What cake are you going to prepare for a 5oth Birthday? This month’s quest was to prepare for such an occasion a cake but not a chocolate for my recipe submission to SLIM.

I had a beautiful wooden box in my pastry and I was wondering if it was not possible to re-create a cigar box as a Birthday Gift-Cake to such an event. It had to be a cake tailored for a connoisseur who does fancy cigars. After some time playing with the idea I decided for a Hazelnut-Praline cake with a Vanilla Brulee center and Hypen cigars.

The bottom is covered with a very thin layer of chocolate roullade. A fine layer of Praline cream is covering the roullade before a moist hazelnut Dacquoise layer is put in place. Another layer of the Praline cream before the Vanilla Brulee is covering the center of the cake. Almond-Praline Croustillant covers the Brulee center, covered by the last layer of Praline cream. To finish the cake I covered to top with a very fine layer of mocha butter cream, topped with hand rolled Hypen cigars!

Singapore must be one of the cities I have visited most in the past. I even lived and worked in this city state for two years. I always love to return to Singapore as it such a save and clean place to be in Asia. As with most Asians food is a major part of life so it is in Singapore; there are everywhere Hawker centers in town. Years back there where Hawker stalls along the streets, nowadays they all moved to centers like Newton Circle. I know, I am stepping on Aun’s turf here, ChubbyHubby covers every part of life in his Blog. What I like to write is about my favorite hotel, The Fullerton Hotel.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is a masterpiece of understated comfort and elegance. Transformed from the Fullerton Building which was built in 1928, its rich heritage, neo-classical architecture and strategic location make it an inspiration to business and leisure travelers.

The Fullerton Building housed a number of notable occupants, such as the General Post Office, The Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce and The Singapore Club, all of which played important economic roles in ensuring that Singapore remained the trading hub in South-east Asia at the time.

I just love the Sunday Brunch at the Fullerton but every time get sloshed with free flowing Champagne, hence the rest of the day laying at the pool to get sober for the evening out. Boat Quay and Clark Quay are just next door where small restaurants and bars are dotting the shore line. Funan center is very close by and other shopping malls are not too far. MRT station into Orchard is close by which gets you into shopping heaven within 20 minutes.

I just grave for Hawker food when ever I am in Singapore; Chinese, Malay and Indian food, all in one place. There is nothing better to sit at nights on a plastic table with friends, a jug of cold Tiger Beer and two dozen of Sate e’s from the charcoal fire. If your shirt is not smelling of smoke by the end of the night; you have not been there!

I was asked the other day if I could shoot some food pictures for iKandy, our premium club since the ad agency required some more shots. Having done previously the shooting, J needed the same style. L, our graphic designer, photographer and my guru and me got behind this project called iKandy session two. (Please check out L’s Blog Larzimages)

iKandy’s menu consist of comfort food complementing the huge beverage list. Churros, mini burgers and six brulee’s are just a few to name. The brief for the shooting was as I mention; brief and short. It should look modern and sexy and reflect the venues ambiance.

I opted for slightly over exposing the shots with different ankles. Using my Nikon D200 and my Nikkor 105mm macro lens I was shooting with only daylight and without a tripod. I had to be flexible and therefore did not like to use my usual Elincrom and Manfrotto gear.

Let’s wait until the brochure comes from the printer, J, you got to get me one or two!

Thanks L for your help!