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2013-05-31
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The power of social media, or to be more specific, the power of instagram (for this particular case). I was most intrigued and pledged a visit to Cafe Deadend after admiring photos of the its famous Apple Tart (photos which, yes, literally made my mouth watered).Located, as its name suggests, at the dead end of Po Hing Fong. It was a typical day of May in Hong Kong; steaming summer heat with the spring humidity still lurking around. I resorted to my best friend - Taxi. Swiftly I was taken to th
Located, as its name suggests, at the dead end of Po Hing Fong. It was a typical day of May in Hong Kong; steaming summer heat with the spring humidity still lurking around. I resorted to my best friend - Taxi. Swiftly I was taken to the quiet and peaceful neighbourhood. First thing you would notice is the wafting aroma of freshly baked bread from Po's Atelier (its sister bakery). Second thing you would see is the white concrete wall, the dead end...
It was a Sunday morning, around 10:45am, and the cafe was already filled with people. The server greeted us, and as we waited, I sneaked into Po's Atelier which hosted a hypnotising variety of artisan breads. After short 15 minutes or so, we took seats at the bar table. I was studying the menu (nicely and cutely printed on a long, thin sheet of paper(it is slightly sticky though..)) and the coffee "Dirty" caught my eyes.
Upon enquiring, I came to know that "Dirty" is cold milk stained with hot espresso. My skinny, single-shot espresso version was served and I was told not to stir or mix and just enjoy. Beautiful layerings for sight. Their choice of coffee beans is slightly towards the sour and herbal side; not my top pick of coffee style. Nonetheless, the cold, creamy and soothing milk coupled with the hot, aromatic and prononuced espresso, unmixed and undisturbed, was certainly a stimulating sip. Definitely a good option if you want to try something different on a steamy day.
First up, Poached Egg and Prosciutto (only available till 12:30pm). Basically it is egg benedict with prosciutto and rocket. Promising quality proscuitto and fresh rockets. Excellently done poached egg; just look at the runny centre! The elegant and smokey proscuitto was nicely balanced with the hint of sweet-bitterness from the rockets; the rich and velvety yolk brought everything together to a creamy mouthful. Though, blame it on the hollandaise sauce which was relatively bland... (you could sense so from the pale colour and watery texture of the sauce...); not a memorable egg benedict (I am sorry, but the one I made was probably more delicious). The red peppery spice sprinkled on top did not give the needed kick either. Overall, it was just okay for me.
Now, this was the reason I went - Spiced Apple Tart; and I am pleased to report that it was truly impeccable and heavenly. When we made our order, the server told us that the Apple Tarts are only available, freshly baked, from around 11:30am (perfect timing for us). It was a gorgeous pastry itself; you could see the thin slices of apples stacked up on the golden glazed, caramalised base topped with white cinnamon sugar. Freshly baked, served pipping hot!! Each slice of apple was soaked inside-out with delicious caramel and fragrant cinnamon; but the natural fruitiness of the apple still surprisingly shone through. The side of the pastry was light, crispy and reminded me of warm roasted butter. The base was the star; moist and chewy infused with nutty caramel. Salted caramel sauce drizzled on the plate sharpened the flavours and cold creamy vanilla cream by the side was refreshing. It was a hearty and harmonious piece. Divine, truly scrumptious! I will come back again and again and again just for this (even if I have to "hike").
To end, Bostock, a luscious delicacy. The eggy brioche bread was thickly sliced, almond-syrup soaked, frangipane topped and baked to a crispy-edged breakfast glory.Topped with thick golden-brown caramel sauce and lightly roasted almond slices; it was served very warm and delightful. I loved the edges, all 4 sides, all toasty and complimented the buttery and rich bostock very well. The caramel sauce gave a sharp and robust syrupy and tangy edge, and the almonds added a further nutty dimension and a hint of crunchiness to this sweet treat. Very, very satisfying. =
If life brings you to a deadend, perhaps consider paying a visit to Cafe Deadend, be pampered and "energised"!?
I inhaled; I turned my back against the white concrete wall... against the dead end; and I was able to walk forward with joy.
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