On my most recent visit to So. California I decided to fully experience the cupcake rage that is sweeping the nation and just now finally arriving in the midwest. During my visit I tried Yummy, Crumbs, Sprinkles, and Mrs Beasleys. Visiting with three other people, a myriad of options were selected at each and many pictures were taken.
There is a reason this place sells out so damned fast…..the cupcakes are that good.
While clearly not ‘normal’ cupcakes like Yummy or Sprinkles, but instead topped with a myriad of odd topings, the flavor, moisture, and texture of these cakes are sublime…..even at 8pm when the selection has been thoroughly picked over.
As we were on our way back from a great day of food at Spago and subsequent wandering/shopping Beverly Hills, Robertson, and Rodeo we only opted for 2 choices but both made their mark and left my mouth watering for more. The Fruit Cobbler was filled with a delicious berry puree and topped with crispy, buttery, cinnamon nuggets. Quite literally, this was a portable cobbler and absolutely stunning to the tastebuds.
The second option, though not QUITE as good, was the Cookie Dough cupcake (in itself this seems like an odd metaphysics paradox) and again was remarkable with a custard inside that tasted like a chocolate chip cookie housed inside of a delicate, moist, and flavorful vanilla cake.
I realize this place is a New York institute and therefore a somewhat “invasive species” in SoCal, but honestly, it is a heck of a lot better than Sprinkes, without the pretense, without the line, and without the posers outside.
I would give 5 stars, but I feel like they “cheat” with their toppings and therefore make more of a “cake for one” than a traditional “Cupcake” with frosting, so we’ll go with 4 stars but a 5 star flavor. Additionally, parking near Rodeo……if only someone could provide cheap parking I’d be able to afford an extra cupcake on my next visit. 