I am not a typical foodie but it seems lately that everywhere you look, there are new establishments selling fresh baked cupcakes, and not just the kind that you buy at a typical bakery. Cupcakes are now being used as the dessert of choice at parties, showers, as wedding favors and even as alternatives to a wedding cake and centerpieces. Whats more, cupcakes keep getting bigger and bigger, to where eating your own cupcake takes some over-indulgence. Quite frankly, this cupcake craze reminds me of the smoothie revolution of a few years back when the Robeks’, the Jamba Juices and the Juice Stops of the world were coming into their own. Having eaten at a few of these new cupcake spots in town, I thought I’d let you in on my favorite places for cupcakes. Ready?

Crumbs Bake Shop – Located in the heart of Glendale, right next to the new and prestigious Americana at Brand, Crumbs is one of the more spacious cupcake establishments, that also happens to smell like heaven. With over 30 distinct flavors including rare creations not seen anywhere else including treats like Devil Dog, Butterfinger, Watermelon and Caramel Apple, Crumbs Bake shop offers decadence without the crazy. Incidentally, I learnt from their site that they are not just local to Los Angeles. In addition to the 5 locations in Los Angeles, they also have locations across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Flavor of the Month

Sprinkles is next on my list. With the first store opened in Beverly Hills, Sprinkles quickly became famous for its star power much like Pinkberry a few years back. On weekends, lines can be very long indeed. Perhaps best known for their Red Velvet cupcake, Sprinkles also has a wide assortment including Banana, Pumpkin and Chai Latte. However, some of these flavors are only offered on certain days of the week. While I have not been to other locations, I can say this about the Beverly Hills one, that it is a tiny little place, with hardly room to stand, let alone sit and enjoy your treat. This is a little frustrating because after waiting in line for as much as 30 minutes, you’d think one should be able to enjoy their cupcake and a glass of milk sitting down. Unfortunately, most of the time, you will end up taking it to go.

Sprinkles Display

Violets Cakes – I was first introduced to this local Pasadena shop by a friend and colleague. Violets has a distinctively home feel to it and are great for parties and home orders. Their chocolate frosting is some serious business and I love that they wrap their cupcakes in foil. Owned, operated and run by Pasadena local Denise Weber, this place is as local as it gets and a must try for those in the vicinity.

Dots Cupcakes – Even before I fell in love with Sprinkles, Crumbs and Violets, I loved Dots. Their Chocolate on Chocolate is moist and melts in your mouth. Health concious folks have the option to buy a mini cupcake, which I think is a nice touch. Having said that, I must say that the service is less than stellar and the place is the size of a large cubicle. There is no room to stand more than 5 people at their Arroyo Parkway location (they have two locations in Pasadena). And more often than not, they are out of your favorite flavor and their “excuse” is that they don’t run a retail business, rather they are  primarily a catering business and don’t bake extras for foot traffic. So you get the feeling you are getting left overs. With three others to choose from, this place is last on my list, not for the quality, but rather the experience. Despite not being a chain, it gives you the feel of a chain store.

Do you feel that I may have missed out on your favorite cupcake place in LA? I am always open to new places, so if you feel strongly about a place, send me a note or write your comment below and I will check it out.

John Traveler