Based in Manila, Philippines, Dessert Comes First is a chronicle of the food-obsessed food writer, Lori Baltazar. This website is all about desserts, restaurants, coffee, and the pleasures of homebaking. Read more about me Tea Party Baker #7: Vanilla Bean’s Turtle Cake
Wed, March 8th of 2006
1:20 pm
Note: This is the final installment in a 7-part series on the bakers whose confections will be featured in the upcoming tea party.
Vanilla Bean is one of those very few commercial establishments whose desserts are at par with those of my favorite home bakers. To my mind, it’s because this little neighborhood bakery in Salcedo Village owned and run by Trina Tiaoqui-Imperial is run like a home business. A compact glass pastry case displays the day’s sweet offerings that I often pair with one of their over-sized cups of cappuccino which I particularly love because I can smell the coffee with every sip.
It was in that display case that I first set eyes on a chocolate behemoth. Massive in appearance and weight, there it sat – a hunk of a block of what looked to me like chocolate fudge with an oozing caramel sauce and what looked to be an eruption of sorts of nuts and chocolate chunks. It had a simple name tag, “turtle cake.”
Like a girl who couldn’t read to understand, I ask Trina who happens to be behind the counter at the time. “What is that??” I ask, my voice echoing with incredulity, my eyes open wide, my finger pointed at the mysterious cake.
“It’s a turtle cake,” Trina replies simply. “A moist chocolate cake with a ripple of cream cheese,” she gestures, her hand mimicking the ripple of a wave. “It’s very rich,” she adds, almost unnecessarily, almost apologetically.
Ah, ‘rich’ and ‘dessert’ are my two middle names. I like.
The portion you see in the photo is actually misleading because the cake is served as a huge hunk at the bakery. It’s also available at Heaven ‘n Eggs.
This cake is one of those ooey-gooey-sticky affairs that threaten to glue my teeth shut. There’s plenty of the aforementioned richness in the form of nuts, chocolate, and caramel. While the cream cheese ripple is hardly discernible, the chocolate cake itself is moist, almost wet, adding even more sin to something so beguilingly called “Turtle Cake.”
Vanilla Bean Café
G/F Adamson Center Bldg.
121 Leviste St., Salcedo Village,
Makati
812-7974 / 812-7975
Related Posts:
Tea Party Baker #1 : Sharlene of Qitchen
Tea Party Baker #2 : Dulcelin’s Mango Torte
Tea Party Baker #3: Roshan’s Lemon Torte
Tea Party Baker #4: Gerald’s Cheesecake
Tea Party Baker #5: Karen’s Xanadu and Mixed Cheesecake
Tea Party Baker #6: Imelda’s White Velvet Symphony and Triple Hazelnut Mousse
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That’s just down the road from me! Do I try it out before the tea or wait for Sunday? What a dilemma!
[Reply]
Comment by Mila Tan — March 8, 2006 @ 2:00 pm
Mila, you’re so funny — you can’t wait 3 more days to try it?!
Here’s my (as usual, gluttonous) suggestion: hold out for Sunday to sink your teeth into the Turtle Cake, but you can head over to Vanilla Bean now (they close at 6pm, you can still make it!) and have their giant cappuccino with my personal fave there, the White Chocolate Cheesecake. Think cheesecake-meets-pastillas-de-leche!
Hey, you can walk off the calories on the way back anyway, right?
[Reply]
Comment by Katrina — March 8, 2006 @ 4:22 pm
Ooooh…you got my current obsession: CARAMEL, oozing in that picture. That looks like something I will definitely be hooked onto!
I’m counting the days to the tea party! Whoohooo!
[Reply]
Comment by Abster — March 8, 2006 @ 5:45 pm
That loooks so decadent and luscious. My mouth is watering. Lucky Teaparty participants.
[Reply]
Comment by Sylvie — March 8, 2006 @ 11:51 pm
I’m waiting for Sunday, Katrina. I’m going to put my instant gratification voice on hold, and prepare myself (and my tummy) for Sunday. Will you be there?
[Reply]
Comment by Mila Tan — March 9, 2006 @ 9:32 am
Mila — Wild horses couldn’t keep me away! However, I’ve been totally unable to silence my instant gratification voice the last couple of weeks; my gluttonous nature keeps winning. I don’t even go to the gym anymore! So I’ve decided that the Tea Party will be my last hurrah before getting back on the fitness program. And I fully intend to make the most of it…if, on Sunday, I don’t talk to you, it’s because my mouth will be otherwise preoccupied!
[Reply]
Comment by Katrina — March 9, 2006 @ 2:24 pm
That looks amazing! I love turtle pie so I am sure to love this too. I’m familiar with Vanilla Bean but haven’t been in a while…thanks for the heads up on this glorious looking dessert
I feel so bad I can’t make it to the tea party!!! 
Got my cookbooks from CJ today…thanks Lori! Looks like you guys had a great event…and the tea party promoses to be another “sweet” success
Good luck and have fun!
Mila/Katrina, eat extra for me ok?
[Reply]
Comment by joey — March 9, 2006 @ 10:37 pm
Sure thing Joey!
Katrina, see you on Sunday!
[Reply]
Comment by Mila Tan — March 10, 2006 @ 10:37 am
My sister and I passed by Heaven n Eggs recently to check if they still serve Turtle Cake. Fortunately, they do. Unfortunately, we were full at the time, so we’ll have to go back when we have room for this humongous dessert.
[Reply]
Comment by Lorna — April 16, 2006 @ 8:41 am
hi! was just wondering what time Vanilla Bean closes. Bec. we went there last night craving for its turtle pie but it was closed already
thanks!
althou I don’t have any professional background.
btw, i love ur blog! i’ve been inviting my family & boyfriend to tag along with me to try all the restos (esp. dessert places) u feature. I think I haven’t reached halfway since I just discovered ur amazing blog! I’ve been telling them I want to be just like you since I love to bake too, it’s my de-stresser
anyway, thanks again!
[Reply]
Comment by Anonymous — July 12, 2006 @ 7:14 am