Cheesess Cheese Tart review

Cheesess shop

While waiting for a friend at K-11, I couldn't help but notice this cheesecake place. It was very simple (only 2 dine in tables) located right in the middle of the mall. I wanted to try the cheese cakes at this place from the moment I first noticed its presence... but my busy schedule did not let me.

Since Cheese Tarts are currently the talk of the dessert world in the city, I couldn't help but noticed their prominent Cheese Tart stand next to their cake display windows. I was surprised that they were only $18 each. Despite my busy schedule, I decided to buy take out.

packaging

I mean, where else would you buy Cheese Tarts other than a place that claims it has the best cheese cakes around?

Impressions

• Very soft and fragile
• Melts in mouth
• Strong lemon taste
• Coconut bites
• Reasonably priced

Cheese Tart (Original Flavour)

WOW... so... I wasn't expecting this! It was good... but not the way I have expected it to be. First, the tart, when it touches the warmth of your mouth, literally melts in your mouth. It just collapses, giving in to the warmth. Secondly, it wasn't too sweet, I find that most lemon desserts have too much added sugar inside, but I'm glad it wasn't the case for this, the amount of sweetness was just right! Thirdly, I loved the added coconut pulp (are they called pulp?)... well... the bits of coconut that were randomly scattered. It made a nice addition to the flavours and a nice added touch (so the whole tart didn't feel too slimy).

overflown with goodness

I was slightly... (I can't exactly call it "disappointment") bummed when I could hardly taste the cheese. The lemon and coconut taste was too overpowering. Now... I haven't had a Cheese Tart prior, so I'm not sure if that is how cheese tarts are supposed to be. But I would expect there to be a much stronger presence of cheese, if it were in the name.

Other than the "cheese issue" I loved this tart... it was so good!
score: 9/10
website: http://cheesess.com/hk/index.php?route=product/product_list&category_id=35&product_id=108

The Cheesecake Factory Frozen tuxedo Mousse Cheesecake review

product packaging

I have heard so many good things about The Cheesecake Factory but it's so unfortunate I have never been to there because every time I go, there is a long line up... I have always wanted to try their cakes... I was so excited to see they have brought themselves to Costco. 

piece of Frozen Tuxedo Mousse Cheesecake

impressions:

• delicious
• not too sweet
• didn't feel like "mousse cheese cake
• nicely moisted

close up of cake

what it is:

Layers of Fudge Cake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Vanilla Mascarpone Mousse and Chocolate.

I was surprised when I took my first bite, because of the appearance of the cake, I thought it was going to be very sweet, but to my surprise, it was not overly sweet, just right! Each layer was quite delightful

Despite being in the freezer, it was still nicely moist. After doing some research, I learned that the Tuxedo Mousse Cake is one of their best selling, popular cakes (sold at the actual restaurant). I'm sure it tastes so much better fresh, but I'm really content with this product!

like I said, I haven't tried cake AT the Cheesecake Factory before, but after this, I would definitely make a visit to the actual Cheesecake Factory because this cake tasted so good!

Score: 9/10
website: http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/menu/Cheesecakes/chocolate_tuxedo_cream_cheesecake

Greg's ice cream - The Happiest Ice Cream in the World! review

I have FINALLY tried Greg's Ice cream and it is good! No disappointments at all!

Greg's Ice Cream is located on Bloor near Spadina (The Annex). After weeks of hearing my friend talking about this place I knew I had to give it a try.

I went on their website and learned that Greg's ice Cream has been in business for nearly 30 years! After trying their ice cream I think they will be in business for many more 30 years!

Greg's Ice Cream is special ice cream place, with a variety of flavours, They range from "normal" flavours like vanilla to weird flavours like Star Anise. I didn't have the guts to try their Star Anise flavour, instead I got Rum Raisin.

I was really surprised by the amount of Rum they dreneched the raisins in, most of the time, when I order Rum Raisin, they usually taste like raisins + vanilla ice cream. This was not the case at Greg's... I finally know what Rum Raisin should taste like! On top of that, the ice cream was very creamy. I hear their Roasted Marshmallow is extremly popular, the next time I go, I will definitely check it out!

The shop is small with only a few tables, which is alright since it is located in downtown where people would rather go and explore than sit and eat their ice cream.

The downside I would say is that you can order what they offer that day, they do not offer all flavours every day, instead, they have a "what's serving today" and you choose from that. It can be a good thing as you know that the ice cream must be "fresh" but not so if you are going there expecting a specific flavour.

Overall though, this is definitely one of the best ice cream places I have ever tried (especially in Toronto), with a reasonable price and an amazing high quality. I think I will spend much time (and money) at this place this summer!

To see all the "Greg's Ice Cream" reviews I have written, please click here.

website: Greg's Ice Cream

Olive Garden Review

I have heard many MANY positive reviews about Olive Garden, so out of curiosity  I decided to try it. I only have 2 things to say about this place: Great Service and Delicious food! I have found one of the best Italian restaurants I have and ever will encounter. The prices are extremely reasonable, the food is in large portions, the staff are extremely friendly and  the most important thing, the food is very delicious!

Zuppa Toscana

They had a meal combo available, so it was much easier to choose from the various choices they had. We were a company of three, so we ordered three meal combos, that way we can share and try different foods. The first we ordered was Zuppa Toscana and salad. Since I am not a huge fan of salads, I cannot comment much other than to say the salad was fresh and had a lot of ingredients inside (e.g. various lettuces, olives, peppers, etc). The soup, Zuppa Toscana was my surprise, it is one of the best Italian soups I have ever had! Either I have not really had a chance to try different types of Italian soups (other than the "basic" ones such as Italian Wedding and other various types of tomato based "Italian soups", come to think of that, I am not even sure if the soups I have tried were authentic, or just fusions of the original) nonetheless, I enjoyed EVERY sip of that soup, it was cream based and contained Italian Sausage, Kale/Spinach, bacon, etc. each ingredient played it's part well. 

complementary garlic bread sticks

Olive Garden was very considerate to providing us with complementary garlic bread sticks. It was very fresh and buttery, they even let us bring it home after, which was very nice and thoughtful of them. And, of course, this way, no food is wasted!

Grilled Chicken Toscana

We ordered Grilled Chicken Toscana as one of the combos. It was very tasty, the chicken had a wonderful grilled tasted and it was seasoned so well! They paired it with a kind of cheese Risotto  and some spinach on top. Most importantly, the dish was served very hot. The Chicken was very tender and smooth. 

Parmesan potato crusted chicken

The next thing which came was Parmesan Potato crusted Chicken. I was very impressed with the quality of this dish, just like the grilled Chicken the 

Penne di mare 

Experience tells me to never order seafood at any Italian restaurant, however, I am glad I decided to order ONE dish which contained seafood. Unlike most Italian restaurants I have been to, Olive Garden's seafood dish (Penne Di Mare) had large quantities of seafood (as described on their menu) and the seafood was FRESH!

Chocolate moouse cake

For our combo, we order 2 chocolate moouse cakes and one caramel hazelnut macchiato. I am so glad we ordered these two choices because they were really good. The chocolate moouse cake was delicious, unlike most "Caucasian" places, it's cake was not very sweet (which is good). I liked the presentation too. Though it doesn't look like a lot in the picture, it was more than enough after such a heavy meal.

caramel hazelnut macchiato

For our other choice of "dessert" we ordered Caramel Hazelnut Macchiato. Never in my life have I heard of Macchiato, so out of their selection of Lattes, Cappuccinos, Expressos, etc. I decided to take my chances and try this Macchiato. I do not know coffees enough, but this is one coffee I would definitely try again (when I get the chance to). If I had to describe this drink, I would say it is a cross between a latte, cappuccino and some other type of coffee, but the mix is so well blended that it tastes far better than Cappuccino and Latte.

I would give Olive Garden a rating of 10/10!

Jack Astor's Desserts review

For those of you who have been to Jack Astor's how many of you have tried their dessert menu? I have gotten that chance this week for an early birthday celebration.

I have to say, of all the similar restaurant chains (e.g. Moxie's, Milestones, etc) I have to say their desserts are less pricey and taste really good, with large portions.

My friend and I decided to try more flavours so we got 2; 1 which was a sundae filled with Whipped Cream and nuts on top and a 2nd ice cream sundae filled with popcorn, caramel syrup and marshmallows on top.

I was surprised that it did taste quite good and not too sweet.

Creme Brulee from Costco review

I finally found some Creme Brulee!! In Costco! now I'm going to eat it all!! hahaha

This creme Brulee is quite good, lives up to those creme Brulees served in most places. They also provide glass rumpkins(?) along with a packet of brown sugar (for every creme brulee) so you can recreate that hard caramel on top (which makes a creme brulee a creme Brulee).

I hope I was able to help those who were searching hard.