Conveniently whilst brunching alone at Pillar of Salt, I read the Herald-Sun for the first time in a long time. One of the sections of the food liftout highlighted their best hot cross buns in Melbourne. Tivoli Road Bakery scored 1st place with a resounding 19/20. Far from it being the most reliable source, I happened to see I was going to be in the area soon to visit Burch & Purchese. It seemed a good reason to visit and buy some expensive buns.
Thusfar I'd only bought those from Woolworths, which believe it or not, had won a gold medal at the Sydney Fine Food show 2014. Considering you can get 6 for $3.50, it's a huge change from these gourmet places. At Tivoli, they are $3.80 each or 6 for $20. Feeling generous I decided upon the half dozen to share with family.
The buns look lovely and rounded with a shiny glaze on top. What characterises them is the beautiful smooth bun texture, which is dotted with the usual dried sultanas that provide sweetness. The bread bits themselves are not sweet which stops it from being sickly or overpowering. Every now and then you get some orange peel that makes them different to the usual buns.
Fine for a treat and well liked by the other 5 who ate them. Are they worth 5x the price? Maybe once per year.
