Showing posts with label Local Dessert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local Dessert. Show all posts

Sunday, 12 February 2023

Chocoelf – Singapore Homegrown Chocolate Brand [MEDIA INVITE]

Chocoelf is a Singapore homegrown chocolate brand with its own factory in Jurong and has been around for 18 years. It is a joint creation of a master chocolatier (Josephine) and a surgeon that loves chocolate (Joe). Over the years, Josephine has continued to hone her expertise through influences from the best chocolatiers in Swiss, French, German and Italian.

Chocoelf's Speciality Store
Chocoelf's Speciality Store
Chocoelf’s speciality chocolate café now opens in Chinatown, showcasing their local and internationally inspired creations. Chocolate enthusiasts can swing by anytime to taste the magic of their fresh chocolates and craft hot cocoa drinks.

About Chocoelf
Chocoelf Menu
One of the latest creations served at the Chocoelf’s café is Ruby Hot chocolate ($8). Ruby chocolate is the world’s fourth chocolate discovery, made from the Ruby cocoa bean. The natural pink colour comes from the cacao bean and it has a distinct taste that is completely different from the usual milk and dark chocolate.

Ruby Hot Chocolate & Classic Hot Chocolate
When we first try it, it can easily be mistaken for Strawberry Milk. However, the distinct nutty texture made a difference in the flavours. The Ruby hot chocolate is suitable for those who enjoy milky chocolate

Gelatos
Gelatos
LD and I prefer the Signature Hot Chocolate ($6.50), where you can taste the solid dark chocolate in every sip and it has a medium level of sweetness, just nice to offset the bitterness in the chocolate.

Classic Hot Chocolate & Ruby Hot Chocolate
As a homegrown chocolate brand, Chocoelf also produced chocolate barks with Singapore local flavours. Think of Kaya Toast, Nanyang Coffee and even Bak Kut Teh. Though it is very creative, the taste can be subjective. We end up settling with Asian Noodle bark and Salty Caramel ($5.50 per piece).

Chocolate Bark
Chocolate Bark
We were surprised that the combination of the Chocolate and Asian Noodles. Think of that crispy noodle snack, with a blue monster logo that we like to eat. The richness of the chocolate followed by the crunchy hazelnut plus crispy and savoury flavour of the noodle just hits the spot for us. Yummy!!

Salty Caramel & Asian Noodles
Asian Noodles
Salty Caramel is made from classic white chocolate, salted caramel and hazelnut. It is a safe combination for white chocolate lovers. It is milky sweet, we a hint of salted caramel at the end. I would like it if the salted caramel is bolder, or topped with sea salt flakes on top.

Salty Caramel
For the fresh chocolate, we choose Pure Dark, Almond and Raspberry. These bite-size artisan fresh chocolates are perfect for personal consumption or as a gift. We like the dark chocolate for its solid chocolate taste, while the raspberry delivers a nice contrasting sourness that highlights the flavour of the chocolate.

Dark Chocolate, Almond & Raspberry
Dark Chocolate
Almond
Raspberry
The chocolates at Chocoelf are “NO SUGAR ADDED” or use sugar-free alternatives. Chocoelf is the FIRST chocolate-maker in Singapore to be awarded HPB’s Healthier Choice Symbol.

Fresh Chocolate
Fresh Chocolate
Fresh Chocolate
Fresh Chocolate
Fresh Chocolate
Overall, we enjoy our tasting at Chocoelf speciality café and learn more about their creations. As homegrown chocolate-maker, they are inspired to incorporate local flavours into their product. Some of them we like, some we don’t. Since taste is subjective, do visit Chocoelf to try out their product.

Fresh Chocolate Boxes
Hint: Valentine is coming and it is time to sweeten up your loved ones!! Cheers!!

Thank you very much Protegie and Chocoelf Team for the invitation.

Food & Drink: 7.5/10
Value: 7.5/10
Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Budget per Person: $11 - $25, $26 - $50; 

Chocoelf
232 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058781

T: +65 6223 3380
OH:
Mon – Thu: 10.00 – 19.30
Fri – Sun: 10.00 – 21.30

Saturday, 16 July 2022

Grand Mercure Roxy – Feast Roxy Buffet is Back [MEDIA INVITE]

Feast Roxy buffet is back. Yes, the favourite buffet restaurant in the Marine Parade neighbourhood is finally ready to treat guests with Feast Roxy buffet delights. The buffet is available on Friday, Saturday for lunch and dinner, while the Brunch buffet is available on Sunday.

Feast Roxy - Escalator Entrance
Feast Roxy - Lift Entrance
The spread includes a mix of Asian and western appetisers and hot dishes, live stations consist of supersize satay, crispy pork knuckle, carrot cake, oyster omelette, noodle stations and other dishes on rotational basis. Not forgetting the signature durian power, ice cream and potong ice cream and hot desserts.

Vol-Au-Vent Mushroom Cream Cheese
Assorted Sushi
We visited Feast Roxy for the Friday night buffet dinner and here is our must-try list.

Chilled Prawns
Chilled Seafood: Oysters, Crayfishes and Prawns. The oysters are fresh, plump and juicy. While the glossy red colour prawns are sweet and crunchy. I must admit, the crayfishes were not super wow, but you can mix it with your laksa to create a lobster-esque laksa.

Chilled Crayfishes
Oysters, Prawns & Crayfishes
Stuffed Tau Pok with Honey Garlic Chicken Meat. One of the signature dishes in Feast Roxy. I remember eating this during my visit a few years back. It has a crunchy exterior, followed by juicy and sweet mince chicken meat. I can easily pop a whole plate of this on one go.

Stuffed Tau Pok with Honey Garlic Chicken Meat. 
Sour Pickled Mustard Duck Soup. This soup is super delicious and comforting and it really opens up your appetite. The sourness in the robust broth just hit the spot, while the duck flesh is surprisingly juicy and fork tender. Probably the best dish of the night and the most underrated one. LD and I went back for seconds on this soup alone.

Sour Pickled Mustard Duck Soup
Supersize Satay. They are double the size of the satay you find out there. It comes in chicken and mutton. The marinade is sweet and just right, while the thick satay sauce is great. The chefs cook it till the satay has a nice charred externally.

Satay Station
Chicken & Mutton Satay
Crispy Pork Knuckle. I just can’t say no to those crispy crackling. It is crispy externally, followed by juicy meat. Though it is good, I think it can be better if the cracking is crispier and the flesh juicier. It is served with sweet roasted sweet potato, grilled capsicums and spicy dark soy sauce.

Crispy Pork Knuckle 
Crispy Pork Knuckle with Sweet Potato, Capsicums & sauce
Crispy Crackling
Noodle Station. We tried the laksa and chicken feet noodle. The laksa is the winner here. The broth is rich, aromatic and spicy. It comes with a smaller prawn compared to the size of the chilled seafood prawn but it is not deshelled. I think they should serve it with deshelled prawns, to make it easier to eat. Meanwhile, the egg noodle in the chicken feet noodle is thin, eggy and QQ. The chicken feet are juicy and crunchy with a hint of mala spiciness at the end.

Chicken Feet Noodle
Laksa with Chilled Prawn
Hainanese Mutton Stew with Chicken Rice. A surprise discovery. The mutton ribs are juicy and succulent with a subtle mutton gaminess. Cooked with water chestnut, carrots and beancurd skin, it created a multi-texture dish and the overall flavour is very comforting. The seasoning is a bit heavy, so you might want to avoid the gravy. The chicken rice is fragrant, aromatic and filled with chicken flavour. A nice combo to end the savoury selections.

Hainanese Mutton Stew with Chicken Rice
Desserts: Signature Durian Power, Apong Bohkua with Gula Melaka Banana Sauce and Kaya Cream Puff. I eat it in reverse order. The kaya cream puff is light and fluffy, while the kaya fillings just hit the spot. The Apong Bohkua has a strong fermentation but is nicely covered by the gula melaka banana sauce. The Signature Durian Power is just superb. The texture is light yet it is bursting with durian flavours. Not to be missed for durian lovers.

Kaya Cream Puff
Apong Bohkua with Gula Melaka Banana Sauce
and Kaya Cream Puff
 
Signature Durian Power
Signature Durian Power - my portion 
Coffee and Tea are included in the Buffet. I decided to treat myself to an affogato. Yumz!! A sweet ending to the evening.

Coffee & Tea Station
CBK - Affogato
The décor of the restaurant is modern, functional and filled with Peranakan décor. The place is filled with family and group diners, enjoying the return of Roxy Feast Buffet.

Part of Dining Area - For Executive Lounge
Table Mat
Overall, it was an enjoyable and pleasant meal. As a long-standing buffet restaurant in Marine Parade, Roxy Feast served a good quality buffet, with a good mix of western and local favourites. We recommend the Sour Pickled Duck Mustard Soup, Chilled Seafood, Stuffed Tau Pok with Honey Garlic Chicken Meat, Laksa and Signature Durian Power. Cheers!!

Alcohol Selections
Roxy Feast Buffet Pricing
Friday Meat Lovers
Lunch, 12pm – 2.30pm, $48++ (adult) $25++(child).
Dinner, 6 pm – 9.30pm, $58++ (adult) $30++ (child).

Saturday Seafood Galore
Lunch, 12pm – 2.30pm, $48++ (adult) $25++(child).
Dinner, 6 pm – 9.30pm, $58++ (adult) $30++ (child).

Sunday Brunch Buffet
Lunch, 11.30am – 3.30pm, $58++ (adult) $30++(child)

For enquiries, contact Feast Roxy at 6340 5665 or email h3610-fb3@accor.com. All prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.

Black Pepper Chicken Chop
Grilled Beef Steak with Green Pepper Corn
Thank you very much Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy for hosting us.

Salad Station
Salad Dressings and Condiments

Fruits
Hot Dessert, Fruit & Tea
Food & Drink: 7.5/10
Value: 7.5/10
Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)
Ambiance: 7/10
Budget per Person: $26 - $50; $51 - $80

Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
50 East Coast Road
Roxy Square
(opp. Parkway Parade Shopping Centre)
Singapore 428769

T: +65 6340 5665
OH:
Eat & Meet
All- Day (Mondays-Thursday), 12.00pm to 9.00pm (Last order : 8.30 pm)
All-Day (Sunday Dinner), 6.00pm to 9.00pm (Last order:8.30pm)

Gossip Bowl
(Mondays - Sundays), 12.00pm to 9.00pm (Last order : 8.30 pm)

High Tea
(Mondays-Thursdays), 2.30pm to 5.00pm

Buffet & Sunday Brunch
(Friday, Saturdays & Sunday Brunch)
Buffet Lunch (12pm to 2.30pm)
Buffet Dinner (6pm to 9.30pm)
Sunday Brunch (11.30am to 3.30pm)

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