The NATO (Jenkins) Cupcake

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

Despite a cultured upbringing whenever I hear the acronym NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), I think of the scene from the Chris Rock movie, Head of State, whereby the late comedian (and Chicago-native) Bernie Mac states, "I don't know NATO and you don't know Nato (Jenkins)." Despite being old enough to remember when the treaty was signed, I am still reduced to the musings of two comedians upon hearing the term. 

All jokes aside, the New York based bakery, Magnolia Bakery, has created a NATO cupcake for the NATO convention being held in Chicago later this month. This gem will only be sold at the State Street location in Chicago  and is be available for $3.00 until May 25. Oh, and if you haven't seen the movie 'Head of State'...do yourself a favor and click the button below!

                                                                            

Au bon Pain: Creme Brulee Cupcake

Creme Brulee Cupcake from Au Bon Pain

Review: Au Bon Pain (Philadelphia Airport)
Flavors: Red Velvet, Creme Brulee, chocolate chip
Cost: $3.00
Score: 2.5

Waiting in an airport for an early morning flight- that would subsequently be delayed - can bring about it's own pressures. To get through that day I definitely needed a cupcake. Luckily I found an Au Bon Pain that served three varieties of cupcakes: red velvet, chocolate chip and creme brulee.

Random Side-Note: I used to work within one block of three Au Bon Pain eateries. Aside from their blatant abuse of wage laws, I could never understand why their food was decent enough for the price asked but always teetered on 'What were they thinking?' My brain warned me about the many fresh-squeezed lemonades that I had puchased only to find out that it was freshly squeezed with sour lemons. But I was in a bind and couldn't resist the  charm of the creme brulee cupcake.

Photo courtesy of Health.com

 After paying $3 for my cupcake and getting my change handed back to me replete with a mumbled "enjoy your day...", I lugged my DVF carry-on to the waiting area ready to sink my teeth into my one well-deserved pleasure for that day. Sadly, the cupcake was crusty and stale with a commercial flavor that would make Hostess swoon. To make matters worse my throat was accosted with a gush of creme filling that would make sour cream taste like a sweet luxury.

Photos Courtesy of StarPulse.com/PR Photos

 After finding out that my connecting flight was cancelled and I would be stuck in this airport for another two hours, I had a Chris Rock moment: "Can a sista get a cupcake? All I want is a cupcaaaaaake!" All I could think of was how much booze my three dollars could have bought in lieu of that crusty cupcake. In the end, I landed safely and was able to conduct my intended purpose in peace. But next time...eff TSA, I'm smuggling in some Sprinkles!