There is no better time to enjoy a good magical frozen dessert in a place like Malaysia with summer lasts all year long. Penang has no shortage of good desserts but we sure would not mind a new addition to the Penang cafe-dessert scene. The Craftisan is a new kid on the block and has just had its grand opening in early July 2017. Housed on the first floor of Soul Cafe, The Craftisan is an Ice Cream parlor that focuses on Gelato-inspired sweet treats. It gets points for the inspired creativity- for infusing Tea into their Ice Cream. The selection is full of Asian-leaning flavors- from refreshingly light Jasmine, Matcha to bolder ones like Tie Kuan Yin (Chinese Oolong Tea) and occasionally exotic delights like Durian Ice Cream. The cafe is brilliantly spaced and brightly lit, with clean and comfortable couches forming the homey-intimate atmosphere. It is a place best to chill out with friends over some sweet treats (if you do not mind the slightly higher price points).
Goddess of Mercy (Rm 21)
Verde Fever (Rm 21)
The perfectly layered and carefully presented Goddess of Mercy is a beautiful sight to behold. The Italian would be amused by the whimsical concoction of Panna Cotta and Tie Kuan Yin Ice Cream (diners have the option to choose their preferred Ice Cream), the tea-infused Ice Cream cuts through the creaminess of the gelatin dessert. A taste of the expertly sweetened Tie Kuan Yin Ice Cream (the sweet tooth may find the Ice Cream not sweet enough) evoked familiar flavors, the tea-element was sturdy but the texture can be refined. Probably the milk-factor was weak, the Tie Kuan Yin Ice Cream lacked the consistency that holds the Ice Cream together; it fell apart with the slightest prick on the Ice Cream (Sorbet-like texture). Likewise, the Panna Cotta can be creamier as well. It lacked the Vanilla-flavor or the fact that it was overpowered by the Tie Kuan Yin Ice Cream; the combination did not provide equal opportunity for both ingredients to shine. The nutty concoction of Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts and Almond flakes did hit marks nevertheless.
The Verde Fever was a let down, it consists of a Pastry Tart with a concoction of fresh fruits (namely Dragonfruit, Strawberry, Watermelon, Honeydew and Kiwi), topped with a scoop of Ice Cream (of your choice). We had Honey Jasmine, a light tea-flavored Ice Cream with sleek sweetness. We enjoyed the Ice Cream on its own but not with the fruit tart. The Ice Cream overpowered the fruits and we could not understand their roles here in this dessert. It would be better if they could replace the Fruit Tart with something else or at least, to fine-tune the Fruit Tart (some custard would be nice).
Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Additional Information:
Address: 1st Floor, 12, Kek Chuan Road, 10400, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 12 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Contact Number: 604- 227 8200
I'd give them full marks for their craftmanship. Lovely presentations.
ReplyDeleteNormally Durian ice cream or gelato will priced slightly higher than other flavors, but not here, good!
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