In one word: Cynical
I had my doubts about the blackboard sign stating to have the "best vanilla slices", but I am always happy to be proven wrong! I walked up and ordered a latte and a vanilla slice to sit and eat in the sun, costing a grand total of $6. A vanilla slice of this size in St Kilda would be at least $6 on its own, so my wallet was happy. Then the cynic in me was proven right...indeed this was not the best vanilla slice...OK...but not the best. The pastry was the highlight. Delicate, thin and flaky to cut through. The custard, however, was lacking. Consistency was great, viscous and creamy but severely missing egg and vanilla in its flavour. Only slightly sweetened, it acted more as a cream to sheets of pastry on a plate, sprinkled with icing sugar. You have to have confidence in your products to make make a bold statement, but I tend not to agree with this one.