Maybe it's because I love nut-based ice creams in general. But Alfero's hazelnut gelato is seriously good stuff. Velvety smooth and intensely flavored with the goodness of premium Piedmontese nuts, this was certainly the best hazelnut gelato that I've come across locally so far!

On the other hand, my vanilla gelato could have done with a stronger vanilla fragrance. Little surprise, then, that I couldn't resist stealing spoonful after spoonful of the hazelnut gelato from my friend's cup.

The goreng pisang ($1 or $1.10 each if I remember correctly) from Snow Mount is one of the better ones around. The bananas here are always ripe and sweet, and are coated in a light, lacy batter that is none too greasy. It would be great if the durian pisang, a deep-fried banana stuffed with some durian flesh, came with more of the pungent fruit though!

What's better than sinfully rich brownies? Classic Cakes' got the answer: sinfully rich brownies stacked with a layer of salted caramel. Chocolate and salt go wonderfully together, and this is no exception. I wouldn't have minded if the sea salt caramel was a tad saltier though! I personally like my brownies soft and fudgy instead of chewy, so I'll warm these sea salt brownies ($3.80 each) up before serving next time.

I'm usually not a fan of chocolate mousses, but Bakerzin's Chocolate Amer is a fine exception. The dark chocolate mousse is sweetened just right and is rich without being overly heavy. Layers of soft, moist flourless chocolate cake provide great textural contrast. This cake is definitely one that chocoholics must not miss out on!

I was most delighted when a sweet friend of mine sent me some goodies from Plain Vanilla Bakery! Cupcakes stores are dime a dozen nowadays, but PVB distinguishes itself from the fray with its refined offerings.

If you only have space for one cupcake, I urge you to try Strawberry White Chocolate. The vanilla cake was faultlessly airy and moist and surprised with a center of fresh, sweet strawberry bits. My favorite component had to be the cloudlike white chocolate frosting though...this was arguably the yummiest cupcake I've ever had and possibly the best cupcake that I'm ever going to have.

Chocoholics will surely take to PVB's chocolate hazelnut cupcakes. Swirled with impeccably smooth chocolate hazelnut frosting that's sweetened just right, the dark chocolate cake base is suitably richer and denser than its vanilla counterpart, and comes filled with a gooey Nutella centre. Although these cupcakes are best kept at room temperature as storing them in the refrigerator may cause them to dry out, I like to stow them into the fridge right before serving such that the frosting hardens up slightly!This cupcake oasis dishes up mean brownies as well. Rich and fudgy with a gorgeously crunchy crust, they are best savored at room temperature if you like your brownies with a bit of chew. Alternatively, heat them up before serving if you like your brownies on the gooey side.

If you're too lazy to head to Holland Village, PVB does delivery for a charge of $8 with a minimum order of six cupcakes. Or you could spread the love with a gift of these mouthwatering delicious cupcakes!

Price: $3.20 per cupcake, $18 for a box of six