger
It’s Not A Burger shows up next. Besides the dark chocolate macaron ‘bun’, we aren’t too keen on this one – not sure if it’s the banana and caramel rice pudding, the delce de leche gelato or the combination together. Mr. Taste, however, loved this one best. There must’ve been something he tasted in there that we didn’t.
La Vie En Rose
My personal favourite, La Vie En Rose gets full points for presentation. I felt like Marie Antoinette being handed her afternoon tea. The dessert comes in two parts – a sago, coconut and strawberry shake; and a glass ramekin filled with layers of rose brulee, lychee, raspberry sorbet and rose macarons. There’s so many different flavours and textures in this dish – it is creamy, fruity and tart all at the same time.
The Younger Years
No doubt, the most anticipated dessert day was The Younger Years – which arrived last. The chocolate fondant is the centre-piece, not only is it oozing with chocolate sauce, but there’s a separate syringe for you to overload the pudding with vanilla anglaise and raspberry couli. Accompanied by a scoop of peanut butter gelato and salty peanut caramel, this is a winning combination of a (kidney) dish. The unusual presentation is just part of the appeal!
This is me getting carried away with the raspberry sauce
Cafe Chocolat
Adriano Zumbo Cafe Chocolat
Shop 5, 308 Darling Street
Balmain
# 02 9555 1199
www.adrianozumbo.com
Open from 8 to 4 Monday to Friday, 8 to 5 on Saturdays and 9 to 5 Sundays.
Related Posts
12 comments
lol i wish the ‘it’s not a burger’ came like an icecream sandwich… as in, not sitting in a puddle of liquid which kinda kills the macaron?
that marie antoinette dessert just looks drop. dead. gorgeous. i love how their ice cream bowls look like those metal kidney-shaped bowls they put bullets in during tv surgeries (lol. too random for 9.15am?)
La Vie en Rose must be my favourite dessert of all time. It’s perfect in summer, sitting at one of the tables outside – with NO CROWDS!
the La Vie En Rose probably looks like my favourite. pity about the crowds now. time to perhaps find a new place?
Damn you Masterchef! Damn you to hell!
That’s the bad thing about Masterchef hey? You have to fight for your Zumbo now! I had the La Vie en Rose when I went last time, it’s so gorgeous! I think I helped convince two other tables to order it because it was so pretty
Hmm good idea I haven’t had the Cafe desserts in a long while! Must get Younger Years and Miss Marple
Yep damn damn bloody Masterchef! No more weekend strolls to pick up boxes of desserts! Last time I went all the desserts were gone except for Younger Years!
*go away Masterchef tourists!* LOL
Paris has to be my fave dessert as well. I can’t shut up abt even 10 months after I first tried!
Now if only the crowds would go away…
Oh i love how they serve it in a kidney tray
Oh i can’t wait to come to Sydney again! food food food!
I still can’t get enough of all the Adriano Zumbo posts. The “La Vie en rose” never ceases to amaze me, looks soo pretty
They all look fantastic!!! I can’t decide which looks better.. but the La Vie En Rose looks sooooo pretty!!! (I thought Adriano’s would be crazy after his success on MasterChef….)
Why dont we have an Adriano Zumbo in Melbourne?? I want to eat all those delicious desserts.. guess will have to visit Sydney only for Adriano!!!