Wednesday
Jan202010
BabyCakes: A Culinary Conundrum
If you've read any of my past articles, you'll recall that I have a certain fascination with cupcakes. I'm not sure what it is exactly...the simplicity, the frosting, my obsession with personalization taken to the extreme as it's a tiny cake made just for me...I'm willing to accept any of the above. While visiting the Lower East Side on a bright Saturday, Shaun and I stopped in at BabyCakes, the chic vegan bakery hidden on the corner of Broome and Ludlow. I had heard tales regaling BabyCakes for their fabulous cupcakes, and given my history with the teeny confections, it really seemed necessary to check it out (for research purposes, of course). I went with the carrot cupcake - admittedly a stray from my usual repetoire of anything vanilla buttercream, red velvet, or peanut butter flavored. I was so excited at the possibility of finding a new, fabulous bakery that I savored the simplistic beauty of the frosting yet couldn't wait to dive right in.
After the first bite, my only thought was (please don't hate me for this)...I don't really like this. I hate to say it, but between my cupcake and Shaun's cookies I was a little disappointed that I had wasted the calories and the stomach space on it. I know, it's vegan and healthy and made from real products, not processed...but isn't there something a little off about that? These are cupcakes we're talking about, not salads. Though I was amazed at what they could do without using real fat or sugar, I can't say that I'd seek out BabyCakes again. And yes, I do realize that they are gluten-free and for those of you with that unfortunate allergy, I am truly happy that you can too bask in the joy of a fabulous cupcake. And with that stipulation, I'll admit, they were pretty good. But as a stand alone cupcake? It just didn't live up to the hype for me. The bakery itself, however, was sweet and charming and essentially the perfect little bakery.
What do you think? Is it just me? I feel as though it's a bit overrated and kind of like Pinkberry...all I could think was that maybe this place was good solely because of the upscale, urban vibe around it, but not necessarily due to the tastiness of said sweet treats (I won't go any further into Pinkberry...all I can say, Fruity Pebble topping aside, is really?). Was there too much hype before I got to experience it? Did I choose the wrong flavor? Or is it just my unsophisticated palette?
4 Comments | January 20, 2010 | Share Article | Email Article | tagged Bakery, Cupcakes, Restaurant Roundup, Review, lower east side | in Restaurant Roundup Print Article | Permalink
Reader Comments (4)
new to the blog
saw this and wanted to add
http://www.whatonearthcatalog.com/whatonearth/Whats-New_1AA/To-Play_1BC/Item_Mini-Cupcake-Maker_CD1812_ps_cti-1BC.html
strange how i ran into it
I guess it was meant to be ;)
Thanks for the tip, it seems right up my alley!
Rachel...I can't say I disagree with your review of Babycake's cupcake. I too would have to agree they are a bit sub par compared to the normal delectable treats found in the top cupcake bakeries in NY - Billy's, Buttercup, etc. Those are sugary delights that melt in your mouth. Babycakes for some reason doesn't match up cupcake to cupcake... there is something that just doesn't melt in your mouth quite like the others. However, I was a little upset that your taste test and review stopped short at just a cupcake. I am a BIG Babycake lover for a few reasons....and the first and foremost one is their cookie sandwiches.
The cookie sandwich is simply and perfectly served up like so... there are two cookies, which glisten with crystallized sugary deliciousness atop them (that's the image ingrained in my memory anyway) and in between these bad boys are a rounded glob of creamy ooey gooey frosting. This cookie sammy melts in your mouth just right and will not disappoint. Please oblige me and get your tush back there for this not-to-be missed treat. This my friend is worth the calories and what space in your tum should be saved for.
I also find this bakery to be ever so sweet in appearance, vibe, and personnel. Plus I dig their approach using better for you, all natural and organic ingredients as well as catering to those with dietary restrictions. For anyone trying to stick to slimmer, healthier self in 2010 this is the spot to appease your sweet tooth without serious decadent indulgence.
Also notable are the slices. I had a pumpkin slice and it was mighty delish. That's my two cents for now :)
Much avid appetite love,
LK
LK,
I completely understand your thoughts on the situation and could not agree more on the 'eat these for a more healthy option' - with that in mind, I do agree that they are pretty fab.
Imagine my disappointment that I missed out on a cream-filled cookie sandwich! I mean, I cannot imagine anything better. These were not readily available when I was there, or I'm pretty certain that I actually would have opted out of the cupcake and in to the cookie sandwich. That being said, I would completely be willing to give it another try - especially with it being described as 'crystallized sugary deliciousness' and all!!
Thanks for the two cents!
xoxo, R