Since opening their retail venture in April, Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio in Melbourne have been tempting customers with their fabulous cakes and chocolates. Their little pink and white shop in South Yarra is chocolate heaven. After entering, we are immediately offered a taste of their yummy fudge. This could take a while!
The interior is simply laid out with a display cabinet on one side showcasing the beautiful cakes and their packaged products lining the shelves on the other side.
At the back of the shop, Darren Purchese is busy in the kitchen. Before arriving in Australia, Darren was heady pastry chef in some of London’s most prestigious kitchens. In 2005 he made the move to Melbourne, joining Shannon Bennett at Vue du Monde where he helped the restaurant achieve their 3 star status. Together with partner Ian Burch, they now concentrate on their Sweet Studio.
The display of cakes, both large and small, is mouthwatering. Combinations such as raspberry, white chocolate, honey and lychee cake together with smoked white chocolate, coffee, aniseed and lemon and a new wild strawberry, peach and white chocolate cake grace the cabinet
Chocolate, chocolate and chocolate cake on the left with a passion fruit, ginger, mint and coconut cake in the centre and the smoked white chocolate, coffee, aniseed and lemon cake on the right.
Burch & Purchese chocolate bars have names such as Persian Delight, A Taste of Paradise, Mandarin Dark Chocolate, Spiced Toasted Almond Milk and Mint White Chocolate. How can you say no!
Inspired to use their products, I choose a jar of salted caramel and another that is a combination of layered chocolate hazelnut spread and half salted caramel. Jams also receive the Burch & Purchese touch. Raspberry and hibiscus jam, strawberry and rose petal jam are only two but it is the chocolate, strawberry and balsamic vinegar jam that I want to try.
There’s also some great crumbles to choose from that can be sprinkled over cakes or whipped in with meringues but I succumb to the raspberry and white chocolate edible clay mixture which I’m told raises a simple icecream to another level. By the way- they also make delicious fruit icecream and the best looking ice creams on a stick that I have seen!
In the centre of the store, birthday cake suggestions are on display in front of the ‘inspiration wall’ which is full of jars of different ingredients. ‘Pig out on your Birthday’ is perfectly named!
A decision is required for tonight’s sweet treat!
The winner’s are:
The richly titled ‘Chocolate, chocolate and chocolate cake’ is amazing. Layers of caramelised white chocolate cream, crunchy chocolate meringue, chocolate butter cream, drunken chocolate sponge and milk chocolate cream make up this slice of chocolate heaven.
It’s hard to leave but I’ll be back for their Xmas treats!
Which cake would you like to try?
Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio
647 Chapel St
South Yarra
Tel: 03 9827 7060
Open: Tues – Sat, 10am- 6.30pm
Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio
What an array of goodness! I can tell you what i would immediately try: passion fruit, ginger, mint and coconut cake!
I haven’t tried this one…yet but will let you know when I do. I know I’ll be back there again…and again!
Oh my lands, what a fabulous spot! š I’d have to try ALL of the cakes. There’s no way in tarnation I could choose just one. š
Choosing which one to try is so hard but I must admit, I have been back a few times just for this reason- All for research of course!!
I think I need a trip to Melbourne soon.
Why not! With all the fabulous restaurants and food shops here I now need to check out some of the great health retreats you have in Queensland!