Let Them Eat Cake, Bangkok

Sweet tooth is what I am known for, beautifully craved cakes by Let Them Eat Cake, Bangkok captivates me. I have read great reviews about Let Them Eat Cake, in Siam Center, the trendy French inspired pâtisserie/bar/salon de thé. The name of the place is referential to the famous quote from Queen Marie-Antoinette, who obsessed by macarons and other delicate pastries, would have said (though it is not accurately true): “Qu’ils mangent de la brioche” (Let them eat cake) while the revolution of the poor French people was making Versailles’ walls tremble.

Regardless of whether you are a dessert person or not, this place will be something to look for when you are in Bangkok the next time round...there are many good places for food in Bangkok, however, this one should be on your to visit list.

4th floor, Siam Center
989 Rama I Road
Tel: +66 2 658 1603
Daily: 10am – 10pm

Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes Recipe

Most people knows that I like cupcakes and obviously you can see it from my blog design, Recently, I found some unique cupcakes flavour around and enjoying admiring it. Maybe some of you are good in baking and I decided to share the recipe on my blog.

This is a recipe that has been very popular considering the original version needed some tweaking! Which is the original Margarita Cupckaes. Of all the liquor, margarita is one of my favourite. Of course when I see that there's Margarita cupcake, it got me excited. I am wondering whether anyone will give me a treat of this cupcake if tried making some from this recipe. Will you? :) Anyway, believe me or not, while I am writing this post, I am drinking the coffee layered liquor which consist of 55% alcohol.

The lime cupcake base is the same as the original margarita cupcake (which I will share the recipe later on), but for this they are filled with a much more stable strawberry/lime/tequila filling. That same filling is mixed into the frosting, which really makes these taste like a margarita! I think they would be so festive on your dining table.

ingredients (12 cupcakes serving)

For the Cupcakes:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 small limes, zested and juiced
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk- room temperature
Strawberry Tequila Filling:
• 2 cups chopped strawberries
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup of tequila
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 teaspoons corn starch*
For the Frosting:
• 1 1/2 sticks butter, soft
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry tequila filling (from above)

instructions

For the Cupcakes:
1. Preheat the oven to 325F. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes.
4. Blend in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the lime zest, lime juice and vanilla.
5. With the mixer on low speed, mix in the dry ingredients in three additions alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat each addition just until incorporated.
6. Divide the batter between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake 20-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Meanwhile make the filling:
7. In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, lime zest/juice, sugar and cornstarch. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until mixture becomes thick and jam-like, and the strawberries start to soften.
8. At this point- either use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer mixture to a blender or food processor to puree.
9. Return mixture to the pot and cook for 5-10 minutes on medium heat, stirring frequently until reduced and thick. Stir in all but a splash of the 1/4 cup of tequila. Let cool completely.
Filling the cupcakes:
10. Using a small paring knife, cut a cone out of the top of each cupcake. Remove the cut-out cake and spoon a tablespoon of strawberry filling into each cupcake. (Make sure to reserve at least 2 tablespoons for the frosting!) Replace the top part of the cone, cutting the tip to leave room for the filling.
For the Frosting:
11. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter on high until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Cream in the strawberry filling and the remaining splash of tequila. Mix until the frosting is thick and creamy, adding a splash of milk or lime juice if needed. If the frosting seems to curdle, add a little more powdered sugar until smooth.
12. Spread or pipe on cupcakes. Use a spoon to sprinkle some coarse sugar around the edge of the cupcake and top with a strawberry slice and lime wedge.

notes

Base cupcake recipe adapted from Annies Eats via Martha Stewart

Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2015 Makeup Collection

Japanese beauty magazine Voce has posted an image of Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée‘s summer 2015 makeup collection on its Facebook page. The collection features new (and possibly limited-edition) variations of Pressed Cheek Color in light-blue cases. Everything about this blush is calling my name! What else to say? 

Information on and images of the collection items (to be released in Japan on May 1st):

- Mixed Pressed Cheek Color (4 variations, limited editions, refill RM115  ¥3800 , case (limited-edition design, with brush RM 45 ¥1500)

Look at the rose petals blush too, they made me speechless. I was truly amazed...I got nothing more to say. 

Book Review-Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China by Jung Chang

In 1852, at age sixteen, Cixi was chosen as one of Emperor Xianfeng’s numerous concubines. When he died in 1861, their five-year-old son succeeded to the throne. Cixi at once launched a coup against her son’s regents and placed herself as the true source of power—governing through a silk screen that separated her from her male officials.

Drawing on newly available sources, Jung Chang comprehensively overturns Cixi’s reputation as a conservative despot. Cixi’s extraordinary reign saw the birth of modern China. Under her, the ancient country attained industries, railways, electricity, and a military with up-to-date weaponry. She abolished foot-binding, inaugurated women’s liberation, and embarked on a path to introduce voting rights. Packed with drama, this groundbreaking biography powerfully reforms our view of a crucial period in China’s—and the world’s—history. 

Stay, Shop & Save at St Giles The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur- Grand Hotel & Residences

ABOUT

St Giles The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur- Grand Hotel & Residences – Cititel Hotel Management’s first deluxe property opened in March 2008. It is a 5-star hotel with 448 guestrooms (hotel) and 199 fully-serviced Residences.  St Giles The Gardens- Grand Hotel & Residences complements its 2 successful sister hotels; Boulevard Hotel and Cititel Mid Valley.

 

SLEEP

The spectacular architectural facade of the 29 storey St Giles The Gardens- Grand Hotel & Residences  is strategically located in the premier precinct of The Gardens; a 9.7 acres development within a prime 50-acre site of Mid Valley City, anchored by a high end shopping gallery and two landmark office towers. Developed by Mid Valley City Gardens Sdn Bhd, a fully-owned subsidiary of IGB Corporation Berhad, Mid Valley City is a modern, integrated, mixed-use development combining retail, shopping, leisure, dining, entertainment and hospitality. With its prime location, Mid Valley City is the preferred destination for both leisure and business travellers, ultimately offering a wide choice of accommodation with over 1,600 rooms and residences and a haven for shopping, plus a host of activities to suit everyone.

The Hotel offers 448 Deluxe to Executive Premier rooms with sizes ranging from 38-40 square meters. The rooms are tastefully furnished in warm contemporary tones with generous use of glass and mirrors in the walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. In-room voicemail, broadband internet access, a choice of pillows and other modern amenities are provided to enhance the overall experience.

The Residences units (199) are fully furnished and offer spacious as well luxurious one bedroom units of 79 square meters, up to 130 square meters for the two bedroom suites. The Residences (up to 200 quare meters) give guests a preferred choice of accommodation for families, on an extended stay.  In-room voicemail, broadband internet access, kitchen facilities and other modern amenities are provided to enhance the overall stay experience. Self-service laundry facilities are available on alternate floors of The Residences.

The Executive Lounge located on the top floor of the hotel is an exclusive retreat for Executive Floor guests, offering complimentary welcome drinks in the in-room minibar refrigerator, complimentary breakfast, evening drinks, personalised check-in and check-out services inclusive of free broadband internet access and complimentary usage of boardroom.                        

Whether you are staying at the Hotel or the Residences, privacy is assured as each guest room door opens into a corridor and your room would not be confronted by another. In addition the Hotel has a separate entrance and lobby from the Residences. Access to the Hotel facilities from the Residences, is easily and conveniently available to all guests via the 5^th floor.

Your weekend just got better, St Giles The Gardens is very pleased to extend to you the Weekend STAY, SHOP & SAVE Promotion. Enjoy Cash Voucher from ROBINSONS and great discounts with JJ Nail Studio Mid Valley, Globby Kidz, and Kid’s E World.  This is more than your usual weekend!

From RM372 nett (Deluxe room with FREE Wifi).  Stay min. 2 nights to enjoy additional 10% discount on Best Available Rate (with Promo code: EBC042015). Valid till 31 December 2015  Call 603 2268 1111 or email resvnghr@StGiles-Hotels.com for more information/ reservation

*Terms & conditions apply

* Rates are quoted nett Ringgit Malaysia inclusive of 6% GST

MEET

Conference and meeting organisers are spoilt for choice at St Giles The Gardens- Grand Hotel & Residences. The Gardens Ballroom, located on the 5^th floor accommodates up to 350 diners (banquet set-up) with a pre-function lounge for a welcome reception or pre-dinner cocktails. The Ballroom Balcony which can host multiple types of set-ups and events such as tea ceremony, VIP gallery, break-out room and more. With this unique feature and the only ballroom in Kuala Lumpur with a balcony, the capabilities of this function room are versatile and endless. There are 9 other small function rooms aptly named Skyview Rooms and they are located on the 28^th floor and 29^th floor of the Hotel. Bringing you to greater heights, the fully-equipped function rooms are ideal for impactful meetings and effective training sessions with your team. Providing panoramic vistas of the city and with seating capacities ranging from 20 to 100 persons, there is also a business centre on level 29 to serve your administrative needs.

DINE

The Spread, an all day dining restaurant is ready to welcome you with its new and revitalized concept. Features local and international specialties with live cooking stations and an outdoor wooden deck, just perfect for a private barbecue dinner. Indulge in refined dishes of the finest at Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar which offers nouvelle cuisine in an exciting fusion of French-Japanese. Ri-Yakitor Bar is a hip watering hole serving skewered Japanese BBQ delights whilst you can enjoy a cuppa in the afternoons or unwind after a long day at our unpretentious Lobby Bar. For guests who just prefer to relax in the embrace of our ultra-pleasing rooms, you may opt for “Cuisine on Call”, featuring a 24-hour in-room dining service.

Recreational facilities include a well-equipped and spacious gymnasium which is located on level 5 and has a commanding view of the city which you can enjoy as you work up a sweat. Spend a lazy afternoon lounging by the Infinity Pool on level 5 amidst the buzz of the city down below. For more recreational and leisurely activities, stroll through The Gardens Mall which houses a sleek fashion gallery of local and international haute couture as well as holistic retreats. If you are still looking for more to do, then head on down to the popular Mid-Valley Megamall located just 2 minutes away. 

St Giles The Gardens- Grand Hotel & Residences, is the first hotel in Malaysia to offer a totally no-smoking environment in all its guestrooms and enclosed public areas. However there are designated smoking areas located in the hotel.

With its strategic location in the heart of Klang Valley, 10 minutes to KL Sentral, key business districts and instant access to major expressways, it is essentially the preferred address for business and leisure travellers. There is just so much to do and more, right at your doorstep when you stay at St Giles The Gardens- Grand Hotel & Residences.

St Giles The Gardens- Grand Hotel & Residences

 The Gardens, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra

Tel: 603 – 2268 1188  

Email: infoghr@StGiles-Hotels.com     Website: www.StGiles.com