Best for Fruit Lovers: Mango cheesecake from Something To Go
$8 per slice, $30 for a 500g cake

If you're a fan of crisp-based cheesecakes, this is just the ticket. Not only do you get a satisfying crunch and welcome contrast with the super moist and smooth cheesy filling (there's Philly cream cheese and sour cream in there), the subtle mango flavor is a pleasant surprise and doesn't overwhelm the natural tartness of the cheese.

Best for Traditionalists: Marble cheesecake from Classic Cakes
From $4.80 per slice, from $45 for a 1kg cake

Chef and owner Charles Quek sure knows how to make 'em. Both the blueberry and American are commendable efforts, but it's the marble rendition that makes us weak in the knees. Instead of the usual digestive biscuit base, there's a light chocolate sponge cake in its place that plays off the rich cocoa flavor and scrumptiously smooth and tangy cheese filling wonderfully.

Best for the Adventurous: Pumpkin cheesecake from Hummerstons
$10.90 per slice

We won't bore you with all the details about what goes into making this baby, although we will tell you it has something to do with slow-roasted pumpkins and a crisp, homemade rosemary-scented base. The result is an incredibly dense and satisfying slice of nirvana (that reminds us of Thanksgiving). Certainly explains why it's on the expensive side of things. Is it worth it? Abso-bloody-lutely.

Plus: Our favorite places in Singapore to get fruit pies

Best for Chocoholics: Maltesers cheesecake from 1-Caramel Dessert Boutique
$6 for mini cake, $85 for an 8 inch cake

You'll need an extra session at the gym to work this off. Start with a coffee crumb base, top that with Horlicks-cheese filling, spread on a luscious Valrhona Manjari 64% cocoa ganache, and stud with Maltesers (who can say no to chocolate-covered balls?). It's as sinful as it sounds, but so worth the calories.

Best for Lightweights: Berry cheesecake from Shira's Choice
$4 per slice, $28 for 700g cake

At this month-old bakery, Shira makes all her goodies from scratch and to order. The fluffiness of the cake and Cointreau-spiked mixed berry compote make for a dangerous combination-you face the very real danger of inhaling two or even three slices in one sitting. Or maybe we're just greedy when something's this good, and affordable to boot.

The most painful and difficult decision I’ve ever made was to leave Canelé and set up my own company. But sometimes, you just have to take that leap of faith and do something you’ve always wanted to do while you still can. It’s important to step out of your comfort zone and push yourself to that next level. And if you never try, you’ll never know. I’d rather try and fail then regret not trying at all.

My mind actually works best at night, especially just before I go to bed, which is quite a bitch because I don’t remember any of the ideas I had by the time I get up in the morning.

I’m not a morning person at all. If I could sleep in till 3pm every day, that would be ideal. I’d just bake bread through the night and sleep in all day.

I wish I had all the knowledge I have now, but 10 years ago.

After working 14-16 hour days, the last thing I want to do is listen to a cab driver go on and on about stuff. That really bugs me. I just want to jump in a cab, switch off and be taken home.

I got my ear pierced when I was 16. It’s one of those things you do when you’re young and stupid. I now have six.

If I could do anything in the world, it would be to take a road trip with my family around the French countryside in my dream automobile, a hippy-inspired flower power print vintage Volkswagen Camper.

I wish I could spend more time with my two daughters; I’m their playmate. They both have macarons inspired by and named after them.

The most elaborate cake I’ve ever made is, without a doubt, my wedding cake. It had five tiers, was 1.5 meters tall and the base tier alone weighed 120 kilos. It took me and my team a whole week to assemble. And yeah, my wife really liked it.

When I did sugar work in Spain for the first time, I burnt all my fingers because I didn’t know what I was doing or what to expect. I had to burst all 10 blisters at night, tough it out and still go to work the next day.

Molecular gastronomy is a great innovation in the culinary world and a real experience. But at the end of the day, I think people still want to eat something that they can relate to and are comfortable with.

I was very rebellious when I was young. I remember staying out all night one night and when I finally went home, my mom had locked me out of the house. So I did what I had to—I slept on a bench until the police came along and woke me up. Boy, did I have some explaining to do.

I really, really love spicy food. I’m quite inclined to eat it until my entire mouth goes numb.

When it comes to restaurants, opening is the easy part. It’s maintaining a certain level of quality, both in terms of food and service, that’s tricky. Consistency is the true test, especially in this climate.

My life philosophy is simple: Learn to be content with what you have.

Baguette

Forget your low-carb diet for an afternoon. Grab at least one, preferably two, wholemeal baguettes ($2.40) from La Tanglin Boulangerie. We’d be lying if we said they’re as good as they make ‘em in Paris, but there’s no arguing how healthy they are.

Cheeses

A surpisingly decent variety of French cheeses can be found at Tanglin Market Place. An all-round crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with a mild and creamy camembert ($7.29 per 100 grams). Also try a slightly tangy ash-coated chèvre (goat’s cheese; $7.59 per 100 grams) and, for true blue cheese lovers, a pungent and robust Roquefort ($8.69 per 100 grams).

Tapenade

If you’re looking for this Provençal specialty, you’ll be pleased with the offerings at Littlé Provence. Both green and black olive-based spreads are sold, but our choice has to be the basil-accented black olive tapenade ($9.90). It has a nicely herbaceous fragrance and sumptuously briny taste.

Pâté and Rillettes

Arguably two of the most calorie-laden, decadent things you can devour, but still entirely worth it. Help yourself to Feyel’s duck pâté and rillettes ($17.95 and $20.25 respectively) from Tanglin Market Place.

Fig jam

A sticky, ambrosial spread bursting with fruity goodness and goes incredibly well with cheeses, especially the full-flavored ones. A jar of Provençal fig jam goes for $17.90 from Hediard Cafe-Boutique.

Pastis

Of course, no true Francophile would be without his/her pastis. If you’re in the mood for this star anise-flavored liqueur, you can’t go wrong with Ricard ($73.50 for 750ml). We suggest mixing it with some chilled water, although it’s not a crime to throw in some rocks (purists might disagree, but they’re not the ones calling the shots); available from Tanglin Market Place.

Strawberries

It may be summer in France, but it’s near impossible to get your hands on delectable fraises des bois or fraises gariguette (unless you happen to know the right people). No matter—grab some regular strawberries which will serve as a wonderful complement to the champers. $8.50 per punnet at Tanglin Market Place.

Champagne

We have a deep love and appreciation for the bubbly stuff, particularly on a hot summer’s day (which makes that every day here then). Trust us when we say it’s worth springing for the good stuff. A well-chilled bottle of crisp and refreshing Jacques Selosse Brut Initial Grand Cru NV ($213) from Artisan Cellars should do the trick. Vive la revolution!

Bouled Over

Playing that most quintessential of French sports, Pétanque, in the park is one thing, but if you want to get serious, have a word with the folk from Sports Boules Singapore (#01-02 Toa Payoh Swimming Complex, 301 Toa Payoh Lor. 6, 6356-5093). If you fancy a game, head down on Saturdays at 4pm. Prepare to fork out $29 for a one-year membership (equipment provided).

Essentials:

Artisan Cellars #B1-01 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6838-0373

Hediard Cafe-Boutique Tudor Court, 125 Tanglin Rd., 6333-6683.

La Tanglin Boulangerie #B1-01 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd.

Littlé Provence #02-K2 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6887-3842.

Tanglin Market Place #B1-02/03 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6734-0105.