Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio, South Yarra, Melbourne
There’s something that’s almost intoxicating about walking into a cake store, the scent of sugar seems to hang in the air and for a moment I expect to see a chocolate waterfall off on the side with strange little orange dudes running around, but we’re not too far off the mark. We’ve ventured into the heartlands of South Yarra and have found ourselves admiring the sleak displays and shiny exterior of Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio.
Burch & Purchese Cake Display
It’s been a torturous tram ride in from the CBD to the glossy white walls of Burch & Purchese, we’ve made the mistake of taking a 3pm tram in on a Friday afternoon and as a consequence of this find ourselves surrounded by dozens of screaming strapping young lads, budding minions of hell. All is forgotten the moment we step inside the store and find ourselves surrounded by sugar.
Where science meets sweetness
Where science meets sweetness.
Never has there been a better tagline. Behind the glass walls boldly proclaiming this statement, the kitchen is clearly visible with workers toiling away. It’s a magnetic sight and one that pulls me in, almost like magic the smells and sights of all the confectionery around us suddenly lifts my mood and the terrible tram ride is left behind us.
Meringue tower
The Meringue Tower sits proudly on the main counter, Passionfruit and Strawberry puffs of sugar have been carefully placed in enticing range and despite my general dislike for meringue’s, the staff assure me that these meringues are like nothing I’ve ever tasted. She’s right.
I’ve opted for the Passionfruit Meringue, its crisp exterior breaks apart with a small puff of sugar to reveal an almost molten sugary center. It’s sweet without being cloying and topped off with sharp citrus tangs of Passionfruit powder scattered across the top, perfect for this former meringue disdainer.
Complimentary marshmallows
While we’re wandering around the store torn between our choice of cakes, a tray of complimentary marshmallows comes floating by for our tasting pleasure. They’re a treat for the tongue, lightly dusted in sugar the marshmallows simply seem to dissolve in your mouth leaving you wanting just one more.
Ingredient Wall
Display Cakes
Just beyond the cake counter is the Ingredient Wall, it’s a formidable sight of jars with the shelving reaching from floor to ceiling containing possibly every single ingredient you’d ever thought (and a few surprises!) could be incorporated into a cake. In front are a few three-tiered examples of the calibre of Burch & Purchese’s work.
Goodies on display
The cakes aren’t the only thing on display, there’s an impressive array of chocolate bars, jars of caramel, chocolate and jam as well as other various goodies available for purchase. There’s a moment of indecision as I wonder up and down the shelves before deciding on the peculiar combination of a Chocolate, Strawberry and Balsamic Vinegar spread. The result is a deliciously rich strawberry style jam with the kick of chocolate and just a hint of Balsamic.
Roast pumpkin, milk chocolate, maple syrup and bacon $9
Coconut, passionfruit, ginger and mint $9
In the end our choices couldn’t have been more different. Suze is swayed by the exotic combination of Roast pumpkin, milk chocolate, maple syrup and bacon, Helen is on a tropical slant with Coconut, passionfruit, ginger and mint and seeking something light I end up choosing Rhubarb, apple, crumble, cheesecake.
They’re a heady sugary mix but in the end it’s Helen’s choice which is my favorite, the mixture of textures along with the creamy coconut has my heart.
Butterscotch Popcorn Icecream $4
Because it’s not enough to have our cake and eat it too, we end up cleaning out the last of the Butterscotch Popcorn mini ice-cream tubs. The sight of the three of us huddled outside on a bench shivering as we eat our ice-cream is a peculiar one but it doesn’t stop us from devouring all three tubs in record time. Somewhat icy in texture, the Popcorn Ice-cream doesn’t quite live up to expectations but the rich chunks of Butterscotch are welcomed by all.
Time waits for no man! There’s still daylight and we’ve still plenty of places to eat. But I’ll be back for more Burch & Purchese, even if I have to brave another tram-full of school kids I’ll be back.
Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio
647 Chapel Street,
South Yarra, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9827 7060
Web: http://www.burchandpurchese.com/
Author
By Minh
Minh is a food, photography, tv loving girl who on occasion likes to think that she can cook. I can't hold my drink for what its worth and have an unhealthy obsession with green tea products.
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This article was written on 19 Aug 2011, and is filed under Dessert, Melbourne.
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Its like a Narnia of desserts. I cant wait to go here next time Im in Melbourne. Shame about the ice cream :/
the meringues were freaking awesome! like clouds! tasty clouds!
Wow your display counter photos turned out amazing! I’ve been digging into my B&P salted caramel spread with increasing fervour. And lol, that really was the tram ride from hell!
wow we should have more of these lovely cake shops in syd! love the ladybird cake
Train a train to South Yarra instead you loser. I was one of those kids once.
Charming example of those young lads on that tram.
The ingredient wall looks like the best feature wall ever!