August double happiness

Work hard. Play harder. Eat hardest. That's my motto (not KT's as she has the luxury to not work hard... ^%$#@) and was quite literal in 2014 - 3 overseas trips, 3 domestic flights, not to mention road trips, social gatherings, and the regular DDTs. It's amazing I haven't crumbled under pressure - make it through this year, I should be able to make it through anything.

This year we did something special for our CEO - celebrating her birthday by means of an indulgent whirlwind weekend in Melbourne, starting with a fabulous tapas meal at Movida Aqui followed by la pièce de résistance - dessert at Om Nom. Then breakfast at East Elevation, Brunswick. 

Om Nom. What can I say ... all gorgeous. Flavours were fabulously exciting and refreshing, not even the chocolate desserts were heavy. They were also served with drama and flair - truly a treat for all the senses. The degustation is highly recommended - they even serve it in order of lightness so the dessert with stronger flavours (such as chocolate) was served last. 

Breakfast at East Elevation was, well, not strictly a dessert stop but I stayed true to my desire for good sweets. They were refreshing and light, to those who can't handle sweetness this was a godsend. The tapioca with strawberry and rhubarb compote topped with coconut milk was light as air. The rosewater and ricotta crepes were pretty - as in it TASTED pretty - I don't think there was a better way to describe it, though how does one 'taste' prettiness... 

I hate the concentration of funky cafes in Melbourne... It's not fair... There are some but just not as many in Sydney.

The official DDT for August started at Pioik, Pyrmont, a rustic newish cafe with a good mix of sweets and savouries. Pick of the day in order of preference - Passionfruit donut (tangy curd, perfect mix with sweet fluffy glazed donut), chocolate caramel tart (to rival Blackstar, but not quite), chocolate sourdough (with lovely melted chunks of chocolate and nuts), almond croissant. Things that could improve - chocolate brownie (we are simply spoiled by KT's spectacular brownies), orange cake (nice and moist but could be more citrusy), 'rose of the desert' cookie (the edible crystal version but deceived by the name, we were expecting some rose-scented cornflake cookies).

On a side note - lovely couple who sat next to us was curious at our huge order of sweet breakfast, upon our explanation of our monthly indulgence, she exclaimed - how come you are not the size of small houses!

......I've heard that before. Believe me, it takes some will power .... 

We then went to the German Bakery - non-existent anymore (!!!) and then Scupi - not at the address found online (!!!) [NB: we did eventually find Scupi around the corner but not particularly full of sweet goodness anyway]. So we moved to our last stop, Messina Gelato at Star City (but not before salivating in front of Zumbo for a while). 

"Salted caramel, please," said one. "Salted caramel, please," said another. "Salted caramel, please," said a third. We know it's that good. But I have had this before so went for something different. Chocolate sorbet - beautifully dark, much lighter than chocolate gelato. Salted coconut and mango salsa sorbet - deliciously refreshing and very 'Thai', stark contrast to the chocolate. Other flavours include gianduja chocolate (choc-hazelnut), blood peach, lychee martini, and blood orange. But apparently nothing compared with the 'gelato university' in Bologna. Oh, wait, Messina studied from Carpigiani Gelato University. That explains their popularity in Australia, I guess? 

A good walk after the sugary indulgence worked wonders settling my blood-sugar spike. I will unfortunately miss the September instalment of DDT as I eat, sleep and get massaged in Thailand (rub, rub, rub!!). I will do my bit and find some sweet Thai desserts and report back! 

CS