Have you ever been to a dessert tasting? Neither had I. Till Wasamedia (thank you so much!) invited me to one at one of Sydney’s up and coming Italian restaurants. To dine, blog and enjoy the company of others while in the vicinity of desserts that blow my mind.
Now, I want you to picture this – Italian Desserts. A wild and hungry CCU.
Hold me back, I says, hold me back!
Because after you see these desserts, you will see why I went a little crazy that night π
Candelori’s Ristorante e BarΒ isn’t located in the heart of the city, or overlooking the Harbour Bridge. Tucked away in the heart of Smithfield, it is a hidden gem. Or at least, it was for me because I hadn’t actually been there before this event!
I feel like they bring some fine city dining to the western suburbs, and I live in the northwest so thank you! π Oh no… you know where I live… π
When you step into this restaurant, you are greeted with shimmering silver lights (no sparkle, only beautiful glinting), an open kitchen to the far left and fine dining tables as far as the eye can see.Β Candelori’sΒ actually remodelled their entire restaurant and I have to say, coming from someone who once aspired to be an interior decorator, the wooden floors were polished, reflected in the silver decor and it was lovely together π
As I made my way to the giant blogger table organised by the fabulous George and Laura from Wasamedia, I chanced upon very awesome seating. Next to Christie &Β Matt fromΒ Snapshots of FoodΒ and Olivia &Β Alex from Mademoiselle Mange A Sydney, it was brilliant!
Needless to say, after going to into sugar comas together, we really did bond π
And I totally did not fifth wheel π
While we waited and chatted for other bloggers to arrive, the atmosphere was very relaxed! Servers going around and filling our water (sparkling or still), politely asking if we wanted white or red, while I lamented over my decision to drive!
Before the dessert tasting started, the event was organised as to not overdose us on sugar alone. So to make sure we left beyond satisfied, we also sampled some ofΒ Candelori’sΒ pizzas before the new dessert menu was introduced!
But first, the bread. It was slightly chewy on the inside, with a crusty exterior and when dipped in the oil, made me feel I had entered the lifestyle section of my Greek and Roman history books.
We didn’t have to wait long for the pizzas to arrive afterwards! Christian Candelori, current owner and son of the original owner, was kind enough to come by and introduce us to all the pizzas so we knew exactly what our tastebuds were being introduced to!
Made with natural yeast, the pizzas here actually focus on living up to the true Italian style – considering the taste is still fresh in my mind from when I went to Europe last year, I have to say it was pretty similar!
First to come our was the classicΒ Margherita –Β tomato, bufala mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive oilΒ ($20).Β They actually import their buffalo cheese from Italy, way to add authenticity! The pizza base was extremely thin, with a chewy wood fired crust, and it was generously slathered with sauce as well!
I was expecting chunks of buffalo on top, which I am not a fan of, so I was glad they were all melted down into the sauce, adding extra saltiness and texture π
Next (or at least, in my photos order) was, (I do believe), theΒ TeramanoΒ –Β bufala mozzarella, thinly sliced mushrooms, prosciutto and truffle oilΒ ($23). This pizza looked SO pretty – the prosciutto delicately topping it was the equivalent of fairly floss in desserts!
My favourite pizza of the night was probably theirΒ Lazio – tomato, fresh zucchini flowers, stemmed artichokes, roasted eggplant, roasted capsicums, bufala mozzarella and pepper ($27).Β A gourmet vegetarian, the chosen toppings worked very well together, and I especially liked the roasted capsicums π
I also felt that despite eating quite a few pieces, I still felt light – apparently this was a result of the yeast not being synthetic! I was also surprised that a vegetarian pizza was one of the most expensive ones on offer, when usually, it is the other way around!
There were two more pizzas to go (I know, meat eaters, how do you do it?), with the next one being theΒ Salsiccie e Funghi PorciniΒ –Β fior di latte, taleggio, housemade pork sausage, porcini and chiodini mushrooms, basil, pangrattato and truffle oil ($25). It almost reminded me of the famous Italian meatballs in spaghetti!
The final pizza took a bit of a twist and took on the traditional-contemporary Italian pizza form, which was introduced 50 years ago – the rectangular look! It was theΒ Pizza Quattro OttoΒ –Β bufala mozzarella, speck, scarmoza smoked cheese and wild rocketΒ ($23). I remember this because someone yelled out ‘OMG I love Speck!’ and I thought ‘Now that’s passion!’ π
Now, done and dusted with the main meals, it was finally time *DRUMROLL*… for the dessertΒ testing!!!
I swear, looking at the menu alone was enough to get me salivating – though I believe, I have been conditioned to do that automatically – like the bell is to Pavlov’s dog, the menu is to me #whippingoutpsychology
There was a giant range of desserts, and thinking back, I don’t know how I drove back without falling into a sugar coma π
The first new dessert being introduced to the menu is theΒ Cannoli AnanasΒ –Β pineapple cannoli + pineapple mousse + crushed meringue + blueberry + mint.Β
If refreshing came out and won the Miss Refresh of the Universe award, this would be its form. Wow, that was awful, but I need to convey to you how light my mouth felt after this dessert π
The pineapple salsa to the side went very well with the light mousse, and the crushed meringue added and extra sweet touch. I didn’t really taste the blueberries, but the mint was strong and I really liked the slightly chewy dried pineapple topper – looked beautiful!
The next dessert was theΒ Cassata Negativo –Β A deconstructed classic Sicilian cassata. A cassata is often in rectangular form, a gelato full of dried fruits and jellies that make it taste like heaven. Here, they served it as scoops with some soft bread (reminded me of banana bread but I wasn’t too sure) and topped generously with Persian fairy floss. To modernise, there was also a splash of ricotta milk running through the centre.
All the elements of the cassata were deconstructed (DUH!), so segments of dehydratedΒ mandarins surrounded the bread, as well as delicious, juicy cherries! I really enjoyed how they deconstructed it, though the fairy floss was my favourite part (quoting my inner 5 year old to be honest!) π There were also caramelised figs (to die for) and a grating of Belgian chocolate to bring out the lemony flavours!
Now comes my all time (new) favourite dessert π
TheΒ Ferrero Rocher Sbagliato –Β Dark chocolate mousse + caramelised hazelnuts + chocolate brownie + fior di latte gelato. I’m sorry, but hazelnuts + chocolate has always been the best thing in the world – um, HELLO? Nutella? But this was… wait for it… even better π
The brownie was soft and moist, on the fudgy not cake side, and studded with nuts! With the gelato generously dripping down it, made it even better! The creaminess just brought out the intense chocolate flavour π
The mousse was exquisite – soft to touch with the spoon, and very creamy. The chocolate flavour I didn’t find too intense, which made it go well with the brownie. I also really liked the praline crisp and hazelnuts on its side, added a bit of crunchy texture.
Of course, the presentation was stunning, Pools of chocolate-coffee sauce as a bed, what could possibly go wrong?
After devouring this heavenly concoction, we also enjoyed theΒ Semifreddo Arrancia Rossa –Β Blood orange semifreddo + Negroni pearls + toasted marshmallows + red sorrel. I personally didn’t find the blood orange taste too strong, which might have been better, but the creamy semifreddo went excellently with the plump, juicy pearls to the side.
The toasted marshmallow was slightly chewy on the outside, but wonderful soft and fluffy inside *melts* π I also like how precise the dish was in decorations, with the blood orange segments exactly placed – it gave it a really classy aesthetic appeal!
At this point, I am pretty sure I was not the only blogger battling! But, for the sake of all that is delicious and pure in the dessert world, we strived to continue our quest!
The next dessert we tried wasn’t a particularly innovative one, but a classic deliciousΒ Bombolini –Β Warm ricotta & lemon donuts + honey + pistachio nuts + vanilla bean gelato. They were so crispy and sugary on the outside, and while I didn’t get a taste of lemon from them, I did get a heavenly experience of biting into a soft, doughy inside that melted.
Drips of vanilla gelato just took it to another dessert level! Oh Italy, even your donuts are better!
Not in the correct order, but the final dessert I want to tell you about is theΒ Pannacotta –Β Hazelnut pannacotta + roasted hazelnuts + ginger crumbs + strawberries + Italian tear drops.Β Now, I have been conditioned to enjoy hazelnuts with chocolate Β so to see them in this new arena threw me off a little!
But not for long. Delightfully nutty, the pannacotta was served in an innovative jar, with strawberry salsa fresh on the side. I really enjoyed the ginger crumble, and never would have picked it to go well with the hazelnut flavour π
Followed by a few customary coffees then, it was finally time to heave our stomachs outside and keep heaving them home!
General Information
- Excellent staff – poured our drinks, consistent asking if we needed anything
- Changed plates between courses
- Lovely interior
- Traditional Italian style cuisine
- Has just been picked as one of the best restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne according to the Gault & Millau Guide
Rating: 9/10
Website: Link
Booking? Recommended.
Now, my exchange is being finalised while I write this, so fingers crossed!
As much as I hope you enjoyed this review mes cheris, I hope I have time to bake or cook for you soon xx
|| Follow myΒ foodieΒ adventures ||
Disclaimer:Β Go Bake Yourself wasΒ invited to attend this event courtesy of Wasamedia. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and her own.
Hey Uru! How’re you? I love how you are always going undercover and trying out new places. This Italian dessert tasting sounds so heavenly decadent. I am salivating from just looking at the photos.
Can’t believe I have missed out so much from your posts. Going to continue to catch up on my reading. Have a lovely weekend ahead. Cheers, Jo
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Uru, the only problem with Italian food, is that you get hungry again after 4-5 days *smile I would go for the desserts on this place and the pannacota would me my choice, the pizzas look fantastic, can feel how crunchy those edges are – I love the rim of the pizza.
The dessert with the banana bread is a big too messed up for my taste. Too much going on, but I’m sure it was delicious. Once again a great review.
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Those desserts!!! And that veggie pizza! Was it worth the extra cost do you think? xx
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Hmm good question! I think since being veg, I would get it just because it is one of the few options besides cheese? But I don’t see why it was more expensive (possibly because of out of season veges but I don’t have enough knowledge about that!) π
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Fabulous pizzas… amazing drool-worthy desserts… My kind of heaven. π
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Ooh waw, what an array of plates with beautifully composed foods! Those desserts look to die for,…ooooooh,I wish I was there! x
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Pizza fest and dessert tasting?! Hopefully you manage to heave yourself home π
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They would have had to drag me away kicking and screaming!
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why oh WHY do I look at your beautiful blog when I am hungry?! Am drooling like a rabid dog here. That first pizza has my name on it.
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I’ve never been to dinner in Smithfield! It looks like it has a great restaurant. I do love the look of the pizzas and I’ve never had a pizza with zucchini flowers on it. There are so many desserts I’m not sure which is my favourite but I’m sure I could manage to try a couple at least xx
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It certainly does not come straight to mind as a location for dine dining, but its nice to have a slightly closer location π
Haha try them all, they were wonderful! I think the ferrero rocher was the best!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Looks like a wonderful experience. So much great looking food!
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Weren’t the pizzas awesome! I was so full by the time we got to the desserts, I don’t think I appreciated them as much as I should of. Hmmm…… maybe I will need to do a return visit π
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Aah shame I didn’t see you there! But they certainly were, I tried to control myself around the pizza and it totally didn’t happen π
Agreed definitely need to return!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Wow,,if you ask me, my choice would be Lazio Pizza and Ferrero Rocher, thanks for sharing..
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I’d try to crash a dessert tasting event π Although, the pizzas do look quite special!
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what fanciful desserts! and the pizza doesn’t look too shabby either. π
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WOW! Thanks for the up close and personal tour. What a feast. It all looks great.
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Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my chin! Everything looks AMAZING!!
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I am jealous of you, that looks delicious each dish, I would love to try pineapple cannoli and that gelato
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I want a slice of the Lazio and some panacotta please. What a tremendous array of foods! Excellent (and calorific) review!
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Oh but that pannacotta woke up my tastebuds just reading the recipe and seeing the photos! What a wonderful dessert tasting and an exciting opportunity! Aren’t you the lucky one to have so many wonderful invitations. You are being introduced to some really unique and avant garde eateries! Fun!
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Yes it is so exciting to meet other bloggers like this π
Thank you, I am glad I got you salivating!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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THOSE PIZZAS THOUGH…….. OMG I cannot even recall the last time I had a pizza, but mannnnnn I would loveeeeeeeee some soft and doughy crust!
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Pizza and desserts – how can you lose! Looks fabulous.
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Oh my word, Uru, you are really have fun indulging yourself with all this goodness!!! Those are some really amazing desserts but I must admit, a good classic piece of pizza has been on my mind lately…a lot!!!
The deconstructed cassata is quite creative…who da thought???
Thank you so much for letting us tag a long again, Uru…I really need to double up on my exercise after just looking at this goodness:)
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Aaah exercise.. more like food coma prevented that π
So many desserts were beyond creative!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Dessert tasting..? That has to be the best tasting in the whole wide world:-) Gorgeous plates…all of them.
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Ermigawsh. GIRL you get all the coolest gigs! Props to you, looks like I’ll need to start investing in the review business soon, eh? π glad you stuffed your face!
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Haha I think you totally should π
Thank you!!!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Oh PIZZA!!! I’m sold. I’m buying a plane ticket and will be there soon. π
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Carb Heaven! I can’t decide though if I’m craving after those amazing pizzas or incredible desserts though…both, I pick both!
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Naughty Uru teasing us with all the good food. I just had lunch and now I want all the food. I would be a happy kid in this restaurant. =)
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That Ferrero Rocher!!!!!!!!!! Still has me drooling π π So happy we had a nice chat π
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What a splendid food jamming session. Everything is so good and the dessert, wow, another uplifting moment.
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that is one crazy dessert! You’re so lucky to have these delicious opportunities π
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Hi Uru, what a fun event, pizza and dessert, what better way to enjoy life!
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Those desserts are just crazy- Crazy inventive, and crazy good!
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Oh, wow! The pizzas look terrific and I would have swooned over all those marvelous desserts!
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I almost did swoon right into the bombolini π
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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omg so many desserts!!!
but then the ferrero Rocher Sbagliato has me!! π π π yum!
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A pretty restaurant….and the food looks delicious. Lucky you!
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Wow – I can’t imagine how anyone would choose from all of those pizzas and desserts. I’m afraid I’d be like you and sampling them all!!
Glad you had a fun evening.
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The pizza with the gooey cheese looks amazing and the toasted marshmallow….oooh dangerous restaurant for me, Uru. I’d be sorely tempted! You do have a lot of fun in Australia. π
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Damn that’s all delicious and comforting dishes!!!
lucky you girl…
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Hehe ‘atta girl for keeping going! π
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Haha thank you! All in the interest of blogging of course π
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Whoa, sweet treats! I so want the Semifreddo Arrancia Rossa and Ferrero Rocher! As in now!
Gourmet Getaways
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oh this place looks amazing, the food seems to die for, just look at that pizza crust and dessert plates!
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Love the look of the veggies on the Lazio pizza – almost makes you feel healthy!
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More media tasting, Uru? Love to join you too. Hahaha!
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I wish you could, your media reviews are some of the best I have ever read π
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Oh Uru, I get it…you just want to torture me with all these delicious pictures…and you sure did not stop on the pizzas you had to rub the desserts in as we’ll…
Everything looks delicious!
Hope you are having a great week π
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After eating all those mouth watering pizza how did you find room for all those sumptuous desserts? No I have never been to dessert tasting but I would thoroughly enjoy this one.
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That bread they bring at the beginning of your meal @ Italian restaurants never lets me finish my meal.
Gorgeous desserts. I love these restaurant reviews of yours, Chippy. You eat well. xo
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I know, how addictive it is? But I was controlled haha
Thanks lovely!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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This restaurant recap is making me hungry during class!!!!
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Oh wow, everything looks SO good! You go to the coolest places. =)
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Mmmm, looks like a tasty feast. Next time dessert first π
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Mmmmmmmmmmm I’d have gone to town on the pizza fest and there wouldn’t have been room for all those gorgeous desserts (ok maybe ice-cream) Sounds like you had a wonderful evening!
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I love how you make a concession for the ice cream π
It was a lovely evening for sure!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Gosh, look at all those pizzas and desserts!! My mouth is watering terribly…
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There is nothing I love more than a classic pizza… except dessert. *swoon*
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can i say im jealous..actually very jealous of all this good food!
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Wow! What a feast! All of those great dishes — I would have been in heaven. Fun post — thanks.
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Everything looks fantastic, the food the dessert. Looks like a great restaurant.
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I would have been too stuffed with those pizzas to enjoy the variety of desserts but maybe just one of those bombolini.
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Haha that is what I thought but once the desserts came out, I couldn’t stop π
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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YOU ARE SO LUCKY!!! Italian dessert tasting?? yessss pleeeeeease!
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