From Paris with Love: Angelina Singapore in Capitol Galleria

I've always wanted to go to Paris. In my mind, I've envisioned it to be very laid back yet stylish. Where beautiful people would hang out at the outdoor cafes dressed in the latest fashion styles and they would leisurely enjoy their cup of coffee and some pastry.

Of course, there's Angelina. One of two food places that has been on my list for years. I've heard about Angelina's famous Hot Chocolate and had a taste of a replica years back. The replica was pretty good so I had extremely high expectations for the real thing. Visiting Paris might come in the next few years but luckily, Angelina came to me earlier than expected.

Angelina opened its first Southeast Asian store here in Singapore just a month ago at very posh Capitol Galleria (beside Capitol Piazza). Its opening has been much awaited by all local food-lovers including yours truly and my hubby Paul. So, last Sunday, we met up with our friend D for Afternoon Tea. D got to the restaurant earlier than our agreed meeting time so he was able to queue up right away. By the time we got there, we just had to wait for a few minutes as they cleaned and prepared our table.

Initially, I thought that Angelina will be offering all desserts and drinks only. It's interesting to see that they actually have a pretty impressive brunch and hot meals line up. Too bad Paul and I was still full from our heavy lunch prior to our meet-up so we only had space for dessert and of course, the Old-Fashioned Hot Chocolate "L'Africain" (S$12) which we agreed to share. At first, our server was hesitate to make us share the Hot Chocolate but since we told him that we intend to order a lot more, he finally said yes. One order comes in a small pot and whipped cream at the side. The chocolate was very rich, thick and creamy. I loved it from the moment I had my first sip. No wonder it wasn't really intended for sharing. It was so yummy, you'd want it all for yourself.



It was good thinking though that we shared as I didn't want to have chocolate overload as we paired our Hot Chocolate with our 3 dessert choices. First was the Opera (S$13) which was a delicious and decadent almond chocolate biscuit soaked in coffee, crunchy praline biscuit and chocolate mousse. Isn't it a beauty? Each layers gives you varying texture which makes each bite so interesting. Yum!

Next was the Le Mont-Blanc (S$13.50). Said to be Angelina's signature cake since 1903! Wow! This cake has been around for 112 years. It's a beautiful creation made with chestnut cream vermicelli (noodle shaped) filled with light whipped cream and meringue. Since I can't take whipped cream, I only had a teeny tiny spoonful of this and let the two boys enjoyed it till the last scoop. I'm also not a fan of strong chestnut flavors so this one was just a-okay for me.

To break the strong chocolate and nutty flavors, we got the Tarte au Citron (S$10) which was my favorite among the three. I instantly fell in love with the light citrusy lemon cream which was topped with vanilla marshmallow and all encased in a nice, perfectly baked pastry crust. This was really the best!

We're so happy that we're finally able to try Angelina and we will surely be back for more. Now, if you'll excuse me, I got a Paris trip to plan. ;)

Angelina Singapore is located at Capitol Galleria, 01-82, 15 Stamford Road, Singapore 178906. Call them at 6384-0481.