Hello Cupcake: The DC Love Child

DC Love Child Cupcakes (Photos by The Cupcake Critic)

Location: 705 8th Street SE, DC

Flavor: The DC Love Child 
Cost: $3.50
Score: 5+

Just when I thought cupcakes had reached a plateau of flavors and I, a zenith of cupcake experiences, in walks what was never meant to be: The DC Love Child. The collaborative creation of Hello Cupcake (a Best of 2011 winner) and Chocolate City Beer (a local microbrewery), this chocolate cupcake is infused with DC craft beer, topped with a bourbon butter cream frosting and a chocolate dipped potato chip- oh my!

Penny Karas, owner of Hello Cupcake

To celebrate their creative marriage, Chocolate City Beer and Penny Karas (owner of Hello Cupcake), had a wonderful 'Shotgun Wedding' at Nellie’s on U St . There was free Cerveza Nacional and oodles of DC Love Child samples. (Point score for choosing a locale that was both Metro accessible and offered street parking.)

Free Cerveza Nacional from Chocolate City Beer (Photos by The Cupcake Critic)

After my first bite all I could think was, “OMG! OMG!! OMG!!! This cupcake is amazing!!!” Sadly, I dropped my first cupcake and almost went into a 2 year-old tantrum. Luckily Penny had dozens more available. Driving home I literally felt my tummy glow with alcohol infused happiness. My mouth smiled too. 

 Enjoying the DC Love Child (Photos by The Cupcake Critic)

The Cupcake Weekly #2

February 12, 2012: Treat Yo Self!

The good folks over at One Love Massive and Crunkcakes are teaming up for a day of mimosas and fine leather goods…ok, not really but they are pulling together some of the coolest artisans, craftsmans and treat-makers in the city. Join them and special guest DJ Keenan Orr for a

Valentine’s Day pop-up shop at Mellow Mushroom in Adams Morgan. For more info, click here

Location: Mellow Mushroom

(2436 18th St NW)

Time: 12:00pm until 4:00pm

   Cupcake Wars Season 5 is STILL CASTING!!

Don't miss your chance to showcase your culinary skills on Season 5 of Cupcake Wars, airing Sunday nights at 8PM on the Food Network. To enter, send an email to cupcakewars5@gmail.com and include photos of you, your cupcakes and a brief bio. Good Luck!

February 15 & 17

Sticky Fingers Debut Cookbook! 

Sticky Fingers, DC’s favorite vegan bakery and two-time ‘Cupcake Wars’ winner, will be debuting their  new cookbook, 'Sweets: 100 Super-Secret Vegan Recipes'. (*Psst* They are the first vegan bakery in Cupcake Wars history to win!) Written by shop co-owner Doron Petersan, the book features 100 recipes and the secrets to their vegan delights.  Anticipate the book on February 17. If you can’t wait that long Petersan will be hosting a live webinar from her alma mater, The University of Maryland to discuss the book. To register, click here

Order Sticky Fingers' New Book!

Do you have a cupcake event or news? E-mail me at DCCupcakeCritic@gmail.com to be included in the weekly round-up!

Cupcake Project #4: It's National Chocolate Cake Day!!

In honor of Chocolate Cake day, this week's cupcake project are chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting. Sounds pretty basic, right? Spice it up with a few caps of your favorite liqueur. I fancy Bailey's Irish Cream. For the teetotalers, add a nice raspberry jam (about 2-3 tablespoons) or crushed chocolate cookies to the mix. Either way, celebrate responsibly and make it your own, oh- and have a great weekend! :0)

Happy Eating Cupcake Lovers!!
The Cupcake Critic

The Cupcake Weekly #1

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Hello Cupcake & Chocolate City Beer's Shotgun Wedding
  

Join the two brands as they come together to form 'The DC Love Child' cupcake. Free beer and cupcakes!

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Nellie’s Sports Bar

(900 U Street NW)

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Barracks Row Culinary Education Crawl

Join Hello Cupcake at their new Barrack's Row Location to learn the secrets to their perfect swirl, awesome frosting and their delightful cupcakes! Courses are $20 each and the proceeds will benefit Barracks Row Main Street Project.

Time:  11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Where: Hello Cupcake (705 8th Street SE)

*Register by Saturday, January 28, 2012

February 12, 2012: Treat Yo'Self is Accepting Apps

The folks at One Love Massive & Crunkcakes are teaming up for Treat Yo' Self! A Valentine's day pop-up shop at a yet to be determined location. They are now accepting vendor applications for the creative ilk. If you are interested in providing treats, email them at treatyoselfvendorapp@gmail.com for more info.












Do you have a cupcake event or news? E-mail me at DCCupcakeCritic@gmail.com to be included in the weekly round-up!

Cupcake Project #3: Skinny Red Velvet Cupcakes

                             

With diet season in full effect, there's no reason to skimp on the cupcakes. Instead skimp on the calories by swapping awesome ingredients like applesauce for oil;  egg whites (for eggs) and wheat flour for processed cake flour.  Your swaps will  provide the necessary moisture, texture and taste with less calories and a dollop of sweetness. Enjoy!

Servings: 26 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Calories: 140

For the Cupcakes
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 cup white whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp white vinegar
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
2 egg whites
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/3 cup fat-free buttermilk
1 tbsp red food coloring

For the Low Fat Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz 1/3 fat cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake tins with liners. In a large mixing bowl, stir together flours, salt, cocoa, and baking powder. In a large bowl beat sugar, applesauce and butter. Add egg, egg whites and vanilla, and mix well. In a small bowl mix baking soda and vinegar; set aside. Add half of the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Mix well, and then add buttermilk and red food coloring. Add the remaining dry ingredients and then fold in the vinegar and baking soda mixture. Pour in prepared cupcake liners 3/4 of the way. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. In the meantime make your frosting. Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Let the cupcakes cool, then frost away.
(Recipe courtesy of Hello Beautiful.com. See article here)

H Street Bakes is Back!

Where: The Big Board (421 H Street NE)

Time: 12:00 -3:30 PM

If you haven't been to H Street Bakes, it is an opportunity to indulge your cupcake & dessert fantasies. Area vendors get together and hock their goodies for reasonable rates.

Crunkcakes, The Cupcake Critic’s ‘Best of 2011’ winner, will also be in the building!!

If you haven't tried these liquor soaked gems, you've really missed adulthood. Hopefully our friends at @MSquared will be there too (Hi Mallory! Hi Melissa!) Get some treats, have some booze and we strongly suggest- some food!

For more info, click here

Frosting

Location: Frosting 1 Wisconsin Circle Chevy Chase, MD

Flavors: Choc-a-lot, happy!birthday!, REDiculous, Cheesecake

Price: $2.75 each/$15.50 for a half-dozen/$29.50 for a dozen

Score: 4



                   

                 Frosting Marquee (Photos courtesy of Curvy CEO)







Frosting is a delightful little bakery tucked away on Wisconsin Circle in Chevy Chase, right next to all of the high end shopping and restaurants. While I’d seen the sign for the shop many, many times, I’d never gone in there. I do have to admit, actually getting there by car was a little tricky because the parking lot is behind the shops in the Circle. It took a phone call and two wrong turns before I found the shop. So, if at all possible, you should try to take the metro to get there – it’s right across from the Friendship Heights stop.



So many cupcakes to choose from! (Photos courtesy of Curvy CEO)

Now, once I did arrive, I was pleasantly greeted – not only by the sweet smell of baked goods, but also by the lovely décor. I don’t know much about interior design, but as soon as I walked in I felt like I was transported into a lovely little French café, what with the crystal chandelier and checkerboard tiles on the floor. They had a mixture of tallboy tables and chairs with a little alcove in the corner with cozy benches. There was even a cute little sitting area outside for customers. (If it weren’t nighttime in December, I might have given it a try.) Oh, and apparently the owners’ love story was featured in both the Washington Post and the subject of a romantic novelization of their love story.

WaPo article featuring Frosting the owners (Photos courtesy of Curvy CEO)

But, wait, this is supposed to be about cupcakes. Quite simply, they’re scrumptious.

Lovely display case filled with cupcakes! (Photos courtesy of Curvy CEO)

When I looked at the display they all looked so amazing, I sampled more than I wanted to . . . but they were worth it. The cake itself was buttery, light and fluffy. The frosting was supersweet . . . and to me, that’s a good thing. My absolute favorite was the mini-cheesecake.

Mini Cheesecake (Photos courtesy of Curvy CEO)

Let me say that again. Mini. Cheesecake.

*Homer-Simpson-drool*

This was absolutely FANTASTIC. Even though it was a “cupcake” for all intents and purposes, it really was a mini-cheesecake. A really good, rich, creamy mini-cheesecake. It really hit the spot. When you find yourself having a Golden Girls moment I highly recommend you visit Frosting. You won’t regret it.                         

Guest Blogger Curvy CEO : Curvy CEO is a lawyer and government relations professional in Washington, D.C. When she’s not pounding the pavement on Capitol Hill, you will usually find her pouring over fashion magazines or glued to the Style Network (which is pretty much her only reason for continuing to pay for “the good cable” during these tough economic times).

Cuppy Tattoo Shoe

Move over Loubou's...here come cupcake tattoo shoes!! For only $189 a pair, you can grab a pair of these hand painted and airbrushed shoes to show your love for cupcakes (and probably tattoes)! Click Here...

Cupcake Project #2: Cupcake Cones from DC Cupcakes

Barracks Row Culinary Education Crawl

Sunday January 29, 2012

Hey Cupcake Lovers!!

Join our friends at Hello Cupcake at their new Barracks Row location for the 'Barracks Row Culinary Education Crawl'.
Courses are 70% off for that day and the proceeds will go to support Barrack's Row Main Street. Check it out here!!

Cupcake Wars Season 5 is Casting!

Cupcake Wars has been picked up for another season! They are now casting for Season 5! If you are interested in being considered, please send an email to cupcakewars5@gmail.com. Please include photos of you and your cupcakes and a brief bio.

The Cakery

Location: The Cakery 6776 Race Track Rd Bowie, MD

Flavors: Spice cake with honey butter frosting and almond cake with vanilla frosting.

Price : $2.50

Score:  2.5

The Cakery is a cozy bakery located on the backside of Hilltop Top Plaza in the sleepy section of Bowie, MD. Getting there by vehicle is optimal although it is on the metro bus line. The tiny shop houses two small cases chocked full of cookies, muffins, breads and yes, cupcakes. Immediately I was greeted by the shop’s owner who spoke to me like you would an old friend.

Although my choices were slight (there were only 3 or 4 flavors available and two of those were chocolate on chocolate and mandarin surprise), I ordered what appeared to be the most appetizing: a spice cake with honey butter frosting.  From a presentation standpoint, the cupcakes were beautiful. Dressed in perfectly white cupcake liners, sitting atop a prim doily and housed in a white box.  The only thing missing was a picket fence.

After ringing me up (my total was $2.50), the shop owner informed me that the cupcakes were buy one get one free. (Yes!) So, I ordered the almond cupcake with vanilla frosting. I was very pleased with the customer service and couldn’t wait to dig in.

When I tasted the spice cupcake, sadly, it was like a bland corn muffin topped with a misshapen ball of slightly sweetened butter. The almond cupcake was equally disappointing. It was also a sad reminder that cupcake abuse does occur in America. The texture was crumbly and the flavor was without direction. Overall The Cakery wins for customer service, price and presentation but loses horribly on taste and texture- which is really what this whole food thing is about.

Sticky Fingers Bakery: 'Cupcake Wars' Viewing Party

January 15th 8pm on Food Network. Will they pull rank and win this war OR eat and retreat in defeat?

Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in March 2011. This Sunday, the vegan baking duo from Columbia Heights will defend their title in Cupcake Wars All-Stars. Watch the episode with founder Doron Petersan and head baker Jenny Webb to find out if they’ll win this war or eat and retreat in defeat.

Viewing Party 7-10pm at Bourbon (2nd Floor) 2321 18th St NW, Washington DC. Cupcakes aplenty, no cover, and heckling encouraged!

Olivia’s Cupcakes

Location:  Olivia’s Cupcakes 2318 Minnesota Ave. S.E., D.C. 

Flavors: Strawberry, Chocolate with Vanilla frosting and Red Velvet

Price: $2

Score: 3.5

“The cupcake disparity is a real issue but how do we overcome it?”

Olivia’s Cupcakes is a first in what I am hoping to be a trend: cupcake shops opening in predominately African-American neighborhoods. Walking into Olivia’s you are immediately greeted with factors beyond their control: crime, poverty, and lack of employment. Despite acting as a solution, you can’t blame them for installing triple thick, bullet-proof glass. Let me elaborate.

(Photo courtesy of Olivia’s Cupcakes)

Housed in a purple brownstone, Olivia’s Cupcakes looks like fairytale princess land. Outfitted in pink princess awnings, glitter wands and a crystal chandelier, it’s an adolescent girl’s dream. I was a bit jealous of the little girl waiting with her mother to discuss having her party in their princess room. What I wasn’t jealous of, was their long wait time only to be told the person that they needed to speak to wasn’t available.

Photo courtesy of HBO/The Wire

Although Olivia’s Cupcakes is metro bus accessible, driving there would be ideal. I decided to drive and found plenty of parking across the street. Making my way up the spiraled stairs, I saw potential cast members for the HBO drama, ‘The Wire’, standing in line for cupcakes. Recognizing my surroundings, I knew two things:

1. I needed to get in and get out.

2. The Critic is mad bourgeois

Olivia's Cupcakes Chocolate with Vanilla Frosting

At only $2 a pop I was eager to indulge all my cupcake fantasies. However once I got to the window to order, I was met with the dreaded “Ain’t no mo…” Their website boasted 8 daily flavors but that day only 4 were available. Luckily the line wasn’t long but the two teenaged girls working behind the counter were doing so in tandem versus assembly-line style. Ideally one would handle the money while the other bagged cupcakes. Nonetheless they were super sweet and a bit overwhelmed so I overlooked it.

Strawberry Cupcake from Olivia's Cupcakes

Once I made it back to my car I sunk my teeth into the chocolate cupcake which was Billie D. Williams smooth (Colt 45 Days) and Phillip Drummond rich. Equally rich was their red velvet cupcake. Moist and draped in cream cheese frosting, Olivia’s Cupcakes turned me into a believer! Finally, I managed to grab my all-time favorite cupcake: strawberry frosting on strawberry cake which may sound redundant but Olivia’s made it all worthwhile.

Red Velvet Cupcake from Olivia's Cupcakes

Overall Olivia’s Cupcakes is a venture that I want to succeed. Neighborhoods like Minnesota Avenue are often depraved of eateries (and resources) that others can take for granted. Their cupcakes are awesome and their shop is a sight to behold. Hopefully they will tweak what is within their control so foodies like me don’t mind overlooking what isn’t in their control. Besides, Georgetown can’t have the lock on diabetes and obesity.

The Best of 2011: A Year in Review

Best Overall: Crunkcakes

With names like ‘Boozy Breakfast’ and ‘Dirty Pillow’ these cupcakes are in a class all their own. Liquor infused, packaged to perfection and priced oh-so-sweetly, they deserve all the accolades that they get. They ‘rep’ the DMV on their logo by giving the District of Columbia’s flag a cupcake spin. They can be found at any of these DC hotspots: Sova, The Rock N Roll hotel and H Street Bakes (seasonal). Read my review here

                         

           Best Customer Service: Sprinkles

Despite the fact that I dream about Sprinkles, the Sprinkles staff in Georgetown is superb! Every customer’s name is taken down with their order; every flavor is explained and each order is hand-delivered. There are enough staff members to defray lines and I’ve never seen an employee who looked like they were two steps from mutiny. Did I mention that I dream about them? Read my review here. *Runner Up: Sweet Bites Desserts

                      

    Best Presentation: Enjoi Cupcakes

When I first encountered Enjoi Cupcakes the owners were suited up in their Enjoi Cupcake gear and their mascot, The Cupcake Princess, was in tow with her cupcake wand and fairy princess costume. Needless to say, she was cuter than Christmas. Their cupcakes, which were featured at Georgetown’s Marvelous Market for a summer pop-up, have always been stellar and nothing less than top notch. Aside from Sprinkles, I dream about Enjoi and their strawberry cupcakes! As the saying goes, “You eat with your eyes” and Enjoi has mastered that (amongst many things). Read my review here.             

   

Best Variety: Baked and Wired

Aside from being a D.C. favorite (their review received the most views after Crunkcakes), Baked and Wired has more than earned their designation with over 25 flavors that include: Pretty Bitchin, Flapjack (maple brown butter cake with maple buttercream frosting topped with caramelized bacon), Chocolate Cupcake of Doom (chocolate on dark chocolate) and The Elvis Impersonator (a banana cupcake with chocolate and peanut butter frosting). Although some flavors are seasonal, these small batches are baked daily so get it while you can! Read my review here                                     

                Best Location: Hello Cupcakes

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Hello Cupcakes because they were one of the first cupcakeries I went to as ‘The Critic’. Their Dupont Circle location is metro accessible and close to my favorite lunch spot Cosi. With a new location opening in the up-and-coming Barrack’s Row area, I give kudos to Hello Cupcakes for giving their customers more metro accessible options. Read my review here. *Runner Up: Red Velvet Cupcakery 
 
                      

Best in Cost: Georgetown Cupcakes

                      

Despite having a cupcake empire, Georgetown Cupcakes are reasonably priced at $2.75. This has proven to be a very savvy marketing tactic to stave off DC newcomer, Sprinkles, and any other competition for that matter. All things considered they give customers quality, variety and size at a price tag much cheaper than area cupcakeries (despite being the Vera Wang of cupcakes). Read my review here.

Best Red Velvet: Olivia’s Cupcakes

Photo courtesy of Olivia's Cupcakes

                     
It’s not a secret that The Critic isn’t fond of red velvet cupcakes *Flashback to childhood memories* but Olivia’s Cupcakes’ red velvet cupcakes makes me a believer! Moist, flavorful and the perfect amount of chocolate flavor, because of Olivia’s Cupcakes *sniff* I can love again… Read my review here.

Who’s your best of the best? Let me know @DCCupcakeCritic or at DCCupcakeCritic@gmail.com. Happy Eating Cupcake Lovers!!

Bakeocracy

Review: Bakeocracy

Location: Alexandria, VA (pick-up or delivery only)

Flavors: Coconut, Lemon and Red Velvet

Price: $20 /dozen

Score: 3.9

As the cupcake craze moves forward and the tummies of Americans grow larger, even professionals are getting in on the action. Enter Bakeocracy, the baking democracy and its owner, Fern Simmons. Fern is a very spirited woman who practices law during the day and bakes yummy cupcakes by night.

(Photo Courtesy of Bakeocracy)

I first heard about Bakeocracy when they reached out to me on Twitter (@DCCupcakeCritic). After several tweets from avid Bakeocracy followers, I too wanted in on the action. According to their website they offer 12 flavors ranging from vanilla to key-lime pie and cinnamon swirl. At $20 per dozen, pick-up is available from their Alexandria location with limited delivery in the DC area (for a small fee).

Bakeocracy Red Velvet (Photo Courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)

On this Saturday afternoon, I would be treated to their coconut, lemon and red velvet flavors. Per usual, it didn’t take long for me to bite into all the cupcake goodness. Due to technical difficulties I tasted the red velvet one first. Let me tell you, it doesn’t get any better than this! The cake was good and the cream cheese frosting was perfect. I almost shed a tear when I got to the last bite.

it flipped over in the box,

Bakeocracy flavors: lemon, coconut & red velvet. (Photo Courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)

Next up were the coconut and lemon. Both cupcakes were smooth with great texture and flavor. My only complaint would be that the frosting had a cream cheese base which gave it a custard-like texture and flavor (think coconut custard or a lemon cream pie). This is simply a matter of personal opinion and in no way would I kick this cupcake off my plate.

Overall I enjoyed these cupcakes and felt my voice was heard- it is good! Cast your ballad and tell me what you think about them.

*Originally published on 12/29/2011

Baked and Wired

The strawberry fields cupcake (Photo Courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)

Location:  Baked and Wired  1052 Thomas Jefferson Street NW

Flavor: Strawberry Fields

Cost: $3.85

Score: 4

“If hippies had money, this is where they’d buy their cupcakes.”

For some time now I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about Baked and Wired. Located in Georgetown amidst the growing problem of obesity and diabetes, which can only be attributed to the glut of local cupcake shops, *obvious sarcastic snicker*, Baked and Wired sits on the side street of Thomas Jefferson where the gondolas perch. Walking in reminds me of a very cool science lab from a John Hughes film; that meets a New York artist’s loft, which meets a very wealthy university’s library. There were serious students doing serious things on their laptops while drinking very serious albeit unpretentious fair trade coffee.

At $3.85 a pop, it's large enough for two (Copyright: The Cupcake Critic )

Overall though, I dug the space. It looked like where all the cool people go to do cool things and of course eat cool cupcakes. Three young people stood behind the counter: two trendy young men and one young woman who resembled a hippie. I assume to watch paint dry as that would be more exciting than waiting on customers. After all, that’s not what cool kids do. The young female hippie at the register held lengthy conversations with the gentlemen in front of me whose girlfriend obviously got lost in the bathroom.

Prim yet disheveled; wealthy yet disavowed. Well mannered albeit intolerant, there was no line per se or even a rush to service. People just gathered by the register and around the array of food which was only for show. The actual goods were held in the back like art pieces purchased at auction.

Photo courtesy of Baked and Wired

I counted at least ten different variations of cupcakes and each had its own descriptive name like Razmanian Devil (lemon-raspberry) or Pretty Bitchin’ (chocolate & peanut butter). I went with a safe bet and ordered the strawberry fields cupcake which had fresh strawberries baked into the cake batter. This would prove annoying later but I digress. After doing something un-cool like saying, “Ummm… excuse me lady who just wandered up here and didn’t stand in line I’m next!”, I was surprised when the young-hippie told me that my total was $3.85! (To date this is the most that I’ve paid for a single cupcake!) I guess it pays to be cool.

Finally home, I dug into the long awaited treat. The gentleman warned me that there were fresh strawberries baked into the cupcakes. I love a good strawberry cupcake with both strawberry frosting and cake however the authenticity of this cupcake reminded me of the intensity with which my phys-ed teacher told us to use rock crystals versus deodorant because it was “natural”.

Strawberry Fields Cupcake (Copyright: The Cupcake Critic)

The cake was ridiculously soft and offered a fresh taste with each bite. I know I complain alot about artificial flavors and cheap fillers but the level of authenticity that this cupcake offered was more than what I bargained for. It was the cupcake equivalent of a very attractive doctoral candidate who wants to discuss their thesis on the first date; a lot to handle but too attractive to let go.

I’ve expressed before that Georgetown isn’t easily accessible to non-Georgetown-ians. Be prepared to drive and look for parking or take the metro to Foggy Bottom and then walk or cab it up to reach M Street. Overall I was happy and might be back to try the Smurfette; a blueberry cupcake with lemon-blonde frosting with which I’m intrigued by. Cute, right? Who knows, Smurfette may only have a Master’s?

Originally published on 11/17/2011