Canele Patisserie: The very first

October 23, 2008 | 31 Comments

Canelé Patisserie Chocolaterie, the fame dessert restaurant that had been making waves with its delicate and dainty small bites. With the mention of patisserie, the immediate reaction would be Canelé, which tells you something about the reputation that they had built up in a short period of time. Besides cakes and other desserts, Canelé also offered a variety of chocolates.

Canelé Patisserie has done a very good job with its marketing and branding strategy. The chic sounding name, the cool sun-shape logo, coupled with its stylish interior, and of course their “designer” cakes and desserts. Not to mention Canelé is under the Les Amis group, which has strong capital funding to make all these possible.

The miniuscule interior had few seats available. When we went around 3pm, the place was packed fully, and had to be put on the waiting list.

Seating are largely from the Al fresco area, built in mind to create the Parisian road-side cafe ambience, albeit it wasn’t prefect with the busy orchard road, and McDonald located just a stone throw away.

With the inauguration of their latest branch at Shaw centre, this brings the tally to four with the others located at Paragon, Raffles city, and Robertson quay. Like Starbucks, the opening of each outlet almost guaranteed full-house customers. This really makes me wonder why is there no other worthy competitor to come out and vie a share of the market.

Cafe caramel ($8.50)

Milk chocolate coffee mousse, chocolate genoise with expresso, salty caramel and hazelnut feuilitine. Canele’s signature cake with the usage of the salted caramel, which gave an unique taste to it. However, there was only a single layer of salted caramel right in the middle of the cake, which my companion and I felt was a tad too little.

The strong chocolate, with the subtle coffee flavour, overwhelmed the salted caramel taste. But i love the hazelnut feuilitine which added crunchy bites to the cake. Having heard rave reviews for Cafe caramel, it fell short of our expectations. And we felt that the caramel didn’t really compliment the chocolate sponge cake.

Strawberry shortcake ($6.50)

Japanese shortcake sponge, kirsch creme chantitlly, and fresh strawberries. Another famous cake, the strawberry was not very sweet, but it’ll be better if it’s those sweet tasting Japanese imported ones instead. We felt the cake was too tame, there wasn’t much flavour.

However, it could work either way, as it’s good for light tasting, the cream wasn’t overly heavy, the sponge was light, but not for me because i would prefer more intense flavour. Overall I felt it was mediocre as it lacked the kick and “wow” factor. But then again, its strawberry shortcake, what else could you expect?

And how can we forget Macarons? Canele’s ones are divided into two different type, with the classic and the signature flavours. With a total of 12 variety to choose from, I’ll definitely come back to try the rest.

The pricing however, remained a mystery to me. If you would do some simple maths, buying 6 pieces of macarons at $2.3 will be only $13.8 instead of $14.50 per box. So is Canelé charging extra for the cost of the box? I’ll thought that buying more will cost less, since it can encourage sales.

Hazelnut Praline with roasted hazelnut ($2.30)

I told you, i loved my hazelnut! It was an obvious choice when my companion wanted 4 macarons. Hazelnut was supposed to be a safe and full-proof flavour for desserts, not lest macarons. But the one here was rather weak in flavour. The hazelnut taste was mild, and i’ll prefer it to be stronger. Obolo had a stronger case for its hazelnut macarons. Nonetheless, the hazelnut was still detectable, and there’s after taste of it.

Milk Chocolate feullitine ($2.30)

How can anybody resisted the temptation of milk chocolate? Not me, that’s for sure! The silky milk chocolate, with crunchy bites of feullitine, was one of Canele’s signature flavours. There was nothing intriguing about it, just a reliable and safe option to taste the chocolate while munching on the chewy shells.

Rose ($2.30)

We also picked the rose classic flavour for one of our macarons. The first taste of the lovely pinkish delight was subtle, the rose wasn’t very strong. But we did questioned whether real rose was used, as it tasted like rose syrup. Nonetheless, the rose should be a crowd favourite with the ladies.

Saltey caramel ($2.30)

Introducing the saltey caramel once again! Even though we chose the cafe caramel, but we couldn’t miss out having the saltey caramel macarons. Like mentioned above, the salted caramel had a very unique taste, and compared to the Cafe caramel cake, this one was much better as you could taste the saltey caramel, whereby the former was overshadowed by the stronger chocolate companion.

Total bill was $28.45 for 2 cakes and 4 macarons. I’ve to confess, amidst all the high anticipation of Canelé, my first visit fell short of expectations. I think maybe it’s a case of ordering the wrong desserts. Or because i had high hopes, which resulted in the not-as-good outcome. Such is the magic of Canele, that i’ll definitely visit them again to try out the other cakes, even though the first escapade wasn’t really what i want.

There’s plenty of others which i’ll love to try, the le royale, canele pastry, jupitar, and many more. I think the next time round, i’ll probably go to the raffles city branch, since the “in-thing” is to be seen hanging around at their Shaw centre branch, seats are hard to get here. And one thing i noted, if the area behind that is housing The Canteen (another Les Amis restaurant), is used to expand Canelé instead, i’m pretty sure it will also fill up pretty easily.

Canelé Patisserie chocolaterie
1 Scotts road
#01-01A Shaw Centre
Tel: 6738 9020

Comments

31 Responses to “Canele Patisserie: The very first”

Evan
October 23rd, 2008 @ 3:05 am

Finally u went haha. Im surfing via mobile now so i cant see yr pics but i juz hv this to say – their cakes are not not gd at all! I went there twice, bought 3 cakes (macha, foret noir, noix something) + macarons + l’amour ice-cream with rose meringue sticks. All sucks and i was wondering abt the same thing abt their rose macarons too. I highly doubt real rose were used.

Anyway fen has tried LOTS of their cakes, overall not gd, rite fen? Wouldnt bother going there again.
Fen
October 23rd, 2008 @ 8:57 am

Haha, yah, tried a fair share of their cakes from Canele… The problem with Canele is that it is over-publicised, you often see them on the Straits Times and 8-days… In addition, Les Amis is a pretty well-heard French restauratn so in a way, it is made known to many by its intense publicity.

Next, their cafe has a dark and trendy design and thus do attract attention and tempt guys to bring their girls out for desserts.

Several things Yuan and I didn’t like about Canele, the place is pretty cramp and thus waiting list is inevitable. Second, the desserts are pretty rich and thus, nice on the first bite but a torture to finish the entire slice. Third, it is expensive. Would be better if it is smaller and cheaper.

Evan is right about me trying lots of their items, 10 to be precise and none impressed. And the only reason why we went back to Canele is because my blog received a few recommendations from Canele so to be fair to them, I decided to try other desserts. Next, it is convenient since Yuan works at City Hall.
FoodiesQueen
October 23rd, 2008 @ 9:26 am

Wow…I’m thinking of going there but after seeing your reviews on it, I think I should re-consider. BTW, I think their cakes are too expensive. What’s more, you guys said not nice, then it’s all the more not worth.

FoodiesQueens last blog post..145. Obolo
Sihan
October 23rd, 2008 @ 9:27 am

aiyoh.. shooting down canele like that. haha. Tsk tsk.. i’m beginning to wonder whether there will be any competitors in the future.. hmph..
Fen
October 23rd, 2008 @ 9:42 am

Ok lah, something that I remember about Canele… The thoughtful communications manager that came down to my office on a rainy day after….

Aiyah, what are you thinking, it is “after my complain letter”… They handle their feedback in a very sincere manner…
noobcook
October 23rd, 2008 @ 1:19 pm

nice photos you took even though you don’t like some of the food. I haven’t been there myself. I like alfresco dining but not along busy Orchard Road, hee … and oh dear, it does seem that they charge for the box
ladyironchef
October 23rd, 2008 @ 4:57 pm

evan: hahaha, yeah like finally. i been talking about it for so long but never went. hm, i’m still going back to try their other cakes, cannot jus use a few to conclude. lol

fen: yep, well backed by their les amis connections. i think the one at raffles city is not so cramp right? it looks more spacious to me. haha ya lor, its quite a nice place for guys to bring their dates for some sweet stuff. hmm, you send in a complain letter? what’s the issue about?

foodiequeen: i think you should go try at least once, like that den you know whether its good or not. different ppl have different taste buds ma, what we don’t like, you might like. try already let us know : )

sihan: hahaha, sihan’s a fan of canelé? There’s totally no fight, bakerzin don’t have the brand image to compete with canelé. then the other smaller patisserie don’t have the capital like canelé to open so many branches in town.

noobcook: thanks! go and try! den take lots of nice photos too. haha
pammiez
October 23rd, 2008 @ 5:10 pm

I tried their Le Royale recently, i tot it was pretty good! Would have been better if they gave a thicker layer of hazelnut feuilitine. Well, i wouldnt believe everything at Canele is bad? My friend loves their meringue and im starting to love their salted caramel macaron! However, that aside, service, at both outlets i went to (Robertson and Shaw) were terribleee!
ladyironchef
October 23rd, 2008 @ 5:50 pm

pammiez: yep, i’m falling heads over heels with feullitine. service wise its a shame though, since their flagship les amis restaurant actually pride itself in having excellent services. Pity canele couldn’t have the same standards
yixiaooo
October 23rd, 2008 @ 7:00 pm

gee, seems like i’mof the minority group who enjoyed canele. =(

yixiaooos last blog post..Kaiho Sushi, Cuppage Plaza
Evan
October 23rd, 2008 @ 8:15 pm

brad : orite, good luck then haha.

fen : u wrote in to complain?? serious?! what did u write?
ladyironchef
October 23rd, 2008 @ 8:45 pm

yixiaoo: hahahah. dunno whether if it is because i order the wrong items though. any to recommend?

evan: lol! i know you dislike canelé and doesn’t sound too happy. hahaha.

fen: yeah fen i’m interested what you wrote in too.
Evan
October 23rd, 2008 @ 10:10 pm

brad : haha, but if you wanna gimme a treat i don’t mind :p when is your cake hunt???? fen & i (and i’m sure many others) are looking forward to it!!
ladyironchef
October 23rd, 2008 @ 11:32 pm

evan: hahaha. have some patience. I need to survive through October before we can talk about the dessert tasting. It’s will be in Nov, and probably on a friday evening, so do keep your fri free. i’m in the process of discussing a deal, details will be out later : )
Sihan
October 24th, 2008 @ 12:04 am

hehe. count me in.. sounds like a sweet deal (pun intended) is around the corner!!
ladyironchef
October 24th, 2008 @ 12:16 am

Sihan: Of course you are in! All you dessert hard-cores are definitely in. hahahaha
Fen
October 24th, 2008 @ 9:19 am

Haha, you wouldn’t believe it, I had dinner at Canele last evening. My pocket sure hurts, the stuff are so expensive but second tasting of Le Royale, I confirmed that is my favourite cake from Canele and also deserved to me on my favourites for hazelnut-chocolate. However, Yuan prefers their Tiramisu, different from the conventional ones…

Ya, definitely looking forward to LIC cake hunt…

Looking forward to decadence cake next Tues… My calorie counter is still running… and I don’t seems to be satisfied. Uh Oh…
ladyironchef
October 24th, 2008 @ 10:10 am

fen: Again? how many times already? is the tiramisu nice? what decadence cake next tue?
lotsofcravings
October 24th, 2008 @ 11:26 am

thats quite steep isnt esp for me pour souls who have to multiply by 2 over times..

lotsofcravingss last blog post..Infamous Char Kuey Teow @ Lorong Selamat
Nic (KHKL)
October 24th, 2008 @ 1:05 pm

i’ve been wanting to pay a visit since the desserts are very well-known.

da paolo’s quiet good as well. but no macaroons though..hehe…

i lurve hazelnut macaroons!

Nic (KHKL)s last blog post..Sage @ The Gardens
ladyironchef
October 24th, 2008 @ 2:17 pm

lotsofcravings: Pay for your girlfriend and your share? hahahha. but do try it once and see for yourself

Nic: Yeah dude, i also waited quite long before i finally visited them for their desserts. Haven try da paolo’s yet, but heard great stuff about their tiramisu. Yep, i love hazelnut macarons too!
Fen
October 24th, 2008 @ 2:46 pm

LIC: I have lost count already, Anyway, I personally didn’t like it. The combination was kind of funny but since Yuan is even more picky when it comes to Tiramisu, he likes it because this is the only one that is slightly sweet, has a jelly-like layer on top. Texture wise is good but lacks of alcohol.

lotsofcraving: Indeed Canele’s food is expensive. You can try hotel cakes. They are not as expensive as Canele and the quality is just as good.
Vicki.
October 25th, 2008 @ 11:37 am

Organise a cake hunt soon! :P Browsing thru this entry makes me feel like having some macarons!

Vicki.s last blog post..Of unspoken words
ladyironchef
October 25th, 2008 @ 1:31 pm

Vicki: hahahah! yeah man. my official cake hunt shld be on Nov 21, fri evening. But evan and fen says they want to have another impromptu informal one, maybe on 10 or 11th
Big Boys Oven
October 26th, 2008 @ 3:05 pm

So envy Singapore’s Canele . . . I wonder if one day Big Boys Oven be one as famous in Kuala Lumpur. I wonder . . . .

Big Boys Ovens last blog post..
jaime-la-nourriture
October 26th, 2008 @ 3:16 pm

totally agree that canele has become very popular, and i think they are really lucky to have a young and talented Pastry Chef Pang.

hehe, im one of their macarons fans too!though i would agree that their pastries are on the expensive side.

“Canelé Patisserie has done a very good job with its marketing and branding strategy.” – they only had one marketing personnel to handle everything, he is really doing a good job!

jaime-la-nourritures last blog post..Pasta Cafe
teddy
October 27th, 2008 @ 11:32 pm

tried their Earl Grey Ice-Cream at the Raffles City Shopping Centre branch. its heaven!
Big Boys Oven
October 30th, 2008 @ 2:10 am

just cant wait when I am in Singapore this december!

Big Boys Ovens last blog post..
ladyironchef
November 7th, 2008 @ 6:55 pm

jaime: wow, they onli had one marketing person to do everything? he must be quite good!

teddy: thanks for the tip. will try it the next time there. but i didn’t really hear anyone mention about their ice cream before though

big boy oven: see you soon!
PatW
February 15th, 2009 @ 10:04 am

I’ll never get the chance to try their pastries. However, I totally agree with you about caramel and chocolate. Chocolate tends to overwhelm the caramel flavor– it just gets lost.
ladyironchef
February 15th, 2009 @ 10:42 am

Patw: hello thanks for leaving your comment. Yeah pity abt the chocolate and caramel part. cant taste the caramel much