Lockdown 2: The Encore That Absolutely Nobody Wanted, Needed Or Even Asked For is hitting most Singaporeans extra hard, but none have it harder than the restauranteurs & other F&B proprietors. One of those who’ve been utterly slapped in the face by the no dine in government order is @clapcafe.sg, who was slated to officially open yesterday, the 17th of April. However, since the 16th was the start of the ban, they had to hurriedly throw a soft launch on the 15th, Saturday. Glad they did, and I’m glad I discovered them after about a half dozen pints of beer.⠀
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Sure, hot chocolate may not necessarily be the best thing to stave off any unnecessary acts of drunkenness, but it sure is comforting. Clap does a ridiculously indecent rendition too, with three different kinds of chocolate melted down into the delicious Dirty Chocolate ($8 nett). If I remember correctly, the bossman, Frank, informed me that it was a mixture of melted dark chocolate, premium quality cocoa powder, and…well, I forgot. I’ve got an excuse for that, and it’s called ‘six pints before’.⠀
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What I do remember, though, is that this hot choccy is incredibly chocolatey and only very mildly sweet. You can definitely taste the bitterness from the dark chocolate that’s been melted in, and the creamy concoction strikes the perfect equilibrium between bitter, sweet, smooth, and luscious. Of course, gotta have the marshmallow. Can’t forget the marshmallow.⠀
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While I do think that it could be a touch thicker in body and the flavours could be enhanced with a sprinkling of coarse salt on top, it’s a hearty hot chocolate that’ll make you feel like you’re snuggled cosily into your safety blanket. It may be a Dirty Choccy, but it’s nothing but pure bliss.⠀
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I wish @clapcafe.sg all the best in these gruelling (albeit completely avoidable) times, and I think they’re still open for coffees/teas/Dirty Chocolates to go, plus you can bag one of their homemade pecan tarts or Basque cheesecakes to go. It’s a lovely little café that needs all the help it can get, so please go and get a delicious drink from them to support them.