[Product Review] Cheese Garden

Company: Cheese Garden
Product Type: Japanese cheesecakes, drinks and desserts
Address: 5291 Yonge St. (North York); Unit G120, 3250 Midland Ave. (Midland); B58-4300 Steeles Ave. E (Pacific Mall)
Operating Hours: Mon- Sun 11 AM - 10 PM (North York); Mon-Sun 12-10 PM (Midland); Mon-Sun 12-8 PM (Pacific Mall)
Website: www.cheesegarden.ca

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North York location

Menu

Yuzu Pistachio Double Fromage Cheesecake, $22.95

Double Fromage Cheesecake, $18.95

Uji Matcha Tiramisu, $11.95

Baked Cheese Tart, $8.85

Review

Cheese Garden is a Japanese cheesecake shop that offers a variety of desserts with currently three locations in Toronto. I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek of their new and limited edition Yuzu Pistachio Double Fromage Cheesecake ($22.95) in celebration of their second anniversary. This cheesecake is only available from October 13th through November 4th, with only 50 available at each store and one per customer! If you visit any of the Toronto stores on October 13th or 14th, you can get 50% off one pastry item (excluding the Yuzu Pistachio Double Fromage Cheesecake).

What is yuzu, you may ask? With a quick Google search, yuzu is a citrus fruit that looks like a wrinkled lemon. It's quite sour and tart so yuzu is normally used for flavouring. The Yuzu Pistachio Double Fromage Cheesecake consists of three layers: the frozen yuzu mascarpone cheesecake at the top, with the baked pistachio cheesecake encrusted with sugar roasted pistachios in the middle, that all lastly sits on top of the pistachio sponge cake. The cake is covered with pistachio sponge cake crumbs and is decorated with gold flakes and a yuzu-shaped chocolate. The crumbs are incredibly fluffy (which reminds me a bit of fake snowflakes).

The flavour of the Yuzu Pistachio Double Fromage Cheesecake is quite unique. I enjoyed it more the second time around when my taste buds got used to it. It would definitely appeal to people who like flavours like matcha or hojicha. I think the presentation of the cake in the wooden box is absolutely adorable and is perfect for a birthday or small party.

If you feel that the yuzu pistachio flavour may be out of your comfort zone, try their classic Double Fromage Cheesecake ($18.95) instead! This is perfect for people who like original flavoured products that are kept simple without all the fuss, but is still delicious.

I also got to try the Uji Matcha Tiramisu ($11.95) and Baked Cheese Tart ($8.85). The Uji Matcha Tiramisu is a very light and easy dessert to eat. The Baked Cheese Tart is similar to an egg tart but is a lot sweeter and spongier.

Check out Cheese Garden for their second anniversary to try any one of their pastries for 50% off on October 13th and 14th and can get your hands on the limited edition Yuzu Pistachio Double Fromage Cheesecake (which runs until November 4th).

[Product Review] Full House Desserts

Company: Full House Desserts
Product Type: Traditional Hong Kong desserts
Address: 9425 Leslie St. & 4750 Yonge St., Suite 121
Operating Hours: Thurs-Tues 5-11 PM, Wed CLOSED
Website: www.fullhousedesserts.com

Full House Sago, $7.49

Mango Pancake, $8.99; Durian Pancake, $10.99

Review

Full House Desserts specializes in traditional Hong Kong desserts. They have two locations, one in Richmond Hill and the other in North York. I was invited to review their desserts and share my thoughts!

I visited their North York location, which is conveniently located by Yonge and Sheppard if you are coming off the subway line. The North York location is a take-out shop where items are already prepackaged and ready to be sold. They have a selection of hot desserts, such as the Black Sesame with Almond Soup ($5.99) and Sweet Ball with Sweet Ginger. I opted to try their cold desserts instead because I couldn't take the food home right away.

The Full House Sago ($7.49) contains mango and pomelo pulp. If you are a fan of mango, you would love this pudding dessert because it packs a punch. In comparison, the Mango ($8.99) and Durian Pancake ($10.99) is full of fresh cream with the fruits stuffed in the middle. They are incredible soft and fluffy to cut through, quite similar to Japanese pancakes! The pancakes can be left in fridge for a couple of days without losing any of the freshness. I like the pancakes because the fillings are delicious; but I prefer it in small doses since I'm normally not a cream person. It's perfect for sharing since you receive two pancakes per order. If you love cream fillings, then definitely give these pancakes a try.

The consistency and taste from these Hong Kong desserts are quite different than what I am used to. If you haven't had traditional Hong Kong sweets yet, Full House Desserts is a great starting point. I think these treats would be a hit at Asian family parties!

Fuwa Fuwa

Restaurant: Fuwa Fuwa
Address: 408 Bloor St. W
Phone: 647-618-2868
Operating Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 AM - 7:30 PM, Fri 11 AM - 10 PM, Sat 10 AM - 10 PM, Sun 10 AM - 7:30 PM
Website: www.fuwafuwapancakes.com

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Menu

Raspberry and Caramelized Banana Pancake, $13.80

Creme Brulee Pancake, $15.80

Review

Fuwa Fuwa, which translates to Fluffy Fluffy in Japanese, is one of the latest Toronto food hypes. Fuwa Fuwa is the only fluffy Japanese pancakes place I've been to so far. I got there at 4 PM on a Tuesday with a couple of friends. The place had a decent number of customers but luckily there were seats and tables available so we didn't have to wait.

We ordered the Raspberry and Caramelized Banana Pancake and the Creme Brulee Pancake. They were indeed super fluffy and delicious! All three of us preferred the Creme Brulee flavoured pancake between the two. You can definitely share one plate between two people. It would also help cut down on the cost as well since the pancakes are quite pricey for dessert.

For my first experience with Japanese pancakes, I was quite pleased. The hype was definitely worth it. I would recommend checking the place out if you are in the area!

Sweet Jesus

Cafe: Sweet Jesus

Address: 106 John St.

Phone: 647-348-2266

Store Hours: Sun-Mon 7 AM - 10 PM, Tues-Sat 7 AM - 11 PM

Website: www.sweetjesus4life.com

Review

My Order: Red Rapture, $6.50

Sweet Jesus is often mentioned when it comes to getting ice cream in Toronto. It also doubles as a coffee bar but I didn't try any during my visit so I can't comment on their drinks.

When my friends and I first arrived, we had to wait outside in line briefly. We had the opportunity to check out their menu before ordering when we went inside. I decided on the Red Rapture because I saw the words "red velvet". I never looked up any reviews of Sweet Jesus prior so I wasn't sure what to expect. I saw a lot of colourful photos of their products in the past and they seemed appealing. So with my order, I assumed it would be made with red velvet ice cream. It wasn't, just regular soft serve (it didn't register in my mind that it would be soft serve despite being listed under the "Pimped Out Soft Serve" section, my bad).

This was the first time in over a decade where I was greatly disappointed by ice cream. Despite the various toppings, I found the Red Rapture to be blandly sweet. The soft serve itself was mediocre, making any ice cream truck's swirly soft serve amazing in comparison. The toppings did not combine well with the soft serve at all. Two of my friends shared the cookies and dough version (I forgot the name) and they couldn't finish it despite it being split between them. Price was also a big factor to why I wouldn't come back here. The cost was too much for the ice cream quality. It should've been no more than $5 with tax included but even then, I feel that I'm being generous.

If you want some amazing quality decked out ice cream, I highly recommend Booyah! and Dutch Dreams, both in Wychwood over Sweet Jesus.
 

Blinco's Crepes & Coffee - CLOSED

Restaurant: Blinco's Crepes & Coffee

Address: 5487 Dundas St. W

Phone: 416-234-9393

Store Hours: Mon-Thurs 7 AM - 9 PM, Fri-Sat 7 AM - 10 PM, Sun 10 AM - 7 PM

Website: N/A

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Menu

Review

My Order: Hazelnut Freddo; Reese Crepes, $6.99

Blinco's Crepes & Coffee is a new cafe that just opened in Etobicoke on Dundas Street West. I was invited to come out to the grand opening but was unable to make it because I was in Montreal. However, I was able to come in and try their crepes after I got back. I brought my friend along and we both opted for the Decadent Crepes. I tried the Reese Crepes and my friend tried the Nutella & Peanut Butter Crepes. Both looked identical, hence I only chose to take a photo of my Reese Crepes.

I really like the price point of the crepes here because nothing is over $7.99. Usually when you think of a crepes place, such as Spin Desserts or Caffe Demetre, they usually cost over $10. The crepes are also very thin and minimal, perfect for those who can't handle too much sweetness. We also tried their Freddo, which is a mix between iced coffee and a Starbucks Frappuccino. It wasn't overly sweet like the crepes either, great for someone that doesn't want a sugar overload but still get their caffeine fix.

I think it is a cute option for a date night if you are in the Etobicoke area. They have a variety of tables and couches to chill out on and an assorted menu that will not break your bank!

Juliette & Chocolat

Cafe: Juliette & Chocolat

Address: 1626 Ste-Catherine Quest

Phone: 514-508-4800

Store Hours: Sun-Thurs 11 AM - 11 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM - 12 AM

Website: www.julietteetchocolat.com

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Review

My Order: The Chocolate Medley, $7.95

Juliette & Chocolat was one of the restaurants I wanted to visit for a long time. On my fourth Montreal trip, I finally got the chance to go to one of their many locations. I had super high expectations for Juliette & Chocolat because I only heard good things about it. However, I ended up ordering something that greatly disappointed me. I expected to get a giant brownie with lots of ice cream for The Chocolate Medley. I expected a bigger platter, something similar to Demetres. It was good, though not what I expected for the price.

The space overall is very spacious and can hold many customers. It's a good place for a get-together or a first date. I heard their other menu items are pretty tasty though. If I come back, I know I will definitely order something else. 

Jelly Modern Doughnuts

Restaurant: Jelly Modern Doughnuts
Address: 376 College St.
Phone: 416-962-2053
Store Hours: Mon pre-order pickup + delivery, Tues-Thurs 7 AM - 6 PM, Fri 7 AM - 7 PM, Sat 10 AM - 7 PM, Sun 11 AM - 7 PM
Website: www.jellymoderndoughnuts.com

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Menu

Drinks - Soy/Almond/Lactose-Free Options?: No

Food - Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free Options?: Gluten-sensitive options available

Review

Doughnut of Choice: S'mores, $2.75

If you read my review for Kensington Krawl, you would've found out that was the first time I visited Jelly Modern Doughnuts. I have been eyeing the store for a couple of years now ever since I saw it, but never had the chance to stop by. After my food tour, all attendees were given a coupon for a free doughnut and coffee. I eagerly came back to claim the coupon with a friend of mine.

The first time I was there, I tried the S'mores doughnut. For this visit, I took a stab at the Salted Caramel. I loved both doughnuts but I preferred the S'mores a bit more. My friend got hooked after eating his Coconut doughnut and ended up buying half a dozen for his roommates afterwards! He ended up coming back later on every time he passed by.

I highly recommend Jelly Modern Doughnuts if you love gourmet desserts. Every bite is worth it!

[Product Review] DLish Cupcakes

Company: DLish Cupcakes

Website: www.dlishcupcakes.com

Review

Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free?: No

Lemon Meringue, $17 for box of 6

Maple Walnut, $3

Pumpkin, $3

DLish Cupcakes is one of the popular cupcake stores in Toronto. If you aren't familiar, DLish Cupcakes have two locations on Queen West and Yorkville. They specialize in cupcakes for all occasions, with limited edition flavours that come out maybe once or twice a year.

The very first time I got to try DLish Cupcakes was when I won a 6-pack of their limited Lemon Meringue this past summer. I was super excited because who wouldn't want to win free cupcakes? My friend asked for one immediately after she found out I won. I remembered it being soft and chewy, which is a given for all the DLish Cupcakes! I was quite content with the number of cupcakes I was able to chow down by the end of the day.

I was able to try their Maple Walnut and Pumpkin recently through their weekly freebies! How do you get a free cupcake? If you keep an eye out on their Twitter account @DLishCupcakes, they sometimes announce a secret word that you need to say in-stores to win a free cupcake. I remember devouring the Maple Walnut pretty quickly and the Pumpkin tasted true to its flavour. My favourite out of the three flavours I have tried so far is the Maple Walnut.

So to wrap it up, each and every cupcake I've had so far from DLish Cupcakes is absolutely delish! It's perfect to bring to a small dinner party or for someone's birthday. Heck, why need an occasion to have a cupcake anyway? Cupcakes are simply amazing.

Cacao 70

Cafe: Cacao 70
Address: 2087 Ste-Catherine Ouest
Phone: 514-933-1688
Store Hours: Mon-Sun 11 AM - 10:30 PM
Website: www.cacao70.ca

Wi-Fi?: Yes
Study Appropriate?: No
Stamp Cards?: No

Interior

Menu

View menu here: www.cacao70.ca/newmenueng.jpg & www.cacao70.ca/menueng.pdf

The House Special (I think, I don't remember), $12

Meat Lover Omelet, $12.50

Review

Although yes, this is the Toronto Cafe Blog, I think it's nice to have a little variety here and there. As well, this is a filler review since I don't have as much content to post compared to my upcoming reviews.

My boyfriend and I visited my cousin in Montreal three weeks ago. We got to try a popular chocolate dessert cafe/restaurant called Cacao 70. They offered a limited selection of coffee drinks but I wasn't there for the coffee. Since it was brunch time, I was desperate to have some content into my stomach. I didn't want to order dessert because I had nothing in the morning and didn't want to be filled up on sugar. So I ordered one of their savoury crepes, The House Special (I think, I'm basing it off their online menu since I forgot to record it). It came with fruit appetizers that you could dip in chocolate before the main entree came. I definitely enjoyed the food! It was not crazily mind-blowing and unique, but it definitely gave me a fill and I was definitely content.

I really liked the atmosphere and their chocolate-themed restaurant. You could also buy chocolate to take back with you if you wish. I didn't buy any only because they were a bit pricey for a bag.

If I was to come back to Montreal (which I obviously am), I would definitely try their dessert crepes. Even if you hate chocolate (like my boyfriend), there is definitely something there for everyone.

Spin Dessert Cafe (Vaughan)

Cafe: Spin Dessert Cafe
Address: 7600 Weston Rd.
Phone: 905-851-3633
Store Hours: Sun-Thurs 10 AM - 11:30 PM, Fri-Sat 10 AM - 2 AM
Website: www.spindessert.com

Wi-Fi?: Yes
Study Appropriate?: No
Stamp Cards: Electronic stamp card using your phone number (see review)

Menu

Thai Express, $11.25

Birthday Red Velvet Cupcake, free! :P

Scarlett, $11.45

On the Floor, $11.45

View full menu here: http://spindessert.com/menu.html

Review

Food of Choice: I Like It Like That, $10.25

I spontaneously decided to write this review, hence the lack of information and pictures I would usually have extensively in most of my cafe reviews. This blog is focused on coffee cafes, so I didn't know if I should throw in a dessert cafe or not. Since dessert cafes do sell hot and cold caffeinated beverages, why not? I never visit dessert cafes to get a coffee though, so most likely other future dessert cafe reviews would be primarily on food. But hey, something new once in awhile right?

I have heard quite a bit about Spin through word-of-mouth. My friend and I wanted to meet up so I decided on Spin because it was convenient for us. I was told that the food was even better than Caffe Demetre (which was literally a minute away from Spin), so my standards were set high because I absolutely loved Caffe Demetre.

We arrived past 7 PM and were waited on by a cute waiter, who attended to us quite often. It was a bit empty when we first arrived but we settled quickly as my friend and I had a lot of catching up to do. I decided to go for a dessert crepe because I already had dinner waiting for me at home so I didn't want to spend on dinner food. I was flipping between I Like It Like That (Chocolate peanut butter ice-cream topped with Reese's mini cups, bananas and hot fudge on the side) or You Rock My World (Sticky toffee ice-cream topped with Skor Toffee pieces, white chocolate curls and hot caramel sauce on the side). I asked the waiter to help me decide and he recommended I Like It Like That, so I took up on his advice. My friend ordered one of the savoury crepes called Thai Express.

When our orders came, I was indifferent to my order. It seemed like it could be replicated elsewhere but better. Maybe because I have been spoiled by the luxuries of Caffe Demetre for the past few years. I would not say it was spectacular and it tasted exactly how I would expect it to taste. I sorta wished I tried You Rock My World instead. I did manage to sample my friend's Thai Express and I preferred her dish over mine.

We noticed that it started to get busy closer to 9 PM. While we were talking, the waiter asked why my friend looked sad (she was just pondering for a moment). He asked if it was her birthday (it wasn't) and he promptly brought out a red velvet cupcake for her! I was quite envious, but I give Spin 5/5 for customer service! Nothing beats a free cupcake, haha.

When it got busy, the service to our table did slow down considerably. Which wasn't too bad since I don't like to constantly be bothered at a restaurant. Though in the end it did take awhile for our bill and change to get back to us.

If you sign up with your phone number, you will get a free drink the next time you visit. After that, a free drink after every ten times you visit. So basically it's an electronic loyalty card using your cell number. I thought that was pretty cool. Apparently you should get a notice once you have been inserted into their system. It has been three days but I still haven't received anything...

So my overall verdict is yeah, I would probably go back. I just hope the next item tastes a lot more mouth-watering or unique.