Once a week I am overwhelmed by the craving for something sweet. I scour the fridge and the cabinets looking for food with at least a hint of sugar. The night usually ends with me begging Mark to go to the store or with me whimpering like a child because it is too late and everything is closed. After learning about Le Cupcake Shoppe, we have taken a more proactive approach to managing my appetite. We stop by after work for a half dozen of mini cupcakes and for a friendly visit with the owner Alex.
Le Cupcake Shoppe is located in Brookline on Capital Ave next to Fiori's Pizza. The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 8pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm. The menu changes daily and includes an assortment of mini cupcakes and a smaller selection of large cupcakes, cake pops, push pops, and sometimes cookies. The cupcakery is cash only but don't freight if you are short on ones, there is an ATM next door. Alex also accepts change. We know from experience.
(Peaches and Cream)
Mark and I visit Le Cupcake Shoppe at least once every two weeks (or once a week according to him) for a half dozen for us or a full dozen to share with family and friends. We have our favorite cupcakes but we are always willing to try Alex's new flavors. We haven't tasted a cupcake that wasn't enjoyable though we do prefer some flavors over others. Because the cupcakes are mini, there is less guilt when eating more than one. If left unattended, I will eat most or all of the cupcakes by myself. I'm not much of a sharer.
(Lemonade)
Alex doesn't use preservatives or chemicals in her baked goods, only gourmet ingredients. The red velvet cupcake is always featured on the menu and it is one of our favorites. The tiny cupcake is light, moist, and full of flavor. The cream cheese icing gives you the illusion that it was baked in your grandmother's kitchen. Another favorite cupcake of mine is the s'more. The cupcake is a chocolate cake topped with marshmallow creme and a mini Hershey candy and sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs. It lacks nothing but the smokey flavor from roasting the marshmallow over a campfire.
(S'more)
(Red Velvet)
Also on menu was the banana pudding cupcake. The cupcake was filled with pudding and real bananas and topped with icing and a small vanilla wafer. Who needs a spoon when you can eat banana pudding with your hands? It was definitely an interesting twist for a traditional dessert. After eating the cupcake, Mark declared the banana pudding as his new favorite.
(Banana Pudding)
During the holidays, Alex features a variety of themed cupcakes. For Easter she had bunny faces and bunny bums (the cutest cupcakes ever!) and for the Fourth of July she had red, white and blue cupcakes. She also makes speciality cupcakes and cakes for birthdays, showers, and weddings. But don't want for a special event to order a half or full dozen. Everyday is a good day for cupcakes.
Mark and I love Le Cupcake Shoppe because it is a local business owned by a Pittsburgh native. The more traditional flavor cupcakes remind you of your favorite childhood desserts or family gatherings. Alex's more imaginative flavors like the Fat Elvis make you wish you could create it in your own kitchen in order to cope when it is not on the menu.
-Michelle
-Michelle
