Oh what I’d give to be able to hop a flight and land at Sprinkles Beverly Hills. I’ll save Rodeo Drive for later visits; I’d rather splurge on delectable goodies. An assortment of mouth-watering cupcakes is just what a girl (or anyone) needs to get over life’s ho-hum moments. Whether you like them as an occasional treat or as a mid-day sugar fix, they always hit the sweet spot.
Now that cupcakes are all the rage, bakeries specializing in the trend are popping up everywhere, especially in Atlanta. So, I set out on a citywide hunt to find the best ones. In my quest, I learned a few truths: A cupcake is only as good as its ingredients; you can’t judge a cupcake by its frosting; and I’ll gladly walk in the rain sans-umbrella when there’s an edible reward attached to it. (Don’t judge me. People do crazy things when under the influence of sugar.)
My first stop was a warehouse a few turns off of Howell Mill Road. If I weren’t hungry, I’d think I was in the wrong place, but the signs clearly read Metrotainment Bakery. Since I didn’t pre-order, the pickings were slim. Not quite what I was expecting, just the basics: chocolate, vanilla, red velvet … the usual. The cashier recommended the carrot cake cupcake, but I opted for German chocolate instead. For $1.75, I was quite satisfied with my generous-sized treat. Metrobakery.com or 404-873-6307.
The next place on my list was Highland Bakery in the laidback Fourth Ward district. With the display case clearly visible from the entrance, I felt like leaping inside. Instead, I internalized my giddiness and checked out my options. There were quite a few flavors of jumbo-sized cupcakes ($3.95) to choose from. And, I was pleased to find out they came in minis ($.95) also. That meant I could sample the coconut, chocolate peanut butter gnache, red velvet and carrot. And sample I did. I can’t say I was smitten, but my taste buds weren’t complaining either. Highlandbakery.com or 404-586-0772.
Since I was in the area, I decided to check out Belly General Store in the Highlands. I had heard a little chatter about it, so naturally my curiosity was piqued. On my way over, the cloudy sky finally turned to rain, but I wasn’t about to let that stop me. Rather than giving the weather time to die down, I parked my car (there’s only street parking) and walked down the block without an umbrella. I’ve been known to do some questionable things in the name of food, but this took the cake. Literally. The sweet smell of calories beckoned me through the door, and I quickly forgot all about my trek. After scanning the long counter, I found what I was looking for. Not the most attractive I’ve seen, but a cupcake is a cupcake, right? I was about to find out. I pointed out a red velvet one, only to later find out it wasn’t red at all, more like an amber-hued brown. Why didn’t they just call this chocolate? I fight disappointment and bite into it. I’m thankful for my “hybrid cupcake,” but next time I think I’ll go with the pina colada or peanut butter and jelly ones ($2.25). Bellystore.com or 404-872-1003.
At times I struggle with instant gratification, and this happened to be one of those times. But since Mari’s Sweets is a virtual (delivery only) bakeshop, patience was necessary. I browsed the selections online, and with such yummy names as Sweet Georgia Brown (pumpkin), Sweet Almond Crème and Spiced Lemon Ginger-Twist, I imagine this place to be like heaven. I decide on the 24 Karat cupcakes (carrot cake with orange-infused frosting topped with pecans) and hope for the best. Indeed, I’m impressed and I fall in love at first bite. Marissweets.com or 770-649-0696; sold by the dozen ($21-25).
While I’d like to say I’ve found the ultimate cupcake, the verdict is still out; several of the cupcakeries on my list were closed for baking (sweet-pockets.com, buttersweetbakery.com and littlecakebakery.com). So, I’ll leave the choice to you. After all, it’s best I start my next adventure: pursuit of the perfect treadmill.
