Pastry: Delicately thin and crisp, even the buried bottom layer 8.5/10
Presentation: Well constructed and intriguing layering 8/10
Value for money: $6- Medium/large portion, surprisingly light 8/10
Overall score: 7.9/10
Low and behold I stumbled upon Giardino’s selling Italian inspired cakes and gelato. Their Italian vanilla slice (more commonly known as Diplomatica) not only looked well presented and fresh but also not ridiculously priced. Moments later I took it out of the bag and consumed with the assistance of a biodegradable fork.
The ratio of sponge to two layers of custard was pleasing, ensuring the slice was not too dry or too spongy but just the right combination of soft, hard, sweet and savoury. The pastry was indeed fresh and very well baked, thinly layered but very straight forward to break with the fork. The bottom layer, though hidden with mounds of custard was also excellently firm. Sadly the custard lacked real richness and a punch of vanilla, but was at least creamy and fluffy. The sponge had me intrigued, as although I had never eaten a diplomatica I knew of their makeup. The sponge itself was light, fluffy and had a secret ingredient that I initially guessed to have been nutmeg, but after further investigation the sponge layer typically has lemon zest and alcohol. I’m pretty certain this slice was alcohol free but I’m still not clear as to the mystery ingredient on the underside of the sponge.
Overall a well priced and hefty portion of slice, though the actual flavour was slightly muted for me.