Perla's Pastry Boutique

I am not a cake lover. I do not like cream. To win me over with cake and cream means that cake's quite some cake. Among the many shops in Takashimaya's food basement is my surprise find, Perla's Pastry Boutique.

Ordered

Chantilly Al Ciocolato Bianco





This is one of the shop's best seller. Soft sponge cake with fresh Chantilly cream (whipped vanilla flavored cream), custard filling between the layers of cake and topped with delicious white chocolate shavings. 

Click here to continue review with pics and more reviews

wonderful bigne that the children loved, they even came in a sampler set so that we could try everything

we've always been fans of the strawberry and mixed berry tarts at the Takashimaya kioskso imagine our delight when we found a whole shopful of them here

lovely Chantilly Lace White Chocolate cake- my mum commented that I finally bought a cake that she liked LOL

At the end of our dinner at Valentino's, we were given a S$25 voucher to be used at Perla's pasticceria as part of a credit card promotion. In a second, we were over there swooning over their creations. Though we were stuffed from that hearty Italian meal, which of course, included desserts, we couldn't help admiring their lovely tarts and chocolates. The one thing that caught our eyes was their Rum and Raisin Chocolate Cake. So when we saw the flawless and perfectly coifed Ms. Rum and Raisin, standing alone in the display window with a rose "in hand", we knew she will be the one we brought home that night.

Sinful as it sounds, I had it for breakfast the next day. The counter staff has mentioned that the cake should be made to stand for 45 minutes after being take out of the fridge before consumption. This was probably to allow the ganache to settle down to room temperature and to be best enjoyed at that stage. It was however too excruciating a wait and eventually I gave up after 15 minutes....oooh, and it was breathtakingly good. It was a deep and dark creation, that was made up of layers of cake and chocolate ganache, with whole raisins embedded inside. The cake was moist and soft and provided a good foundation for the rich chocolate to be built on. The rum wasn't apparent in the entire cake but was fully concentrated in the plump raisins that had eagerly absorbed the liqueur, likely achieved with the prolong soaking of the fruit. So it was more of a dark chocolate cake, but I ain't complaining. My piece even came with a smattering of chocolate bits that offered that extra crunch.

On a whole, it tilted slightly towards the sweeter end but I can totally live with that, as long as it always comes accompanied with such good chocolate. That alone is enough to make up for anything.   For more pics, refer to http://wildrocketing.blogspot.com/2010/01/introducing-ms-rum-raisin.html

Attempting to write this review on an iPhone... Anyway I happened to passby this little hidden gem and indeed this place serves great tiramisu with fluffy mascapone cheese and the level of alcohol in it is just about right. The damage? A hefty $8.80 for a takeaway.

I will probably try it again if I'm feeling richer and when my diet is not so rich. Need to slim down after all the new year eating.

Thks guys for the reviewS on their tiramisu:}

I bought their tiramisu after reading several reviews.

The tiramisu has enough mascaphone cheese, ladyfinger,espresso coffee and alcohol. I like the the espresso coffee that is spinkled at the top layer. The alcohol is enough n not too strong.

The only drawback is the pricing. It cost $8.80 for a small cup. But is worth it as it's heavenly. Another one i would recommend is the one frm Reistorante De parma n the Devil-misu frm TCC.

To date, I have returned to Perla's (twice) and bought some of their goodies...

16 JAN 2008

Tiramisu(Rating: 6.25/10)

So far, some people liked the Tiramisu from this Pasticceria it, some don’t. Well, after my experience with this Tiramisu, my conclusion is: It’s all right, but not spectacular. Like what some of the previous reviews stated, the coating of choc-powder was generous, and the soft mascarpone cream is indeed very smooth. The sponge finger was all right by me. But like what ICE commented earlier, I found this Tiramisu to be lacking liquor... if any at all! Personally, I prefer my Tiramisu strongly alcoholic!

Crostata Ai Frutti Di Bosco (Rating: 8.25/10)

Now... this is a WINNER! The custard filled tart is topped with both blackberries and raspberries. Frankly, I was never a fan of custard tarts, but I was totally converted by this one! Yes... It's seriously good. Generally, the overall sweetness level of this tart was just right for me. The berries used were excellent... with no hint of sourness. What would’ve made this tart perfect for me was if the biscuit crust was of the crispier type. But I think that’s really down to personal preference. Wifey loved this tart as it is, and I think this is a must try for berries lovers!

5" (2 pax) - $10.80

7" (6-8 pax) - $26.00

9" (10-12 pax) - $36.00

22 JAN 2008

Pineapple Tarts (Rating: 7.75/10)

Hmm... Italian-styled Pineapple Tarts... It was a "WOW" to me... I find the pineapple filling is a little on the sweet side. However, the crust is perfect for me! Its the type that crumbles evenly and its not overly buttery... This 'seasonal' tarts from Perla's are only available during CNY. Price wise, its quite shocking... Comes in pack of 24 for $28, pack of 50 for $48 (buy 5 get 1 free)... so it comes to 300 for $240.

Amaretto Sbrisolona (Rating: 5.75/10)

I was looking forward to having a piece of this pretty almond custard chocolate crumble. Presentation wise, its absolutely appealing, but taste wise, I think its just not really my type of desert. Wifey dislike it too, but Bro loved it (he's an almond person).

5" (2 pax) - $10.80

7" (6-8 pax) - $26.00

9" (10-12 pax) - $36.00

Next time I return, I will have to try their Chantilly Al Cioccolato Bianco!!

If interested, write-ups of other reviews can be seen here...

That would be how I would describe the signature Chantilly cake from Perla's Pastry Boutique. Having never quite fancied cream cakes before, this definitely started off on the wrong foot. Fortunately,ending on my right and with an extra bump on my head from having fell head over heels in love with this confectionary. The light sponge cake soaked with rum and milk provided a soft and almost etheral finish to the custard and chocolate fillings within. The addition of white chocolate shavings made for contrast in textures between the monotany of the billowy soft cake. And as every spoonful melted in the mouth gently and almost gracious like a princess, I then came to realise why so many people had chosen this cake to be the cake for their special occasion. It was a blend of perfect harmony.. a happy thing after all...

Another commendable item on the menu is the tiramisu. One of the best I have ever had. It quickly replaced the status of Galbati's version in my record books. It's much heavier price tag set at $8.80 was a bummer though. Nonetheless, the amount of liquor and right constituency right up to the ratio of sponge fingers to mascarpone was perfect; making it all worthwhile.

Last of all, the Torta Valentino, a chocolate cake with rum soaked raisins and dark chocolate ganache and chocolate cream. Definitely a must try for chocoholics. the chocolate ganache layer was to die for. plus the drunked raisin provided an interesting flavor to the entire makeup. I was enthralled by this one.. the box of pastries holding the mini puffs (bigne) , the cannocini and the very traditional cannoli siciliani were however not as good. Given that we had already feasted on some of the best cakes in my life, these were just mediocre. However, I must admit that the cream fillings for the bignes were excellent. More towards the rich custard fillings rather than cream. And the choux pastry was delicately soft and fresh tasting..

will definitely have to make another trip down here in the near future. the bf is rather interested in the small extension of the shop featuring wines too.

For photos, visit my blog here

Situated in ulu bukit timah, rifle range road is this wonderful cosy italian pastry shop. Its the sister (literally) shop of Da Valentino italian restaurant which is just next door. The pastry shop has been renamed Perla's Pastry Boutique as the sister's name is Perla.

I love the ambience of the shop, its woody, dim, and with classic european styling?? (ermm...anyway thats the comfy vibe i get from here...its like the those old pastry shop you see on christmas TV classics kind of styling...)

There are 2 display cabinets, one for small pastry the other for whole cakes. Check out the photos that i have uploaded, the colors are so inviting and tempting!!! Its definitely Happy Food!! (which I have been overdosing on for the past few weeks due to coming exam stress! recent reviews has ALL been cakes and pastry!!! the spare "tyre" is starting to show!!! YIKES!)

I love the tiramisu ($8.80) here, as its the same as the tiramisu I get from australia italian shops. Generous coating of cocoa power on top, soft yummy mascarpone cream, rough texture of the biscuit fingers, right amount of coffee (NO ALCOHOL taste, YES!), and moist...oooohhh so yummy. Definitely one of the better tiramisu in SIngapore, IMHO.

Vanilla Cream Bigne, $0.75 (mini puffs) is my favourite among the three flavours (others are choc and hazelnut). Its light yet creamy with distinct vanilla taste. Oh I also had a spiral rum thingy which was normally nice like the choc and hazelnut cream.

Another light non-choc pastry to try is the Chantilly cake ($5.80). I like the soft sponge, as it was soft and yet springy. The chantilly cream was also very yummy ( with a hint of milk and rum ). This softness is balanced with the light and yet crispy white chocolate shavings.r

My last pastry that i have tried so far on 2 trips, is the Cannoli ($4.50). I would recommend this pastry for lovers of christmas fruit cake. It has the distinct rum and mixed dried fruits taste enclosed in light ricotta cheese and wrapped in a thin crunchy pasty crust. Quite nice in my books.

I find the cakes and pastry here to be simple and light, which is to my liking. If you like heavy, sweet and complex pastries this place may not do it for you.

If driving, i would suggest turning a street before the shop and park along the park. As the street infront of the shop is a dead end and it can get quite tight.

I would also suggest having a nice pastry pinic with family or a date in the park, by getting takeout and a bottle of italian wine from the shop. You probably could borrow some wine glasses from the restaurant. There's also a room filled with interesting looking italian wine in the pastry shop. Do check it out.

Right! Rata are you tempted by this pastry shop??? I think it would make a great family weekend outing for you and your family.

PHOTO time!!!

After a not-so-satisfying lunch, I was glad to chance upon this place while on my way to the supermarket. Anything sweet was welcomed!

Also named Perla's Pastry Boutique, Perla (the lady boss!) was warm and helpful. She was patient with introductions to her confections and generous with her samples too!

1) Chantilly Al Cioccolato Bianco 7/10

(Light sponge cake with Chantilly cream and white chocolate shavings) $5.80/slice

I thought this was moist, soft and pleasantly sweet. The cream was very fresh and the chocolate shavings really nice (and not sickeningly sweet as some are!) The cream fillings are speckled with milk chocolate chips, which so not really make much difference but cute! Their best selling cake and I understand why.

2) Torta Valentino 4.5/10

( Light chocolate sponge with dark chocolate ganache and rum and raisins) $5.80/slice

The cake was dry..... ganache was shiny and smooth and a sticky sweetness, rum and raisins were just subtle and scarce, but that should sit well with those who do not like liquor in their cakes?

3) Salame Di Cioccolato

(Mix of dark & milk chocolate with cookie bits rolled and sliced)

Interesting texture, slightly 'sandy', but rounded off nicely with a taste of saltiness.

4) Bigne 8/10

(Mini puffs in chocolate/vanilla/hazelnut cream) $0.75/each

Vanilla cream is my favourite!! Very fresh tasting, rich and creamy but still light! Small bites of yum!

Pastry was soft and moist - thank goodness!

5) Cannoncini 7.6/10

(Crunchy tube pastries stuffed with Custard/Chocolate Hazelnut cream)

Same pastry cream used in the puffs, and the puff pastries were quite a delight, not too hard yet a nice bite & crunch. $1.00 for the custard, $1.30 for the Hazelnut. Both are just as nice!

6) Cookies

Of the 6 varieties, I tried 4 of them! Though plain looking, they tasted unexpectingly plesantly. There will be at least 1 that you would like.

The other selection of cake available was a chocolate mousse cake which I passed on. Traditional italian tarts are plentiful too - from mini to large!

The panna cotta and tiramisu were served in generous sized plastic cups, but did not entice me, so I passed on that. A reviewer who had it at the restaurant didn't think it was good.. so maybe I made the right decision. Nevertherless, I wouldn't mind trying it if there was someone to share with.

There are very pretty PINK boxes to contain your sweets. I felt sorry for Perla as there was a customer (and I think that are many) who wanted to purchase enough mini sweets to fill only half of the box, and declined to have them in a plain wrapping as she intended it as a gift.

Thankfully Perla was patient and managed to advise her to fill the box as "half filled boxes wouldn't look nice if it was a gift!" ;) I think she should just charge a small fee for the boxes if customers really want it (as I understand some genuinely couldn't/didn't want to buy more) if they can't fill most of the box.

Worth a visit!