ION Orchard impresses both locals and international guests with the world’s best-loved brands—be it luxury boutiques, lifestyle stores or sensational F&B establishments—ION Orchard has literally become a beacon of envy in the retail scene.

Over 300 retail, F&B establishments and entertainment stores—which includes some of the world’s top luxury brands—we honestly can’t think of a better lifestyle destination to splurge and indulge as the year draws to a close.

ION Orchard houses a vast array of both homegrown and internationally-renowned fashion boutiques, food brands and some of Singapore’s finest restaurants, including award-winning Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine and the newly-opened Violet Oon Singapore.

With the new revamp on Level 3 as well as several new additions to the basement food hall, ION Orchard has even more to offer now. Life’s already short enough as it is, so treat yourselves to some year-end indulgence—both shopping and feasting—and if you need a solid place to start, let ION Orchard be your preferred location.

VIOLET OON’S NEW FLAGSHIP

The brand-new Violet Oon Singapore in ION Orchard occupies the open space on Level 3. The new restaurant traces the Singapore food story back to colonial times with dishes that include British food interpreted by Hainanese cooks back in the day.

Offering a stellar menu that covers every aspect of the niche cuisine such as oxtail stew, Hainanese pork chop and shepherd’s pie and a selection of Violet’s crowd-favourite Nyonya signatures, all nicely cradled around the ideology of Peranakan hospitality, the restaurant is perfect should you wish to stop by for a tasty meal, a cocktail or coffee in the midst of your shopping.

The all-day restaurant has also tailored special menus to cater to diners looking to enjoy breakfast, high-tea and weekend brunch as well.

New to her repertoire of dishes and exclusive to this outlet is her Steak Sandwich. A traditional take on a classic British sandwich that sees elements of Nyonya cuisine injected into the sauce, good bread and a perfectly seared-off 150-day grain-fed Blank Angus ribeye.

Nicely seared on the outside but staying perfectly pink in the middle, the beef was tender and gave off a nice grilled aroma. However, impressive as the steak was, it was the Nyonya-style green chilli relish that truly made it for us. Punchy with a good amount of heat, the piquant relish added a dimension of fresh, botanical flavours underscored by a sharp spicy kick, to further lift an otherwise decent-but-typical steak sandwich.

A crowd-favourite and one that warrants multiple return visits is their signature Dry Laksa. Reduced down naturally rather than thickening with a roux, the flavour is concentrated and rich.

Punctuated with the fresh, uplifting flavour of laksa leaves, the dish is an aromatic and decadent marriage of flavours that represent centuries of Peranakan food heritage—presented and interpreted in a modern way of course.

At the entrance of the restaurant, visitors can feel free to browse through shelves of pre-packaged edible delights such as homemade pineapple tarts, cashew cookies, and kaya.

Available throughout the year, diners (both local and foreign) will be able to bring home a part of Singapore’s culinary heritage along with them.

Violet Oon Singapore (ION Orchard)
ION Orchard #03-28/29
2 Orchard Turn,
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 9834 9935
Daily: 12pm – 10pm

IMPERIAL TREASURE FINE TEOCHEW CUISINE

Awarded a one-Michelin star for 2 years running, Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine in ION Orchard is one Chinese restaurant that can always be relied on to provide us with an exquisite, out-of-this-world dining experience whether it be a casual dim sum brunch or a full-on feast. And judging from our recent visit, we can see why the restaurant is indeed deserving of the prestigious accolade.

Well-lit and accentuated with lots of fresh flowers and natural sunlight, the interior gives off a cheery appeal and an overall laid-back vibe—but the atmosphere is only secondary to their array of brilliantly crafted dishes. Nuanced in flavour, their food is prepared with the utmost skill and attention to detail by a team of master chefs.

Delicious, straightforward and great for sharing, we opted for their delicately hand-crafted Diced Abalone wrapped with Egg White Skin , Wok Fried Hor Fun with Diced “Kai Lan” and Preserved Radish as well as their Frog Legs with Sze Chuan Peppercorns.

Freshly poached daily in a mix of sauces and spices, their marinated offerings take on a lacquered sheen of brown, indicating that flavours have indeed been permeated all the way through. We opted for the Three Kinds Of Marinated Combination In Teochew Style that includes marinated pork knuckle, sliced duck meat and octopus.

The flavours were mellow, refined and milder in comparison to other dark-coloured braised meats found elsewhere. Based solely on taste, we have to admit we were hesitant about its lightness but as we proceeded to take more bites, sampling the various sauces as we went, the items became more and more addictive.

Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine
ION Orchard, #03-05,
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6736 2118
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 10.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm

AWFULLY CHOCOLATE

Well-known for their ultra-rich and sinfully-good chocolate cakes and desserts, local chocolatier Awfully Chocolate, is no stranger to anyone who’s ever had a hankering for decadent desserts. Tucked away in a cosy corner of ION Orchard’s basement, Awfully Chocolate’s only concept store offers takeaway cakes, sliced chocolate desserts as well as a permanent collection of handcrafted chocolate bars, cookies and gift sets.

Exclusive for the festive season, Awfully Chocolate has launched a new range of Artisanal Christmas Cakes that include luxurious and decadent Christmas Fruit Cake Brownie (S$78 for 800g), Crème Brûlée Cake (S$98 for 1.8kg) as well as many others.

Awfully Chocolate
ION Orchard, #B4-50,
2 Orchard Turn,
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6884 6377
Daily: 10am – 10pm

HEYTEA SINGAPORE

Dedicated to serving high-quality brews made using only the freshest and top-quality ingredients, it is no surprise that HEYTEA is the most highly sought-after tea brand in China—and now, Singapore. The original inventors of the acclaimed cheese tea, HEYTEA has garnered many fans across Asia and inspired a global trend.

Having opened its very first outpost outside of China in Basement 4 of ION Orchard, the cheese tea giant serves massive queues on a daily basis. Their tea leaves are specially sourced and blends are customised for their own use only and with it, they brew a myriad of thirst-quenching, refreshing beverages that come with a generous dollop of their signature Cheezo.

HEYTEA Singapore
ION Orchard, #03-0528/#B4-29
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +656908 0019
Daily: 10am – 10pm

LUXURY FASHION BOUTIQUES GALORE

Boasting floor upon floor of luxury brands and boutiques, ION Orchard is a shopaholic’s heaven. The 3rd floor of the mall recently underwent a revamp and features more internationally-renowned brands such as Valentino, HUGO, PINKO, Longchamp, Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) and Karl Lagerfeld.

Feeling like you need a wardrobe makeover? Pick up a printed dress from Diane Von Furstenberg; a pair of shoes and some accessories from Karl Lagerfield and a bag from Longchamp.

With big names such as Kendall Jenner and Kaia Gerber being the faces of these brands, get a piece of Europe and its incredible fashion right here in the heart of Orchard Road—at ION Orchard.

Now you know where to get luxurious Christmas presents too, yes?

This post was brought to you by ION Orchard.

Highly regarded for their luxurious and high-quality chocolates, we were anticipating Awfully Chocolate Singapore’s gorgeous Blue Moon Chocolate Mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival this year. We expect nothing less from the expert chocolatiers at Awfully Chocolate who have been in the business for almost 20 years.

Locals trust this homegrown brand to always create chocolate desserts that are made with intricacy and care and this Mid-Autumn Festival, Awfully Chocolate Singapore shows us that they are more than just cakes and ice cream with their interpretation of mooncakes—the stunning Blue Moon Chocolate Mooncakes that come in two flavours.

These mooncakes are like mini chocolate desserts that mimic an actual mooncake. If you are tired of the traditional mooncakes with lotus paste and salted egg yolk, why not treat yourselves to a sweet delight with these pretty chocolate mooncakes instead?

These Blue Moon Chocolate Mooncakes are all handmade using premium chocolate and natural ingredients with no added preservatives. They come in two variations: Dark Moon and White Moon.

The former is made entirely of premium dark chocolate. The center comprises a smooth nutty praline filling, chocolate cake and a white chocolate “yolk” centre. The Dark Moon mooncake is encased with a chocolate shell made from delicious 60% dark chocolate for a nice crunch and textural variation as you bite into it.

If dark chocolate is not your thing, the White Moon will be right up your alley. The center is filled with premium white chocolate ganache infused with fresh vanilla bean, chocolate cake and a white chocolate “yolk” center. To get the gorgeous white “casing”, quality white chocolate is used to surround it.

The monochromatic colours of the mooncake make for a sleek and luxurious gift if you want something contemporary looking; there will always be people who are not too fond of traditions and old-school stuff, right?

The mooncakes are aptly named Blue Moon Mooncakes, as they are made and sold only once in a blue moon! Unlike your regular mooncakes such as the traditional baked ones and snow skin mooncakes, the Awfully Chocolate ones are coated with crisp chocolate instead for an ultra-satisfying bite.

You can pre-order Awfully Chocolate Singapore’s Blue Moon Chocolate Mooncakes online or in stores but do remember that they can only be kept for 5 days. The mooncakes have to be refrigerated to prevent them from getting too soft.

The best time to consume these mooncakes is about 10 minutes after removing them from your fridge. This time span might seem really short but this is only because the mooncakes have to be kept super fresh for an optimal consumption experience.

The mooncakes come in lovely bamboo boxes that can you can keep and repurpose or to simply use it as a display item.

Go for something a little (maybe, a whole lot) different from your classic mooncakes and explore outside your comfort zone. Who knows? Maybe even those who love traditional mooncakes might prefer this over the usual ones!

Impress the people you love with Awfully Chocolate’s Blue Moon Chocolate Mooncakes this Mid-Autumn Festival!

Awfully Chocolate Blue Moon Chocolate Mooncakes

Set of 4: S$68 (includes 2 of each variation)

Set of 2: S$38 (includes 1 of each variation)

Awfully Chocolate Mooncakes are available for purchase both online and in stores.

If you are looking to buy it from Awfully Chocolate’s stores, the set of 4 mooncakes is only available via pre-order (4 days in advance) at the Marina Bay Link Mall and McCallum St stores. For online purchases, you can choose either the box of 2 or box of 4 mooncakes.

For more information, visit Awfully Chocolate.

This post is brought to you by Awfully Chocolate Singapore.

Homegrown chocolatier, Awfully Chocolate, has an entire empire locally and the brand’s success has also brought about regional expansion. Today, the brand has a portfolio of restaurants, concept cafes and they even have their name brand chocolate treats sold in supermarkets in the region.

So, you can understand why we trust anything they dish out; their chocolate treats are irresistible!

Christmas is just around the corner and with it comes the painstaking task of gift-giving. The joy of giving is a wonderful thing to relish but what stresses most people out is undoubtedly the decision-making.

However, with Awfully Chocolate’s yearly Christmas hampers, you are set. Kick away your worries; the 2016 hamper has all the best chocolate treats, together with a celebratory bottle of Merlot. It is the best one yet, and here are all the amazing treats you can find in Awfully Chocolate Christmas Hamper for 2016.

ELEGANCE IS KEY

Awfully Chocolate’s Christmas Hamper is sleek and beautiful. The textured black box embodies elegance, and the hamper is presented with a red ribbon and gift tag.

This is surely one gift to impress. And it solves the problem of gender preference if you are buying this for generic gift exchange; anyone would be happy to receive this, and everyone else would just be upset that they weren’t your secret elves.

THE UNDERSTATED CHOCOLATE CAKE

The star of the show is definitely the Chocolate Marquise Cake.

Instead of their usual classic All Chocolate Cake, this year’s hamper comes with an understated Chocolate Marquise Cake. It is a rich and extremely intense chocolate cake swirled with more chocolate.

Yes, this cake is even richer than their Superstacked Cake and is no less decadent. The cake (12 inches diameter) is good for an average of 20 guests.

RICH & CREAMY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

The next thing you can look forward to is the Ganache Truffles. Fresh, dark chocolate truffles filled with luscious chocolate ganache sits beautifully in a slide-out box.

Bite into a truffle and you will be greeted with smooth and rich chocolate ganache that will dazzle your heart. We fell in love on first bite and it is probably the next best thing in the hamper.

HOW ABOUT SOME BROWNIES?

The Salted Butterscotch Brownie has been around for years and it is definitely a crowd favourite. We like the brownies warmed up for a bit in the oven and topped with a scoop of ice cream. In this hamper, you get a full-sized brownie, cut up into 9 bite-sized portions with adorable spatula forks.

Warm them for no more than 10 seconds in an oven or microwave and the result is to-die-for. The butterscotch combined with the rich chocolate brownie base is a match made in heaven.

COOKIES THAT TASTE LIKE HOME

What is Christmas without some tasty cookies? The idea of having rustic cookies throughout the Christmas period, especially Chocolate Chip Cookies, warms our heart.

In the hamper, you get two different types of cookies—Artisanal Chocolate Cookies in Double Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies.

The former has generous and even amounts of chocolate throughout each bite. The White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies is a sweeter option with macadamia nuts and white chocolate.

AND THERE ARE CHOCOLATE BARS

Awfully Chocolate is one of the best chocolatiers around in town; of course, they would create some pretty mean chocolate bars.

There are three in total in the hamper—Smooth Milk, Bittersweet and Very Dark to suit every preference.

WINE FOR DAYS

Well, people are obsessed with #legsfordays, but we just want our wine. Every hamper comes with a bottle of Egot Merlot Sangiovese.

You’d be surprised; Merlot actually goes extremely well with chocolate!

The Christmas Hamper must be ordered at least 3 days in advance. Prices are inclusive of GST. Delivery charge at S$10.70 per location.

This post is brought to you by Awfully Chocolate.

Awfully Chocolate has just opened its very first restaurant concept at Holland Village and it showcases a carefully curated menu of both sweets and savouries. It will be a spot to hang out at with your family and friends over hearty savoury dishes and beautifully plated decadent treats that are exclusive to this Awfully Chocolate outlet.

From now till Wednesday, 31 August 2016, our readers are entitled to a free* house dessert with every main purchased. All you have to do is quote ‘ladyironchef’ and flash this article to Awfully Chocolate’s staff upon placing your order.

The menu is deliberately focused and that’s where the magic lies. It is hard to be disappointed at Awfully Chocolate! From Bacon and Cheese Toasties, Baked Sheet Pasta, Vanilla Profiteroles to Dark Chocolate S’more, there are so many reasons to visit the all-new Awfully Chocolate at Holland Village!

We know Awfully Chocolate for their desserts and only desserts. But this will change with the Holland Village outlet. The bistro serves a menu of gourmet delicacies that are very affordable. Believe it or not, every item on the menu is priced under S$20.

The spacious bistro is characterised by high ceilings, minimalistic design and rustic wooden furniture. Open till 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, this Awfully Chocolate branch is ideal for a satisfying meal at literally any time of the day.

A great meal should be started with a bowl of warm soup. At Awfully Chocolate, there are Pumpkin Soup (S$8++), Wild Mushroom Soup (S$8++) and Creamy Tomato Bacon Soup (S$8++). All of us thoroughly enjoyed the comforting Creamy Tomato Bacon Soup; the appetiser is created from scratch, hand blended into a broth and topped with a crispy slice of bacon.

For the salad lovers, this Apple Crumble Salad (S$12++) will redefine salads altogether. It is served like a dessert; so unassuming, and so unlike salads.

Dig through the buttery crumble and you will find generous amounts of sliced caramelised apples within the ceramic dish. No veggie craziness here; just chunks of fruits mixed with nuts and some spinach.

For all vegetarians, you are not forgotten. Awfully Chocolate’s Baked Sheet Pasta (S$15++) is a meat-free lasagna served with ratatouille stew, aromatic truffle-infused creamy Alfredo sauce and cheese. It packs a punch and the fragrance lingers with every mouthful.

What really won the hearts of everyone on the table was the Poached Salmon (S$16++). The seafood dish might look and sound simple, but the juicy salmon fillet has a runny texture; just the way we like it.

Served with a poached runny egg and complemented with garlic aioli, complete with a side of refreshing apple salad and maple dressing, this main is highly recommended!

The Open Face Burger on Rye (S$17++) and The Bacon & Cheese Toasties (S$15++) are for the bigger eaters. The former is an open-face beef patty burger drenched in melted cheese and paired with a salad.

But you know what we really love? The Toasties – which was everyone’s favourite. It is essentially a sandwich that features fluffy toast and cheesy stuffing. And while you think it sounds like an ordinary sandwich, wait till you hear about how it is wrapped in bacon!

Nothing comes close. The explosion of flavours left us in awe, and in one bite, you will experience a multitude of goodness – from the stringy cheese to the salty bacon to the fresh pickles.

The Grilled Chicken ($17++) is our idea of comfort food. A succulent chicken leg cooked to tenderness, perched atop a bed of grilled potato slices and fragrant viscous gravy. This is for all who appreciate the beauty in simple, rustic flavours.

In conjunction with Awfully Chocolate’s inaugural full-fledge dining concept opening, the establishment has introduced plated desserts that are completely exclusive to Holland Village’s outlet. For something familiar, order the Waffles (S$10++) served with luscious maple, premium vanilla ice-cream, whipped cream and dusted with icing sugar.

There’s also the Vanilla Profiteroles (S$12++), which is quite a show in its own rights. The dessert comprises three light choux pastries stuffed with chilled creamy vanilla custard served on a metal steel tray, with a chocolate sheet placed above them. Watch the chocolate sheet disintegrate dramatically and melt into the profiteroles as warm chocolate sauce is poured over it.

Are you ready for a life-changing experience? The divine Dark Chocolate S’more (S$12++) is a must-order. The sugary treat is no ordinary S’mores. It is made up of Awfully Chocolate’s signature Hei ice cream covered in homemade artisanal marshmallow.

The entire cube is then torched before your eyes. Dig into it and the marshmallow sinks into a gooey goodness, while the dark chocolate ice cream remains frozen. It was the best rendition we’ve tried in Singapore, and we love how the S’more boasts a variety of contrasting textures that complement each other wonderfully. We will return to Awfully Chocolate just for this.

From alcoholic Dark Chocolate Martini (S$15++) to hot caffeinated Premium Single Espresso Coffee (S$4.50++), Awfully Chocolate’s all-inclusive beverage menu features 47 different drinks. Looking for a watering hole after work? You can consider Awfully Chocolate’s one-for-one bottled beer promotion after 6pm.

Of course, loyal Awfully Chocolate fans can too find their bestselling White Chocolate Crème Brûlée (S$7++), All Chocolate Whole Cakes (from S$34++) and Hei Ice-Cream (from S$4.90++ per scoop) here.

Customers will also be entitled to a complimentary ice Cool Drink with every plated dessert ordered. This offer is valid till 31 August 2016. Select your drink from either a Katong Jelly, Ice Lemon Tea, Lychee Ice Tea, Honey Lime Green Tea, Lemon Soda or Lemonade.

Meanwhile, for our readers, you get to enjoy a complimentary house dessert with every order of a main course. Just quote “ladyironchef” or flash this advertorial upon ordering your main course to redeem the dessert of the day.

Awfully Chocolate
40 Lorong Mambong
Singapore 277695
Tel: +65 6463 3741
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 10am – 1am
Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

This post is brought to you by Awfully Chocolate.

Chocolates are glorious and if your mom is obsessed with chocolates, we have a treat that she wouldn’t want to miss. How about a special Mother’s Day 2016 chocolate gift set from Awfully Chocolate to make Mom happy?

Forget flowers or cards, do something different this year and give her something she can truly treat herself to. And you know how conventional gifts tend to be regular chocolates that can be conveniently bought off the racks? Now, isn’t this set that comes with a whole chocolate cake and Ganache Dark Chocolate Truffles more sincere?

This is the only chocolate gift set that your mom deserves. Here is what comes with Awfully Chocolate’s awesome gift set.

Each set comes with a classic Awfully Chocolate chocolate cake of choice (All Chocolate, Chocolate Banana or Rum & Cherry) and a side of beautiful, luxurious truffles in a gorgeous truffle handbag.

Awfully Chocolate’s classic whole cakes have been a hit since its debut, and many Singaporeans have fond memories of growing up with this occasional treat. Mom might remember buying them for you when you did well in your Math exam.

If you cannot decide on the flavour, we suggest going right for their signature All Chocolate Cake as it can do no wrong. If you know your mom likes a fruitier one, the Chocolate Banana Cake features two layers of sweet and fresh mashed bananas that complements the chocolate really well.

For a slight alcohol kick, the Rum & Cherry Cake would be your choice. The rum is definitely not overpowering and the cherries are a pleasant addition.

The Ganache Dark Chocolate Truffles are a seasonal item. Only available this Mother’s Day, the Ganache Dark Chocolate Truffles are handmade with a thin chocolate shell and have a creamy and smooth melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Awfully Chocolate Mother’s Day Gift Set* (S$46)
- 6″ All Chocolate Cake
- A handbag of Ganache Dark Chocolate Truffles

*The gift set is also available in 6″ Chocolate Banana (S$48) or 6″ Rum & Cherry (S$50).

Awfully Chocolate has multiple outlets islandwide, find the one closest to you here.

You can also email cakes@awfullychocolate.com to place your order in advance.

This post was brought to you by Awfully Chocolate.

The word ‘chocolate’ has almost become synonymous with our home-grown brand – Awfully Chocolate. At least, it is so for Singaporeans. In the past few years, the brand has grown significantly with many outlets islandwide now, but one thing remains – the awesomeness of their chocolate cakes. That, we will always swear by.

Marina Bay Link Mall is their next conquest. Much like the main outlet in Katong, the spanking new outlet will offer a selection of chocolate-focused drinks, including a menu of brand new and never-before-seen ones. Of course, you can still pick up their popular whole cakes here.

To celebrate the opening of the new outlet at Marina Bay Link Mall, Awfully Chocolate will be offering a complimentary box of their gorgeous Dark Chocolate Truffles with every order of a whole cake*. Meanwhile, here’s to all you fellow chocolate lovers. Let’s party with Awfully Chocolate!

THE ONE WITH THE SIGNATURE CHOCOLATE CAKES 

We have been fans for a long time, probably since Friends were around. The one with the signature chocolate cakes sound just about right, because that was how Awfully Chocolate started.

It was a whole episode of just whole chocolate cakes and nothing else. Just three flavours to not complicate things – All Chocolate, Chocolate Banana and Chocolate Rum & Cherry.

The 6-inch cakes is the perfect size for small gatherings and family dinners, giving us a reason to still savour it without any special occasion. For any larger parties or events, the cakes also come in 8-inch sizes and above.

The All Chocolate Cake (S$34 for 6-inch, S$68 for 8-inch) is quintessentially Awfully Chocolate. It is the cake that made everyone’s heart skip a beat upon trying it for the first time.

It is hard to forget how rich and fudgey the cake is. The moist layers sandwiching the fudge is incredibly gratifying to bite into. The One With The Signature All Chocolate Cake is one stellar episode and it is one that we will always and forever revisit.

The Chocolate Banana Cake (S$36 for 6-inch) is our favourite.

Featuring two beautiful layers of freshly mashed bananas, the Chocolate Banana Cake is a fine blend of varying sweetness. The bananas are just slightly mushy, but still fragrant and its addition actually makes the sweetness of the cake less cloying.

The more adventurous ones should head straight for the Chocolate Rum & Cherry Cake (S$38 for 6-inch).
Chocolates are often paired with different alcohols and liquors, but rum has been our favourite ever since we had this. Look forward to the cherries that are cocooned in between the layers. They are generously soaked in rum, and it is an explosion of flavours with every mouthful.

THE ONE WITH THE EASY PREORDERING AND HOME DELIVERY

It is easy as much as it is convenient.

Need your cake but you are too busy to pick it up from the store? Simple.

The preorder form allows you to place your order and have the cakes sent to your doorstep at a nominal charge of S$10.70 per location. There is also a premium option (S$21.40) of delivery within an hour if you need your cake urgently.

Hei ice-cream can be delivered in single and double scoops and in pints, too! The next time you catch up on your drama serials and movies at home and need some chocolate-lovin’, you know where to go to. Awfully convenient.

THE ONE WITH THE OTHER CHOCOLATE TREATS

Awfully Chocolate is no longer just all about the signature cakes.

They have a whole trunk of individually-portioned desserts – yes, all about chocolates, too. Super Stacked Chocolate Cake, Hazelnut Crumble and Salted Butterscotch Brownie are some that everyone knows.

But we do have our favourites apart from these popular kids.

The White Chocolate Butterscotch Block (S$7.90 per slice) is a star.

This is essentially a swiss roll in a block of fluffy white chocolate. It might be a slight sweetness overkill for those without a sweet tooth, but when eaten with the salty butterscotch, it really cuts the sweetness out well.

People often speak of their truffles, and relate it to “biting into heaven”; we could not be any more agreeable. They are so creamy, and at S$1.60 per piece (S$1.80 per piece for the champagne ones), it makes a great gift idea too.

You might think nothing of this Chocolate Ganache Cupcake (S$6.90); we too initially dissed it as being just a flavoured buttercream topping. But this pretty thing is really decadent ganache atop soft, gooey cake.

THE ONE WITH THE NEW CHOCOLATE DRINKS

At the new outlet at Marina Bay Link Mall, expect a dedicated menu of hot and cold chocolate drinks. No, really. Chocolates are so versatile and Awfully Chocolate is so good with handling them – be it solid or liquid form, they’ve nailed it.

The drinks menu will feature chocolate drinks such as Classic Dark Chocolate (S$8), Mocha Royale (S$7.90), Chocolate Banana (S$8) and Skinny Hot Chocolate (S$8).

The Mocha Royale is so indulgent and flavourful that we decided immediately it is our favourite. Every cup is prepared with three full pieces of dark chocolate truffles to give the drink its richness and intensity.

Skinny Hot Chocolate is a lighter version of the Classic Dark Chocolate as it uses skim milk instead.

THE ONE WITH THE FREE TRUFFLES

In conjunction with the opening of the Marina Bay Link Mall outlet, Awfully Chocolate will be giving away a free box of Dark Chocolate Truffles with every order of a whole cake via their website - to be collected at this new outlet.

This offer only applies for collection between 02 May to 06 May 2016, and orders must be placed at least 2 to 3 days in advance. Even more reason to buy the cakes now, yes?

Awfully Chocolate
#B2-33 Marina Bay Link Mall
8A Marina Boulevard
Singapore 018984
Nearest Station: Downtown MRT Station

This post was brought to you by Awfully Chocolate Singapore.

Your search for the perfect festive hamper will end with Awfully Chocolate’s version. To celebrate the Christmas, Awfully Chocolate introduces this sleek black box that will bring joy to just about anyone you gift it to.

This carefully curated hamper is housed in one of the classiest gift boxes we have ever seen, wrapped around by a bright gold ribbon. Created to please everyone of different ages and from all walks of life, Awfully Chocolate’s hamper is a splendid way to spread the love of chocolate around.

Take our word for it – Awfully Chocolate has your back with their 2015 Festive Hamper.

Sitting within the hamper is their highlight this year – the Chocolate Velvet Cake, which reminds us of a decadent, dense brownie. It is an ambient cake, meaning that it doesn’t need to be kept in a fridge; yes it won’t melt. Just let it rest in a cool and dry place, and it can be consumed anytime. Talk about convenience!

The Chocolate Velvet Cake can also be purchased separately (S$68/whole cake), but to us, this festive hamper makes the deal so much more worth it!

On top of the Chocolate Velvet Cake, there are also Dark Chocolate Biscuits, Salt & Sesame Biscuits, Praline Truffles and our favourite Chocolate Truffle Cubes. And this massive hamper is priced at S$178 for all those goodies.

But if the hamper is for wine lovers, then you might want to consider topping up S$30 for an additional bottle of red wine (Egot Merlot Sangiovese). That’s honestly a reasonable price, yes?

You can purchase the 2015 Festive Hamper and other Christmas-related products from 1st November to 25th December 2015.

All Christmas products and hampers are to be pre-ordered 3 days in advance. Ring the various Awfully Chocolate outlets directly to place your order(s), or if you have any enquiries at all. For a list of the outlets, visit their website here.

Do note that delivery options for the hampers can be done from 9am to 6pm daily, with a fee of S$10.70 per location.

This post was brought to you by Awfully Chocolate.