Traditional Moon cakes with an Untraditional Twist

A series of phenomenon are set to occur on September 9^th this year.  Well yes, Apple is going to announce its launching of the new iPhone 6…but it is also a day (or night?) when we will have a supermoon, the third and last occurrence this year.  With the moon coming closest to the earth in its yearly orbit, this is also the day after the celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.  Not only is the festival traditionally known as a time of family gathering under the humongous bright moon, but also a time for kids to play with lanterns, and everybody else to stuff themselves with the 1000-kcal white lotus paste and yolk moon cakes.  Well, if you’re one of those who ain't big fan of moon cakes just like me, one of these five traditional treats with an untraditional twist might be able to arouse your appetite.

1. Haagen Dazs

Imagine substituting the dense white lotus paste with creamy ice-cream.  Oh yes, mid-autumn just can’t get any better now.  Haagen Dazs’ Twilight Collection is showcasing the strawberry “moon” surrounded by eight “stars”, flavored in chocolate, Belgian chocolate, blueberries and cream, summer berries and cream, caramel biscuits, strawberry, vanilla, macadamia nuts, and cookies and cream.  How can anybody be disappointed?

Original price:  $599 (discounts applicable to Haagen Dazs VIP and selected credit cards)
Address:  http://haagen-dazs.com.hk/html/shops/index.aspx?lang=en-US

2. Ms B’s Cakery

Celebrate mid-autumn the posh way.  Ms B’s has launched its Signature Moon cake which comes in 2 or 4 pieces.  Beautifully wrapped in their fancy cake boxes, these are literally cakes – vanilla chiffon as the base topped with mango and coconut mousse with fresh pomelo and cream.  These designs were apparently inspired by Chinese lanterns.  Ms B must really be a contemporary (and abstract) (food) artist.

Price:  $280 for a set of 2 or $520 for a set of 4
Address:  39 Gough Street, Central / Shop 202, Level 2 Pacific Place, Admiralty / Shop G111, G/F Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, TST





3. Passion by Gerarld Dubois
Death by chocolate.  You may not be able to associate the moon with this dark-colored chunk of chocolate brownie but just take a bite, and you may be surprised to find the passion fruit "moon" hidden within.  A must-try for all the chocolate lovers, at an economical price too, well at least relatively.

Price:  $49 each.  Buy at least 2 pieces to have them wrapped in an elegantly ribboned box for free.

Address:  74-78 Johnston Road, Wanchai / Shop A, G/F Lyton Building, 32-48 Mody Road, TST

4. Chui Lau Heung

While mid-autumn’s supposed to be a time for family gathering, I’m not sure if these exotic durian moon cakes from Chui Lau Heung would gather people together or actually scare them off.  Comes in a box of four, you get to pick from flavors ranging from D24 to D13 to Musang King and many more.  But oh, all of them are still durian-flavored.  There’s no escape, sorry.  Although I absolutely adore durians, I never know they come in so many variations.  Let’s have a little Durian-101 here (left to right, top to bottom):

1.    D24 – sweet, tender and flavor-rich

2.    D24 charcoal – rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron; all good for detoxing (Really? Hmm…)

3.    D13 – less fructose than D24 and reddish orange in color.  Grown in Segamat of Johor, Malaysia

4.    XO – full bodied flavor and fragrance

5.    Zu Zi Kia – creamy with a tint of milky flavor

6.    Mao Shan Wong (Musang King) – name should say it all.  King of durians.

7.    Golden Phoenix – golden and creamy

Prices vary.  Check their website for ordering locations:  http://chuilauheung.com

5. The China Club

Mysteriously tucked inside the Old Bank of China building, The China Club is well known not only for its exquisite Chinese dining and decor but also the Chinese art paintings and sculptures inside the club.  Living up to its name, The China Club this year launched its exclusive traditional moon cakes boxed in a beautiful Chinese palace.  It does look rather exaggerated, but isn't that part of the Chinese culture nowadays?

Price: $388 for a "palace" box of 6
Address:  13/F Old Bank of China Building, Bank Street, Central

Happy Mooncake Festival!  (And, I can’t wait for iPhone 6 to be out!  Already getting really sick and tired of my 4S...)

*Reposted on FoodnSpot