Comptoirs de France sells dessert cakes that could easily double as celebration cakes. With a slab of chocolate on top, inscribed with your celebratory message, their cakes include cheesecake, chocolate fudge, opera, blackforest gateaux, plus many more. RMB 268-288 for a two pound cake that serves eight, and RMB 378-398 for a three pound cake that serves 10-12. These cakes are quite grown up flavors, more suited to older kids, teens, and adults. The good news is they now do a range of “character” Birthday cakes, perfect for little ones.
The fabulous looking Shaun the Sheep, rather cute Hello Kitty, and glamorous Barbie cakes incorporate white sponge with meringue orange cream, and fresh cream. Baymax from Big Hero 6, Cars, and the Sponge Bob cakes are dark chocolate sponge with chocolate ganache, covered with royal sugar icing. Prices start from RMB 308. If you’re inviting a lot of people to the party, any of their cakes can be scaled big enough to serve 80 people. Included in the price, is a message of your choice, plus forks, plates, knives, candles, and a crown. If none of these options is quite what you’re looking for, they can also create a tailor-made cake just for you. To discuss specific requirements email fabio@fameiwei.com
I couldn’t leave without trying some of Chef Brian McKenna’s desserts, which are available in all Comptoirs’ stores. The “Tiramisune” (RMB 62) was created for Hatsune, but now you don’t have to dine on sushi first to enjoy this dessert. It serves two, and is presented in a traditional Japanese sake box. The dessert incorporates green tea instead of the traditional coffee. The mascarpone was rich and creamy, the sponge layers light and airy. The flavor was quite intense, so you have to be a matcha lover to fully appreciate this East meets West dessert.
The Chocolate and Orange (RMB 52), is a shiny dark chocolate dome. Filled with rich chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and caramelized mandarin oranges. It was a chocolate orange delight, a light fluffy mousse with a lovely orange flavor through the center. I stopped short of trying the Matcha Tea and Azuki Bean Pyramid (RMB 42), perhaps next time.
beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.
Photos: Sally Wilson
