By Ms. Taste
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.
