The Cronut variation in Singapore: Gnut and Crodos

With the world so connected, food craze in other countries reach Singapore quite fast. A few weeks ago, I saw the instagram photos of the real Cronut from a friend who have traveled to New York to try it. Another friend who lives in NYC says it's worth the queue to try.

Just the other day, I was scrolling my Instagram feed and had the urge for Cronut. I think it was also when the Lady of Substance from our local papers wrote a piece about cronuts too. OK, no way I can fly to New York to try it, so I had the following for breakfast!

Keropokman the Nut! :


Croissant from DeliFrance and a colourful donut from Four Leaves.
The most laughable version I know, but at least I did not think about it anymore.

There are I think 3 places that sells their own interpretation of Cronuts in Singapore. Since Cronut is a trademark, everyone else is giving their version their own name.

Gnut:



Patisserie G, which is near KopiKosongGirl's office started selling their version today. They call it Gnut. She knew I was a bit crazy about it and when she walked pass it during lunch today, she walked in and saw 3 chocolate Gnut and 8 lemon Gnut left. It's the first day selling Gnut today!

When KopiKosongGirl said it was to pack away, the staff there had a mini horror face. Then they gave her strict instructions: Please eat it within the hour and do not refrigerate! I think they would wanted her to have it straight away!

The wife called and say told me: Hey, taking a cab down to her office is cheaper than flying to NYC. Come now if you want to try it! I took a cab and met her to eat it!



The Chocolate Cream Gnut. ($5)

Looks really fragile and it's quite small. Nicely blistered too!
The Gnut is quite crispy and when you hold it harder, you hear the cracks.



Moved the wrapper off a bit to show you how it looks. If you compare it to the lemon version, the chocolate one is a bit flat.



This was taken outdoors very quickly so that I can bite it as fresh. Smaller than the size of my palm.



After two bites, I remembered, I have not taken photo of the inside!
This, the Chocolate cream filled version. The cold chocolate cream oozes out as you bite into it.


The Lemon Cream Gnut. ($5)
You can see that it's much taller than the chocolate one.



The lemon cream is sour enough and it goes well with the fried croissant / donut like texture of the Gnut. It's like how my sis makes her very lemony lemon squares. I prefer this lemon version of it. So did KopiKosongGirl. It's quite a nice treat that I had!



Crodos:




The last time I was at Da Paolo, I was told come around 10 am, it would be sold out around 11 am or earlier. The above was taken at the Pasarbella branch a few days ago.

I thought I will try my luck by detouring to Holland Village's Da Paolo Gastronomia to see if I can get myself some Crodos to compare. It was almost 2 pm, and they still had a tray of Crodos!

Bought 2 of it and hop on a cab back to office!


The Choc Crodo ($4.90)

The layers can be seen and it's filled with a different kind of chocolate cream.



They are slightly bigger than Pat G's version. The chocolate layer on top reminds me of Chocolate Eclairs. Taste about the same like the chocolate on top eclairs too.



If you still like your donuts that still taste like donuts but more of a layered feel, Crodos taste like that. It's not as flaky and crispy like the Gnut.

The chocolate filling in Crodos is nicer than Gnut's though for me.


The Cream Crodo ($4.90)

The cream version has a slight sugar coating over it.



From the side view, you can see the layers as well. Nicely risen and puffed.  I wish I could try the NYC version of it!



The cream had been 'injected' with custard cream. Cream was not too sweet.
Looks tempting to you?


So people who saw my photos on Instragram and Facebook asked, which is nicer? It depends on your taste!

• If you like crispy thinner layers, a bit like how croissants taste in Paris (Singapore croissants are usually very limp) then you would like Gnut's texture.
• If you like donuts to taste more like donuts with the softer feel, you would like Crodos.

Both are a little oily, because they are deep fried. (duh!) Both Crodos and Gnuts taste very different.

Personally, of the 4 that is above, I like the Lemon Gnut because of the lemon tart/refreshing taste of it with a crispy of the dough. I like the chocolate of crodos more though, because I like dark chocolate.

Girls’ Day Out with Häagen-Dazs

Have you been to Häagen-Dazs recently?
I was at the Holland Village shop and realised it has been decked up a bit!
There are quite little sidewalk lights and pink banners around!




A few guys (including me) were seen gate-crashing at Häagen-Dazs Holland Village for their Girls' Day Out launch.

The folks at Häagen-Dazs has a menu specially for the girls from now till end of May. I am not sure if they were the first, but my first moon cake ice cream more than 10 years ago was the ones by them. Now they have Ice Cream Macaroons!



High Tea Affair ($38++)

Called the "High Tea Affair", instead of cakes and pastries, there are 3 mini scoops each of Cookie Dough Chip, Belgian Chocolate and Strawberry ice cream on the top layer.

The middle layer you have a choice of 6 delicate ice cream macaroons.
On the bottom layer, pieces of kiwis, raspberries and grapes.

How do I find it? It's something really different. It's ice cream all over instead of sugar, egg whites and almond power with sweet fillings. To me, it's less sweet than the usual macaroons.


Macaroon Mélange ($18++)

If you just want the macaroons, you can order the Macaroon Melange. It's a platter with just the ice cream macaroons.

You can take a look at how the 'brochure' version looks at their Facebook Page.
Five assorted ice cream macaroons containing creamy, luscious ice cream and Chantilly cream encased in a chocolate shell, served with mango sauce and garnished with almond nibs and strawberries.



For those who wants to bring the treats back for their love ones, they have a gift box too!


I can't help giggling when I saw the above frame. It just reminded me of a British royalty who had that on her head during a royal wedding! You know who I am talking about right?



Petite Temptations  ($18++)

If you are or were a fan or the Cookie Dough Chip flavour, you might be interested in the above. Balls of vanilla ice cream with buttery cookie dough and sweet fudge chips. It's slightly smaller than the size of a golf ball. It rests on a cookie and drizzled with mango and chocolate sauce.

I find the macaroons interesting. You got to eat it fast though. Ours melted rather quickly. That doesn't mean you can't have long conversations between the girls. A coffee or tea will carry the conversation longer.

Available at all Häagen-Dazs shop in Singapore from 27th March 2012 to 31st May 2012.

Da Paolo Ristorante @ Holland Village

If you are familiar with Chip Bee Gardens, you would have noticed the number of Da Paolo group of restaurants there. One that I have not stepped foot into was Da Paolo Ristorante until recently. Most people will think of the Club Street branch when you mentioned Ristorante.

The kitchen at Ristorante - Holland Village is headed by European/Italian Chef Gleb Snegin who joined the Da Paolo group in 2010. Originally from Moscow, Chef Gleb was trained and honed his culinary skills in Milan, Lombardy and Tuscany. For Chef Gleb's, the balance of flavours is paramount. 


I was quite intrigued by the wicker feature wall that wraps around the ceiling. It's like some island resort deco but with air conditioning if you decide to sit indoors. For those who love natural air, there's lots of outdoor seating as well.

I was here for a tasting of some of their popular dishes, kindly hosted by Samuel of Clout C&D on behalf of Da Paolo Ristorante. 


Prosciutto di Parma e Melone ($22)
If you like like prosciutto, the quality that they serve here is good. Paired it with sweet rock melon, the taste is further enhanced. A good starter if you dine here.


Capesante Arrostite con Crema di Cavolfiore ($26)There is an interesting twist to this dish. Large plump scallops with cauliflower cream and red sweet-sour onions. The scallops were tasty with a nice caramelised crust. Try their cauliflower cream.


Caprese ($18)
Take a look at the tomatoes. There are different tomatoes. I believe these are Roma tomatoes and they go so nicely with the Mozzarella. Chef Gleb says the buffalo mozzarella are from Aversa. Yes, one of the best mozzarella di bufala around! I enjoyed this simple yet delicious starter.



Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia ($26)
This dish gives you block teeth and tongue, but if you are not kissing your partner after lunch it's ok. The squid ink spaghetti here is a must try. I initially doubted that it will be that good, but after one mouth, I had more! They make the pasta themselves and the squid ink adds a hint of the sea into it. Looks how black and glowing it is! It's spaghetti that has been tossed into squid ink sauce, a different way of preparing it.

Oh, when this dish was served, I noticed something, our white napkins were changed to black napkins. How thoughtful of them! When you wipe your mouth, no one can see your mess!



Ravioli con Guancia di Manzo ($26)
This was beef cheek ravioli with veal jus and shaved parmesan.  Looking rather humble with parmesan covering it, if you thought you want to give it a miss, it's your great loss. These big fat ravioli can be quite addictive, probably because of the veal jus and the beef cheeks in it. So nice, I just enjoyed myself eating it without taking more close up photos.



Tagliatelle al Granchio ($26)
If squid ink pasta is not your kind of pasta, you should try this! Crabmeat tagliatelle. Chef Gleb exalts balance of flavours and it can be clearly tasted in this dish. Just the nice amount of crab meat, tomato and cream. I have to admit it was irresistible, I am still thinking which is my favourite pasta, the squid ink or the crab pasta.

In fact, all 3 kinds of pasta are so different, it's hard to compare. I have a soft spot for things with tomato, so this was my favourite pasta for the day.


Risotto di Spinaci con Aragosta ($24)
Just take a look at that, doesn't it look wonderful? Creamy carnaroli rice with baby spinach partially hidden in it.  Topped with slipper lobster and drenched with lobster bisque. I particularly like the creamy risotto.

In my pantry at home I have a pack of this risotto, but I doubt I can make it this nice! I must research on how to make it so nice.



Merluzzo con Purea di Patate e Salsa al Tartufo Nero ($34)
I was eyeing the crust of the so nicely prepared cod fish! It went so well with the potato puree and black truffle sauce.



Ossobuco di Vitello ($34)
Ossobuco for you? Slowly simmered, these are tender meat that even grandma with dentures can eat.
I was too full with so much food, though we were sharing food. I can't remember the taste except it was so tender.

Desserts - Dolci
There's always room for Italian Desserts!

Bonet Piemontese e Gelato ($12)
This is the Classic Piedmont Amaretto Chocolate Dessert with chocolate ice cream on top! I love the chocolate ice cream on top. Bitter sweet on top of the jello but not quite jello, a bit like brownie kind of base. If you like Amaretto liquer, this dessert is for you.



Crespelle Agli Agrumi ($12)
Homemade crepes that has been lightly browned bathing in citron sauce and topped with a little scoop of Blood Orange Sorbet.  It's either you like it or hate it. Haha... I like the Blood Orange Sorbet.  ;-p


Samuel noticed I like gelati, so we had more chocolate gelato!
If you are in the neighbourhood and it's hot, just drop by for some gelato!


Tiramisu ($12)
Look at the layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese with egg yolks and valrhona chocolate. It's lightly infused with coffee and marsala wine and there's a reason why this is so popular here. Try it yourself.


Pannacocco e Lamponi ($12)
Want to try something different? Order the coconut pannacotta with fresh raspberries! Something very tropical, suits the deco of this place!

It was a wonderful lunch. A bit too much food, but with great company of 3 other food lovers we finished it up.

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News Update:
If you want to bring someone special here for Valentine's Day, here's the menu.

SAN VALENTINO
ANTIPASTO / STARTER
Capesante in Salsa di Carote e Mandarini, Frutto della Passione e Sedano Rapa
Atlantic Scallops, Carrot and Tangerine Sauce, Passion Fruit, Celery

PRIMO PIATTO / MIDDLE COURSE
Risotto Carnaroli con Gamberoni in Salsa di Brandy
Carnaroli Risotto, King Prawns, Spinach, Brandy Sauce
SECONDI DI CARNE O PESCE / MAIN COURSE
Filetto di Cernia con Asparagi e Patate alle Erbe
Grouper Fillet, Hollandaise Sauce, Asparagus, Herbed Potatoes
Or
Spalla d’Agnello Brasata con Lenticchie e Mosaico di Verdure
Braised Lamb Shoulder, Lentils, Seasonal Vegetables
DOLCE / DESSERTS
Tiramisu’ alle Fragole con Cioccolato Bianco
Strawberry Tiramisu, White Chocolate

It will cost $128 per person and it includes a glass of Prosecco.
Prices are subject to 10% service charge and government taxes.

Available on 14 February 2012,  6.30pm - 10.30pm
For reservations, please call +65 6476 1332

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Da Paolo Ristorante at Holland Village 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-56 (Chip Bee Gardens) Singapore 278116 Tel: 64761332 Web: http://www.dapaolo.com.sg Hours: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm daily.

Sushi Tei Yu Sheng @ Holland Village

The wife, also known as KopiKosongGirl says that she has her own tradition. She will do this without fail with her best friend she said. Visit Sushi Tei for Sushi Tei's Yu Sheng. She likes it because of the fresh and thick slices of sashimi on top of it.

I have been inducted into the ritual this year. I joined her with her friend.



We had the Create Your Own, which had the "base" at $24.80, plus the sashimi you want at different prices. You can see the options at their facebook page. We had the combination of Salmon, Mekajiki and Hamachi which is an addition of $20.

We find it quite enjoyable and great tasting. The usual seaweed and various toppings that you see on their colourful plates on the conveyer belt is on this plate just without the rice. The dressing that's on their sashimi salad is also poured over this dish instead of oil. We find their combi of dressing and the sweet sauce suits our taste.




Oh, the 'gold' is the salty tidbits we used to eat when we were younger!
It was only 3 of us, and we realise we need more manpower to mix the things up!

We also had a hot pot (that's seems to be getting smaller everytime we go) after our Yu Sheng. We were eating the Yu Sheng slowly while chatting and the service staff was walking serving others and also noticing us. It was only when we finished our Yu Sheng did they bring out the hot pot. 

This was something I did that some of you might want to try. Add some wasabi into your Yu Sheng, it gives you a fiery twist! I like!

Oh yes, it's the last day today (6 Feb) for this Yu Sheng to be served, if you missed it, wait till next year.

Sushi Tei @ Holland Village 3 Lorong Liput Holland V Shopping Mall #01-08 Singapore 277725 Tel: 6463 2310

Crystal Jade Kitchen @ Holland Village

It's the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year. Both KopiKosongGirl and I took leave to have lunch with both sets of parents. We are very grateful that since we got married, both sets of parents have been getting along well. Both sides are so 'ke qi' / superly polite as we the 'middle men' have been bringing new year goodies between the two sides.

We are also 'learning' the rules of politeness or rules of being sort of "respectful / not be greedy / modest" all lumped into one. Giving oranges, taking only part of it, and giving back the rest. Sometimes we don't even know the customs, so both sides are teaching us.

So on the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year, the arrangement was made, we will have lunch at Crystal Jade, Holland Village. It's the nearest Crystal Jade to where both sets of parents are. Just in case it's not opened, we called the restaurant. The lady who picked up said, yes, you are talking to me now! Come quickly, it's going to be really packed today!



Can't resist now having Yu Sheng!
We noticed that their version here is a little different, they have fried yam strips!



After the nice and auspicious words were proclaimed, we are ready to toss!


Woo hoo! The cleanest surface so far! Everyone's so so polite, doing it so slowly.
Both sides calling each other 'chin kei'. A bit can't get used to it!

We kind of like Crystal Jade's version of Yu Sheng. The yam strips were quite tasty, giving a bit of crunch to it!



We were having a Dim Sum lunch. Both sets of dads like fried rice, but I changed it to noodles. Don't really fancy eating fried rice though it's nice. Noodles probably have a nicer meaning too!


Noodles - may we with God's blessing have a long healthy life!



We had double sets of everything, not because we want double blessings or meaning, it's because each serving only serves portions for 3 persons!

The fried tofu skin with shrimp stuffing. The chef must be really happy after resting two days. That day's version was really nice! Crispy on the outside and inside it's moist, not oily.


Prawns - may we all have a 'ha ha' (prawns in Cantonese) happy year ahead! Wishing all joy in the Lord!



My favourite, the phoenix claws, the nice name for braised chicken feet.


Phoenix - may we have good fortune and opportunities according to His will.



Cha Siu Buns, love these buns too.
Eat it hot while it's still soft and fluffy. I know it's carbo, but carbo always taste so nice doesn't it?

Buns - May we through the grace of God have a-BUN-dance in all we do and play!



Steamed Pork Ribs. My favourite too. So tender and flavourful.
It's easy to prepare this at home too!


Pork - Signifies strength and wealth. May the Lord bestow it to us if He finds us faithful.



Siew Mai. Someone just has to order it when we have Dim Sum.
I am sure if you go out for Dim Sum, someone will want them.


Siew Mai, looking like little golden ingots. Wishing all you readers a healthy year ahead! May prosperity and blessings rain on you like our current monsoon rain. May graciousness, kindness and love flood and overflow all relationships.

Have a Blessed Year ahead!

Crystal Jade Kitchen 2 Lorong Mambong Holland Village Singapore 277671 Tel: 6469 0300 Hours: Mon - Thurs: 7am - 3am, Fri - Sun, PH: 7am - 4am

Pho Hoa Noodle Soup @ Holland Village

Pho Hoa has been in Holland Village for the longest time but I have never stepped into it. I wondered why I have never gone in, perhaps I had this impression that it's not the same?

That was until the other day, Sis and mum were having their 'nails done' at Holland Village. KopiKosongGirl and I buzzed them to ask if they wanted dinner. Sis said they want Vietnamese and ask us to meet them at Pho Hoa. Mum and Sis was talking about their Vietnam holidays they had and wanted to eat Vietnamese food.




The Gỏi Cuốn / Summer Rolls. ($7.95)
We thought these were really nice. It has julienned cucumber and carrots and prawns inside with lettuce. I think it was a little cold, so it tasted rather good.



The sauce was somehow tempting. It's tasted like hoisin, plum and peanut butter mixed in.
Not sure what's really inside, but dipping it with the rolls was nice.



Mum and sis both had the Pho Soups. I can't remember if they had the Beginners, Regular or Adventurer's Choice. I think this was the Steak Pho ($11).



Looking at this always reminds me of having Vietnamese food in Richmond and Russell / Swanston St Vietnamese shops in Melbourne during my student days. Sis and KopiKosongGirl will talk about their Springvale versions.

We used to have it once or twice a week, yeah, they were the cheaper food for students. Long ago, it was AUD3 for small and AUD5 for large bowls. Now looking at the prices here in Singapore, we have to console ourselves it's cheaper than flying over.



Sis' Pho, Steak and Brisket Pho ($11).

Do you like your sprouts pre scaled or have it all raw?
The soup here was served very hot, so the sprouts were cooked.




KopiKosongGirl has the Bún Gà Nướng / Grilled Chicken on Rice Vermicelli.
She seemed to have enjoyed it, finishing up everything except the bean sprouts!

As she works in the Suntec area, she said there's Pho Hoa and another Vietnamese place, Pho House that is more popular and the broth there is nicer. We should go there and try and compare she said.




I had the Grilled Beef with Rice plate. ($12.25)
The grilled beef was nice, but if only there was more. For a guy, you will still feel a little hungry after having this portion. ;-)

The total bill was $63.20 after taxes. Vietnamese Food in Singapore are usually expensive.
The food here is lighter in taste. I find it priced a bit higher.

Note:
KopiKosongGirl says Pho House might be another good choice for people who prefer more intense flavour broth.

I know of a very cheap and quite nice Vietnamese food at the NUS School of Computing / Business School canteen. The Cold Rice Vermicelli bowl costs only $3.30 and it is really good. They are generous too.

Pho Hoa Noodle Soup 18 Lorong Mambong Holland Villlage Singapore 277678 Tel: +65 6467 3662 Hours: Daily, 11 am to 10 pm

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