The Power of Zumbo - and this is just foreplay!

It's amazing the power that Adriano Zumbo wields over his sugar loving fans. The way he sends our hearts racing with anticipation every six months, the way he makes our knees shake at the sight of his culinary art and the way we wipe our mouths upon hearing what's in store for the new season. Then there's the uncanny way our bottom lips quiver and our subsequent sigh after every bite of his creations. There's a reason why I keep coming back for more. Yep, that is the power of Zumbo, my friends.

I defy you to resist them all!

He is the Sydney bloggers' quinessential idol and Balmain's demi-god of patisserie craft. Summer is long gone and my mood doesn't bode well with the impending cold of winter. However there is one reason to get chirpy about the chilly months.

Just 2 Fingers Tiger!: From what I tasted, it was a biscuitty rice crispy base, with two choux pastry logs - one was filled with a orange scented custard and chocolate custard, the other had saffron custard (this even gave the The Captain chills of the good kind!).

40 Days and 40 Nights in Paris is Adriano Zumbo's new winter collection. On launch day, my excitement was palpable and lo and behold, I was greeted by a near empty case of desserts. Understandable of course, as Zumbo is not a secret that can be kept for long.

Pate sable base, violet curd, orange smoked rice brulee creme and mandarin segments.

Apple Tatin compote, toffee hazelnut meringue, apple tatin chantilly, Anzac moisture and white chocolate mint disks encased in sweet toffee

However I managed to pick up six cakes of his new range and because you should never forget your favourites, I also picked up three of the best tarts in Sydney. Also be aware that at this stage in time, his range (bar one or two cakes) remains unnamed. And in my buying frenzy, I failed to obtain the details of these desserts but I'll be back tomorrow. Anyway I'm sure the photos are enough to convince you on just how good they were!

Mysterious dessert....gorgeous!

Check back here for more comprehensive details of his range (when I won't be as hasty and lazy!).

And because Sydney Food Bloggers and Zumbo go hand-in-hand, on the second day of winter Zumbo, he has generously offered to close his Chocolat Cafe for a motley crew of bloggers to descend into madness and get sugar happy. So be sure to check back for a rundown, details and more unashamed gushing.

Until then, here's a quick intro into Zumbo porn. And because there's only so many complementary superlatives I can write in one post, I'm just going to sum up Adriano Zumbo's winter collection in a few words...Holy Mary Mother of gawd!

Triple-layered pine nut Mille Feuille with gianduja mousse and 70% chocolate creameaux encased in caramelised puff pastry

Gianduja Ganache Tart: oh...my...GOD!

'Z': this didn't stay upright in the box very long, but it was still heavenly, whichever angle!

Tarte aux Fruits de la Passion: pate sable, passionfruit creme

Tarte au Citron - I love my lemon tart!

Want more? Then check out the previous Zumbo posts!

• Adriano Zumbo Summer Collection 2008 Preview
  
• Adriano Zumbo Summer Collection 2008 and a Blogger Pilgrimage
  
• Return to Paris for a life in pink
  

Adriano Zumbo Pâtisserie

296 Darling Street
Balmain, NSW 2041
(02) 9810 7318

Open 8pm-6pm Monday to Saturday and 8pm-4pm on Sundays.


View Larger Map