Frosting Opens Today!!

I just had my first bite! Stay tuned for a full review!!

Cupcake Cup Final Four

The Washingtonian debuted their "bracket-style" cupcake tournament earlier this month. Four cupcakes remain:

• Curbside Cupcakes
• Georgetown Cupcake
• Bakeshop
• Something Sweet

I really like the idea of this contest, but unlike the basketball version-- the picks weren't ranked, pitting some of the best places against one another too early in the rounds. The best cupcake shop in DC (Baked & Wired) was knocked out in the 2nd round-- not because their cupcakes aren't the best, but because they were up against Curbside Cupcakes whose business model revolves around Facebook and Twitter (you have to follow them to know where their truck is going to be each day). When I voted for B&W early in the week, they were way ahead 65% to 35%.... then after Curbside posted to facebook and twitter they soared ahead. Smart move-- I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, I am saying that the contest measures who has more facebook fans than who has the best cupcakes.

I think Curbside Cupcakes deserves to be there though-- I finally tried one and I was impressed-- definitely Top 5. Georgetown Cupcake isn't a surprise, I'll just be happy if this over-hyped place doesn't take it all. Bakeshop is a new place I haven't tried (they just opened their first shop in Clarendon) but can't wait too! I'm also happy that Something Sweet made the short list. I don't think they'll win it, but hopefully they'll get some more people to check them out!

Don't forget to vote for your favorite!

Frosting to Open in Mid-March

Frosting's big pink sign is still up-- but until recently, there has been no update as to when the new Friendship Heights cupcake shop would open. Plenty of co-workers and friends have been asking me-- is it open yet? when will it open? And now we're one step closer

According to Frosting's facebook page, the shop plans to open in Mid-March-- just in time for St. Patrick's Day! I'm not sure that March counts as "winter" which is when the website and sign outside said it would open, but since there will probably still be some snow on the ground it's not too far off.

There was also a fantastic article in the Washington Post about the owners, their wedding, and their plans for the bakeshop. Check it out!

I've been peeking through the window to check progress on the shop and its slowly been coming together. I can't wait for the Grand Opening, and will keep you posted on any devleopments!

44% off at Something Sweet

Cupcake deals must be in the air! There's another offer at Something Sweet -- one of my Top 5 (see full review). This time, you get 6 cupcakes for $10 (an $18 value).

Something Sweet is just off Wisconsin Ave in NW DC near the National Cathedral. It is across the street from the very popular 2 Amy's Pizza.

So if you haven't had a chance to try these yummy treats, now's the time!! Here's more information about the deal.

Happy Tuesday!

50% Off at Cake Love

Sorry I haven't been posting lately. I wish I could say it was just because I was super busy, or that I didn't have anything to write about... neither is true. Fact is, I just haven't been in the mood to write lately, but hopefully that changes today!


Cake Love is offering a $40 gift certificate for only $20 through Groupon. But hurry-- you can only purchase this deal today!

Cake Love is the bakeshop to make DC cupcakes famous when they were featured on Oprah (way before they were cool, we're talking 2005 people). While their cupcakes haven't lived up to all the hype ---several reviews, blogs, etc. confirm this-- I've heard through the grapevine that their actual cakes are amazing.

I've tried their cupcakes a few times in the past (pre-blog), and have always been unimpressed. So its time I re-visit and do a full review. And thanks to Groupon, I have an extra $20 to play with.

I use Groupon all the time, and can vouch that it's totally legit. It doesn't expire super soon either, you have until August 11, 2010 to use it. Groupon will even send you a reminder when the deal is going to expire, to make sure you use it!

YoCake Review

This past September, YoCake opened in the Montgomery County Mall. It’s taken me a few months to get out there (not metro accessible), but it’s definitely worth sharing.

YoCake capitalizes on the cupcake trend and the fat-free frozen yogurt trend, offering several options of both at its food court location. I was surprised at just how many flavors there were! 16 cupcake flavors and 7 yogurt flavors. More on the yogurt in a bit, let’s talk cupcakes!

The spread of cupcakes is impressive (there are over 20 varieties on their menu, 12-16 of which are offered daily). Few cupcake shops offer that much variety everyday. I was immediately drawn to the classic vanilla-vanilla, but was also intrigued by the Amaretto, described to me as tasting like an almond cookie—yum!

They looked delicious, but I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of food court cupcakes. Let’s admit it, Panda Express doesn’t stack up to your local hole-in-the-wall Chinese take-away. But I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of YoCake’s cakes! Here’s my take on the vanilla:

• Size: Just right—not too small, not overwhelming. Very good size—think Hello Cupcake.
• Cost: $2.50 – perfectly priced for the size, taste, and location
• Cake: Dense and delicious, but a little dry.
• Frosting: Very creamy, even overnight it stayed soft. More butter/oil than sugar in the recipe, but still sweet enough.

These are definitely Top 10—maybe even Top 5, but I’d need to do some comparison tasting to be sure. I didn’t expect these to be so tasty, and will definitely be grabbing one every time I’m at that mall. The amaretto was definitely tasty, but a little too intense on the almond flavoring—so much so it didn’t taste like a cupcake.

The Amaretto had actual pieces of almond in the cake batter

After buying my staples, I inquired about the yogurt. Despite explaining that I wouldn’t be buying any yogurt this time, the girl behind the counter insisted I try a few samples. The vanilla and cheesecake were delicious (I don’t like the sour ones), and I can’t believe they’re all fat-free! If only the cupcakes were the same!!!

YoCake is open every day 10am-9pm in the Montgomery County Mall food court. Whether you choose yogurt or cupcakes, you won’t be disappointed!!

Cupcake Decorating Classes at Hello Cupcake

Hello Cupcake will be offering a series of cupcake decorating classes in their Dupont Circle location. From their website:

"Ever wonder how we make those beautiful swirls, flowers, or monograms? It's easier than you think, and now you can learn how at Hello Cupcake! Join our talented pastry chefs to learn basic decorating techniques, try your hand at it, and take home a dozen of your own beautifully decorated cupcakes."

I just heard about this a few days ago, and their first class (Valentine's Day themed) is already filled up. But don't worry, you can still register for St. Patrick's Day, Cherry Blossom, and Mother's Day themed classes. Each class is $70 and includes 2 hours of instruction and 1 dozen cupcakes.

Email info@hellocupcake.com to register for an upcoming class. Let me know if you sign up, I'd be very interested in hearing what you think!