Thursday, November 18, 2010

Austin Cupcakes!

Hey Cupcake
South Austin's Cupcake Truck
I was super into food trucks on my Austin visit and was happy to find a cupcake truck to add to my adventures. These cupcakes were fluffy and delicious. You have a choice of 5 cakes and frosting combos and can also request a dose of whipped cream inserted into your cupcake. A fun idea indeed!

Cupcakes in the Windy City

Prior to my Chicago visit, I did some cupcake research. The two cupcakeries I wanted to visit were Molly's and Swirlz. However, I did not map out the locations and wasn't entirely sure how I'd find them on this trip. It seems I was destined to try these cupcakes though because lo and behold I stumbled upon both without even trying!

Best decorated bakery -- swings and board games included!
I loved this place. The bakery adorable and there were many cupcakes to choose from. I went with a chocolate chip cupcake and enjoyed every bite. My favorite of the two bakeries bakeries.



Swirlz
In need of AC and slightly overrated?
Although I loved the extra large cupcake poster (see below), my visit was disappointing. It was an excessively warm summer day in Chicago and the AC was not working at this bakery -- being from Florida this is problem number one for me. I decided to try two cupcakes from this bakery because they looked incredibly appealing. If you've read my blog before, you know that I think one of the best ways to judge a bakery is by sampling the red velvet cupcake. It's a traditional cake but very often done incorrectly. I decided to put Swirlz to the test and it did not pass. Sadly, I was not impressed with this bakery and would not plan another visit. Thankfully I found Molly's on this visit.



New Orleans' Best Cupcakes

These beauties are from a fabulous cupcake joint called Kupcake Factory. They have two locations -- Uptown and The Quarter -- and tons of delicious flavors. I'm into them and have been working hard to get everyone else on board as well. They have the perfect ratio of cake to frosting and rotate flavors throughout the week so every day they have something new. I am in love! BeeSweet Cupcakes is overrated. I'm all about Kupcake Factory these days.

5 Reasons to LOVE Cupcake Carriers


Reason #1: It can hold 24 cupcakes at once!
Reason #2: The cupcakes aren't touching each other!
Reason #3: The cupcakes are nested in little holders so they icing won't get everywhere!
Reason #4: Portable!
Reason #5: Necessary accessory for serious cupcake lovers!

Cupcake Adventures in Boston

Sweet
Boston's Filled Cupcakes
One of my favorite things about this bakery was the decor. I loved the window seats and wall paper design. It felt so crisp and clean. The cupcakes were decorated with tall swirls of icing and filled with different jellies. I'm not a huge fan of filled cupcakes but overall I enjoyed my keylime cupcake.


LuLu's Bake Shoppe
The most amazing raspberry frosting I've ever experienced!
It seems this establishment is now closed which is too bad because the raspberry frosting was to die for. I selected a chocolate cake with raspberry frosting and I was thoroughly impressed.


Thursday, August 12, 2010

Cupcakes as comfort food?

Can cupcakes be a source of comfort? Usually when we think of comfort foods, we think of carbs -- a bowl of pasta, a loaf of soft bread, a dish of mac and cheese -- but is it possible to turn to a sweet cupcake for some needed relief?

I am a teacher and found myself reaching for a box of mini cupcakes at the grocery store the day before the new school year started. When I brought them home, my roommate asked if it was someone's birthday. I told her, "No, I just need them". I cannot explain this need other than to say that my bite sized treats seemed necessary to calm my 'first day of school' nerves. Surprisingly enough, I had never viewed cupcakes as a comfort food but after my recent behavior, I have a whole new view on the idea.

What's your go-to comfort food?

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Chase Loves Cupcakes

Even Chase Bank loves cupcakes! Check out their new commercial featuring the bakery "Sweet Revenge". This place is located in NYC and was down the street from where I worked. Not one of my favorites but I do like that they offer beer and wine pairings. I am loving how good I am getting with these cupcake places!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Cupcakes on TV

Have you noticed the influx of cupcakes on TV? I'm loving it. A few shows in particular have made my favorites list.

Cupcake Wars
This show pits bakers from across the country against each other to battle it out for the best taste and presentation. There are three rounds with the final round being a challenge to create 1,000 cupcakes for a local LA event. I love watching this show because I am starting to recognize different bakeries as well as get inspired for cupcake designs and flavors. It's a reality show competition with a sweet tooth. Cupcake Wars air Tuesday nights at 9PM on The Food Network.

Two sisters in DC crank out cupcakes at a bakery called Georgetown Cupcakes. They've had tremendous success and the show chronicles their desserts and disasters. I actually tried to check out this cupcakery while I was in DC but I arrived just after closing time and missed out. I'm impressed and envious of these ladies for sure and it's certainly a fun show to watch. DC Cupcakes airs Fridays at 10PM on TLC.

Cake Boss
Although not exactly a show about cupcakes, this Italian family creates amazing cakes and plenty of family chaos to go around. Cake Boss airs Mondays at 9PM on TLC.

Back on Track

"Love, Cupcake", I've missed you.

I'm taking this blog in a slightly new direction. Since I no longer live in New York City, I am unable to continue my big city cupcake adventures. However, each time I've traveled to other cities across our country, I've made a point to check out a few cupcakeries in town. Therefore, I'm going to continue blogging about the cupcakes I encounter throughout the U.S. You can thank Martha Stewart's recent posting on her favorite cupcake bakeries for this burst of inspiration.

Get excited! I'm back!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Best Map Ever!

I cannot take credit for this but I can show my support of it. This map will lead you to all the wonderful cupcakeries in the city. Enjoy!


View Cupcakes Take the Cake's Guide to NYC Cupcakes in a larger map