The Fickle Feline, a 10-slice cheesecake sampler-- if you can call it that-- arrived with frost on some slices. I took one out to cut in two and it was hard. So I sent an e-mail to the agency handling the brand, asking if that's how the cheesecake should be.
An hour later, I went back to my fridge and saw the print on the side of the box that said the cake was frozen and should be thawed for two hours before consumption.
Things happened when you fingers typed faster than your brain could think so I went back to my e-mail, saw a reply to explain the cake's condition-- which was pretty much what's written on the box, to which I replied with an apology for sending an enquiry without thoroughly inspecting the packaging for instructions.
And so after the slices thawed, I tried them and found them delightful. I think one is either for or against cheesecake and this establishment (or any other, for that matter), won't make you change your mind.
But if you are a cheesecake person, then this place is worth your time and money. It gives you 14 flavours to choose from, including durian. That one is called the King Cat of the Mountain and it uses the Musang King durian breed.
Other Asian-inspired cheesecakes are Milo Dinosaur, infused with the comforting malt energy drink Milo, and Maneki Neko, a tangy lemon and yuzu cheesecake.
UNEXPECTED COMBINATION
I read the flavours of the 10 slices in Fickle Feline and found that what I thought I would like, are what I liked the least. I thought the Oreo and cream's Modern Duke's Pudding would be delectable, but I found the combination too bland.
What works for me though, are combinations that are unfamiliar. Emperor's Romance tops my list for its refreshing combination with lychee and raspberry, with a light and sourish tinge to offset the milky taste of cheese.
Cheesecake can be cloying halfway through a regular slice, but Emperor's Romance ensures that it won't be so. But still, for health's sake, don't eat two slices in one go.
Queen of Hearts, made with strawberry is another palate pleaser, the strawberry balancing the taste of the cheesecake. The same goes to Maneki Neko (this time with yuzu, lemon and lime), although I wish the sour yuzu taste is stronger.
CORE FLAVOURS
I used to love cheesecake when I was 20 years younger and 20kg heavier but I think as I learned to eat better, my palate has changed too, and I could no longer eat too much cake now.
Still, hardcore cheesecake lovers would go for Over the Moon or the classic New York Cheesecake, the aforementioned Modern Duke's Pudding and Sweet and Smokey Taffy (Salted Caramel).
But if you are ordering for a family or a group of friends, Fickle Feline is your best bet because sampling 10 flavours would be a great activity in itself, beyond just eating dessert after a meal. Imagine having 10 dessert forks trying different varieties and learning a thing or two about the palate of families and close friends-- that's bonding in a different way. Just remember to thaw the cake first when it arrives.
IMPORTED AND HALAL-CERTIFIED
Cat & the Fiddle is a Singaporean brand founded by dessert and pastry chef Daniel Tay. Its cakes are imported from Singapore to ensure their taste and quality are consistent across both countries. Cat & the Fiddle is also certified halal by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) in all their confectioneries.
Available at www.catandthefiddle.com.my, the cakes can be delivered within four hours from the time of placing the order, which makes it great for impromptu gatherings. It currently delivers to Klang Valley and Selangor and more areas will be added on in due course.
The slices are smaller than the regular cakes you get at cafes, which is a good thing because we're not supposed to eat too much dessert anyway, no matter how good it tastes.
Prices differ according to flavours, the most expensive being Fickle Feline and King Cat of the Mountain at RM158.90 for 10 slices. Classic New York is the least expensive at RM116.90. Prices exclude delivery charges.
HERE'S YOUR DISCOUNT CODE
Cat and the Fiddle is giving first the first NST 500 readers a 10 per cent discount off their purchase. Enter code NST10RD upon checking out. Vouchers are valid until Dec 31, 2020.