The new Willy Wonka is a woman! Janice Wong, the mastermind behind Singapore’s famous 2am:dessertbar, is the new dessert queen. Her quirky, well thought out Willy Wonka-esque creations draw crowds from around the world and for the next week you won’t have to line up in Singapore to sample her fare. This month you’ll find her in Melbourne.
As part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Janice Wong high tea will take place at The Langham’s Aria Bar & Lounge until March 13th.
She is known for pushing the boundaries – think edible chocolate plates, fairy floss chandeliers, marshmallow paintings.
At high tea, the Langham’s pastry chefs have the crustless sandwiches and scones covered but Wong goes wild with dessert. Start with a green tea tart – the tea comes from Kyoto and is roasted when needed. If you’ve ever had the frothy, thick traditional tea, you’ll be transported straight back to the temple city.
Next is a panadan and coconut choux pastry, there’s a delicate lemon sponge and a tiny green tea cake.
Now this is definitely not a traditional tea – the silver tier stand plates are piled high with cakes, caramelised popcorn and giant slabs of white chocolate.
Splashed with bright colourful patches of flavoured chocolate, the white slabs are one of Wong’s signature moves. They’re ‘edible plates’ and they’re bringing white chocolate back in fashion.
Wong has hinted she might be back in Melbourne in July for a pop-up dessert bar – so get down to The Langham quick for a sneak peek of what we can expect this winter.
Coconut and pandan pastries, popping candy tarts and more
Janice Wong High Tea
The Langham Melbourne, Southgate Centre, 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank 3006
Monday-Friday, 10.30-4.30pm
$65 per person
Bookings essential
1800 641 107
http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/event-calendar/janice-wong-high-tea-5683
