Chic but Cheap Cupcakes

Photo courtesy of Cupcake4Today.wordpress.com

Recently, my younger sister Shelby celebrated her 20th birthday-Happy Birthday Pooh! Grabbing a dozen if not two dozen cupcakes to celebrate became a challenge and despite being a Critic, I still shell out for cupcakes. With the average cupcake hovering around $3 bucks or more, buying cupcakes for a simple soiree can get pricey. However after careful research I found some chic yet cheap cupcakes for your next shindig. 

Here's the list:

Georgetown Cupcake 

Price: $2.75 ea. or $29 per dozen 

Location: Bethesda or Georgetown, DC

Tip: Order online or call and pick-up to avoid lines. Bethesda is the best option with better parking. Also local delivery is available for a fee.

The famous pink box with Georgetown Cupcake ribbon

Sweet Themez 

Price: $2.50 each or $28 per dozen

Location: Adams Morgan  

Tip: Sweet Themez is a full-service bakery that also specializes in custom wedding cakes. Chief baker and owner Adrian can create whatever your heart desires! Limited DC delivery is available for a fee ($15)

Sweet Themez in Adams Morgan

Buzz Bakery 

Price: $2.50-$3.50 

Location: Ballston and Fairfax 

Tip: Buzz Bakery offers a limited number of flavors in the $2.50 category so ask prior to ordering- unless you want to splurge :-)

Buzz Bakery's Ballson location

Olivia's Cupcake 

Price: $2.00 each or $24 per dozen

Location: Southeast, DC (Minnesota Ave.)

Tips: Definitely try their new alcohol-infused cupcakes featuring Patron, Bacardi, Nuvo and Circoc Peach, Red Berry, Coconut or Lemon. 

Olivia's Cupcake Chocolate & Buttercream Cupcake

Cakes Plus 

Price: $1.50 ea. and $16 per dozen 

Location: Laurel, MD

Tips: Great red velvet and vanilla cupcakes. 

Cakes Plus Vanilla Cupcake

Stop Cupcake Abuse!

Cupcake Abuse: 1. The act of misappropriating or abnormally using cupcakes outside of their intended purpose. 2. Cupcakes that are over elaborate, constitute unusual and often  unpleasant flavors or combine ingredient that are uncommon. 

L-R: Pringles, Ramen Noodles, Bacon Bits (Photo: EndlessSummer.com/C.Christy Concrete)

                                       

Cupcake Lovers, today I tackle a tough and often troublesome issue that I see in the cupcake community. What is it? Cupcake abuse! That’s right, in the year 2012 cupcakes are experiencing abuse in America. How is that you say? 

Crumbled Blue Cheese & Hot Sauce cake topped with Blue Cheese Frosting
(photo courtesy of CupcakeProject.com)

I have seen chicken wing cupcakes, meatloaf & mashed potato cupcakes, and even beer and cheese cupcakes. Yipes! I'm all for artistic expression and creative culinary exploration but cupcakes are small cakes whose intended purpose is to bring a bit of joy to one’s day- not to express one’s repressed desires and culinary fantasies. 

Meatloaf & mashed potato w/ gravy and bacon cupcake 
(Source: PassTheSushi.com)

Can you imagine if other baked goods were treated like this? We'd have chicken wing brownies, meatloaf cookies and perhaps spaghetti pie! It sounds absurd. If you love cupcakes as much as I do, (and if you’ve read this far alongyou must) help stop cupcake abuse!

Smokey the Bear (Source: SmokeyBear.com)

What are some of the warning signs of cupcake abuse?

1. An appearance on Cupcake Wars.

2. Cupcake names with more than three words or include one of the following       terms: filled, infused, shaved or layered.

3. Contains ingredients that should never-ever, under any circumstances, be said in the same sentence. 

E.g. Mediterranean hot dog cupcakes with flavor-infused cinnamon bark and essence of kumquat trimmed with a caviar fondant and filled with shaved grass clippings from the Amazon.

As the 80's icon, Smokey the Bear, once said, "Only you can prevent forest fires" and I'm adding to that Cupcake Abuse!

PB&J Cupcake w/ Potato Chip garnish (Source: CrazyCupcakeGirl.com)

What say you Cupcake Lovers? Is cupcake abuse real or another expression of culinary creativity? The Critic is listening.... :-)

*This post is intended strictly for humorous purposes.

Finger-Lickin’ Good: Cupcake Nails

Photo courtesy of Celeste Hampton

I know what you're saying, “Critic, this is a blog about cupcakes….why are you featuring nail art?” Well folks, as I’ve said before: "Cupcakes aren’t a fad…they’re a lifestyle," and with that lifestyle comes the culture. Enter nail tech, Celeste Hampton of Celeste Hampton Designs.

Photo courtesy of Celeste Hampton

Celeste is serving up nail styles as unique as the flavor menu at Georgetown Cupcake! For $8o a pop, she can provide you with perfectly sculpted, coiffed and cupcake-ed nails with an eye-catching 3D effect. Celeste began doing nails immediately after high school; attending cosmetology school in Atlanta, GA. Upon moving to DC five years ago, she saw the need for extra income and has been creating tempting designs such as this one ever since.  

Photo courtesy of Celeste Hampton

“I’m really passionate about nail art and design! As an artist the nail bed is just another palate. I want to be original and unique so I never re-create a design.”  And unique is only the half of it. Her designs range from blow pop art, 3D cupcakes, and stiletto nails (very pointed nail tips reminiscent of stiletto heels) with ice cream cones atop.

For your own cupcake crazed nail creation or simply a manicure, contact Celeste on Twitter @Celestenails or visit her website. 

Help The DC Food Trucks!!

Sweet Bites Food Truck

We've all done it...stood outside in the pouring rain or freezing cold after having received a Tweet from your favorite food truck. Once you walk away with your gooey treat, suddenly the sun comes out and the rain clears. It was all worth it. Well troops, it would seem that more than ever the DC Food Trucks need your help. (But don't worry, you won't need your umbrella for this one). 
  Today is the last day to sign the petition to pass new regulations releasing food trucks, which operate under archaic ice cream truck laws, license to roam the DC streets without fear of harassment or routine stops. In essence, help them help you and your tummy. Support the Food Trucks!! I know I do :0) 
Visit www.passnewregs.org

Treat Yo’Self

DJ Keenan Orr Spinnin' (Copyright The Cupcake Critic)

Earlier this month I attended Treat Yo’ Self! which is the collaborative efforts of One Love Massive and Crunkcakes.  The name is a spin-off of a popular story line from the NBC comedy, Parks & Recreation. The artisans’ market was held at the Mellow Mushroom in Adams Morgan and featured DJ Keenan Orr.  Drinks were poured while warm stuffed pizza flowed on every bar corner and eager buyers looked through the wares of the many talented vendors.

The Crunkcakes Table

When I walked in, I was immediately greeted with vendors ranging from food to jewelry to art work. To the left were the ladies of Crunkcakes and their new treats, The Biggie Smalls. I bought two cuppies; one buttery nipple (my favorite) and the maple bacon (hmmm…bacon). The salty and sweet mixture was awesome!

Original artwork by B. Doty

Original artwork by C. Cafferty

In the corner was original artwork by Brittany Doty and Caroline Cafferty; budding artists who were more than eager to share the inspiration for their artwork. Many of the pieces ranged from vampy re-creations of Blondie or Marilyn Monroe, to dark pieces that could rival Tim Burton’s best films. Next door was DC Patisserie whom my sister (and Critic in training), purchased a dozen of their macarons from and enjoyed thoroughly.

DC Patissiere Macarons

DC Patissiere Vendor

On the other side of Crunkcakes, I spotted K &M Cupcakes. They offered cupcakes, red velvet heart-shaped brownies and cookies. Fab Fete is a new-comer who offered homemade hummus, caramel corn and a variety of gluten-free cookies. Although The Critic has no issues with gluten, I appreciate vendors who cater to a diverse digestive track. My sister bought two containers of hummus while I purchased the cranberry and oatmeal cookies – they were umm-umm good!

K&M Cupcakes

Square in the center with an ornate display was DC new-comer Chica Bom Bom. They were selling brigadeiros, a Brazilian treat similar to a caramal bon bon and made with condensed milk. The owner explained to me their process of making them and had coconut, nutella and chocolate samples available.

Chica Bom Boms

Hazelnut, Nutella, Coconut and Chocolate Brigadeiros

Doubling back, I spoke with Rachel Pfeffer of Rachel Pfeffer Designs. The daughter of a jeweler, her collection had some awesome pieces including silver and brass statement necklaces and natural mineral rings to the tune of $113 and up. Despite being an all-cash event, many vendors accepted credit cards through portable scanners. Overall the event was awesome and the people of One Love Massive have outdone themselves again. 

Georgetown Cupcake Opens in SoHo

Location: Georgetown Cupcakes 111 Mercer St New York, NY
Flavors: Red Velvet, Cheesecake, Coconut and Vanilla.
Price: $2.75



Down the cobble stone roads of Soho I sought out the newbie to the block: Georgetown Cupcake.  I have to admit a certain sense of pride overcomes me when I see a DC native take on the “Big Apple.” After all, I am a rare breed: native Washingtonian.  Opening their 3rd location, the TLC stars of DC Cupcake extended their sweetness into the foray of dozens of cupcakeries in NYC.

By far their most ambitious property, the Soho location is inconspicuously located on Mercer street.  Nearly double the size of their original location in Georgetown, the cupcake duo expect to do big business. You’ll love the glassed in cupcake display as you enter.  No wondering what they have or what the cupcake looks like; it’s right there in grand view.  My first pick turned into two, that turned into three and ended with four. 

The New York Cheesecake was cute but needs some work.  In
the end, the Red Velvet (aka good ol’ reliable) was their best one.  Come for the cupcakes, stay for tea.  Their quaint 9 seater café just may be available.  Good luck guys!

Mr. Foodtastic (Chef J. Jackson)

www.foodiesandfatties.com
www.Facebook.com/foodiesandfatties

www.Facebook.com/mr.foodtastic
Twitter: @foodiesnfatties & @mrfoodtastic

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!!

Likka + Cupcakes = Crunkcakes

(Photo Courtesy of Washington City Paper)

Likka + Cupcakes = CrunkCakes
Liquor infused cupcakes are hitting DC’s H-Street scene.