Proof Is In The Pudding
31 Chambers Street, South Yarra
0413 172 577
Bakery, Desserts
$
Food
- Flourless Orange Sponge - with Caramelised White Chocolate Cream Cheese
- Belgian Couverture Mud Cupcake - with Pistachio Mousse andnd Salt & Vinegar Chip
- Red Velvet Cupcake - with Vanilla Buttercream
- Shortbread Biscuits
The Good
The Belgian Couverture Mud Cupcake served on this occasion was a variant of one I've previously sampled. Topped with a salt and vinegar chip, this exceedingly moist treat was well balanced in both flavour and texture. From the spongey yet moist chocolate cake, to the smooth and flavoursome pistachio mousse and finished off with the crunchy and tangy salt and vinegar crisp, each mouthful was a party in your mouth. This was, and still remain the best chocolate cake I've ever come across.
Red Velvet of course was a crowd favourite. The crimson red dough of the red velvet was perhaps just as moist as the mud cake, with just the right fluffiness. This was juxtaposed by the perfectly round drop of vanilla buttercream resting on top, which provided a welcoming touch of sweetness that carried a beautiful vanilla aftertaste. The cream itself was light yet so creamy and full of flavour, simply the perfect accompaniment to this already divine red velvet.
The Flourless Orange Sponge looked absolutely stunning. Despite being gluten free, amazingly there was absolutely no compromise in moisture, texture nor flavour. The light and airy sponge cake carried with it bold and flavourful orange aroma throughout. With each bite, the refreshing hint of citrus was well contrasted by the richness of the white chocolate cream cheese that was so generously piped on top. This was absolutely the perfect example of the balance of sweetness and sour.
What amazed me the most at this event though, was undeniably the Shortbread Biscuits. Fresh out of the oven, you could still feel the warmth you lifted each gem out of the tray. While like many shortbreads, the buttery flavour was exceedingly bold and present, this biscuit was so soft and buttery that it simply melted away in your mouth. No chewing required. There simply exists no better shortbread in my memory. Ever. Thanks partly of course, to Isabelle's extraordinary baking skills, but also to her Grandmother's secret recipe!
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Isabelle never fails to surprise, and the launch of her new store in South Yarra is of no exception. I was simply awestruck by her amazing shortbread biscuits, and just how moist and well balanced all her other cakes were.
With a retail store now officially open, I can now feel a little less guilty when I'm treating myself to Isabelle's creations, as I can indulge in just one, as opposed to half a dozen, of her beautiful cakes all by myself. Of course, you can still order a baker's dozen to share with all your friends!
Would Penguin Eat Again?
Most definitely! Now that Isabelle's divine cakes are coming in individual retail sizes?! It's like a gift from God. Yes please!!
I'd like to thank Isabelle for inviting us to the launch of her official The Proof Is In The Pudding store in South Yarra.