TDC09--Traveling Cupcakes (Laura's Wedding)

Well, it seems that you'll miss a long run or two. This week's long run was missed for Laura's Wedding!! It really was beautiful out on the farm with a small pond in the background. Laura looked absolutely beautiful and glowing in her elegant ivory dress. So pretty!

If there's one thing I know about Laura, it's that she loves a good cake as much as I do. Therefore, I knew that her wedding sweets were going to be good. I was NOT disappointed!

Laura had gotten muffin sized chocolate and vanilla cupcakes! They had either red or orange frosting. I thought that this was to match the flowers at her wedding, but Laura said "They were suppose to be white with pretty red and orange flowers but instead they were red and orange frosted with no flowers." Still they were VERY yummy cupcakes! The cupcakes withstood the warm summer day and were perfectly cooked. Even the frosting to cake ratio was perfectly balanced. Not easy to do with cupcakes of that size. I have to confess...I ate more than one. But in my defense, they were so good! Laura ordered them from La Brioche in Madison. It makes me wonder what other tasty treats they have there! I guess next time I'm in Mad-town, I'll have to find out!

La Brioche Bakery ***** 5 Sprinkles!!

2862 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705, (608) 233-3388

TDC09--Southport Grocery & Cafe

After a long run, Danielle, Melissa and I headed to Southport Grocery & Cafe. Based on the looks of this place (and the location and website) I really had high expectations. It looked like a great brunch spot, but it also had a bakery counter. After waiting and almost excessively long time, not so excessive that we had to leave, but at least 10 minutes (there was no one in line ahead of us, the people working there were just screwing around), I ordered a vanilla cupcake and milk. They guy who took my order was quite rude, asking "Is that all the rest of you are getting too?" (What does it matter?!) The service really was less than hospitable.

We headed out of there for a bench across the street. Again, a disappointing cupcake. The frosting was clearly shortening based (I could taste the shortening, meaning they should have used more butter flavoring). It just wasn't a good cupcake. The cake itself was a little dry. I ate it, but that combined with the attitude and service I wouldn't recommend this place.

Southport Grocery & Cafe-- ** 2 Sprinkles :(
3552 N. Southport • Chicago IL 60657 • 773-665-0100

Tour de Cupcake 2009

Welcome to the newest feature of my blog...Tour de Cupcake, 2009!

I've wondered, "Where's the best cupcake in Chicago?" Not knowing a definitive answer, I've decided to take it upon myself to find out (it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it!). After my weekly long run, Danielle and I will be traveling around to bakeries to try their cupcakes. I will be posting reviews for you, dear readers, because you need to know where to get the good ones!

We've developed a rating system. We will be awarding sprinkles to the cupcakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, one being inedible and 5 being awesome. Keep on the look out for the awarding of the 6 sprinkle cupcake; this will be what we deem to be Chicago's Best Cupcake.

So, with out further ado...Let's bring on the Cupcakes!!

Our first stop is Angel Food Bakery. This is a cute little shop near Ashland and Montrose. I really dig the garden (no pun intended) and the Easy Bake Ovens decorating the shop. The cupcakes however, leave a little to be desired. Danielle and I both tried the traditional vanilla cupcake with butter creme frosting. It was so pretty! Very neat looking, great color with candy sprinkles.

However, this wasn't the best cupcake I've ever had. The frosting was clearly shortening based. The cake was actually oily in the center. I know that frosting is designed to keep your cake moist, but this was a little too moist (almost slimy!). It certainly did the job, but I don't see myself jonsing for Angel Food Bakery. I've since been back (only due to proximity), and tried a Red Velvet Cupcake. The cream cheese frosting was ok (just a bit too sour) and the cake it self was dry.

For these inconsistent cupcakes (and their general lack of tastiness), I give Angel Food Cupcakes ** 2 sprinkles. I would like to say that they do have other breakfast items that looked tasty...maybe that's their niche, rather than their cupcakes.

Angel Food Bakery ** (2 Sprinkles)

1636 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL (773) 728-1512

Stay Tuned!

I know, it's been a while! I have some updates and some new features coming... stay tuned!

Not Again!

I have gotten yet another crack at jury duty. And yes, because it's me I've been selected to be a juror. I'm stuck on this thing until at least next Monday. And while I'm not allowed to discuss the case, I will have a lovely blog detailing any events after the fact.

But for today I'd like to highlight some suggestions in ways the state could make jury duty a little better.

1) Access to a treadmill or other work out equipment. You really expect me to sit still for 8 hours and listen? Damn near impossible. I can watch TV at the gym while I run on the treadmill, why can't I run and listen to the testimony?

2) A COMFORTABLE place to sit. Those chairs suck. How about a lounger, or at least something more ergonomic!

3) Payment above slave wages. I did the math. The $17.20 check broken down to a 7 hour day (not getting paid for lunch hour) is $2.45 an hour. Total crap. Isn't there a national minimum wage?

4) Hours comparable to my regular work day. Teachers generally don't have to stay at work until 5:00pm. Granted, I'm probably going to get some scorn from those who don't have the same hours, but I'll remind you that teachers do more work in their off hours than in other professions.

5) Knowing that for every day that you actually have to sit on a jury, you get 2 years where you won't be summoned. So, in this case, I'll be on a jury until at least next Monday. With this equation, I wouldn't have to be called again for 12 years. And if this equation was true, I wouldn't be in this situation now...I'd still have time from the last time I served. That seems much more fair to me since I can think of tons of people I know that have never been called.

6) Raffle off prizes. I'm sure business could donate, sports tickets, spa treatments, gift certificates, ect. If I knew there was a chance to win me some Bears tickets...I think I'd be serving a little more cheerfully.

I'm sure over the course of the next week, I'll be coming up with more helpful suggestions, until then I will be sitting in the jury box.

Urping Froggies

I was having drinks with Eric* when all of a sudden he got up and excused himself from the bar. It was kind of weird, but ya know...sometimes things happen. He came back and said he wasn't feeling very well. I told him that if he needed to go, that was ok. But he sat back down and continued to talk.

Not even a beer had gone by, and he got up again. He came back saying that he thought he had the stomach flu (EW!) and that he needed to go. It better be the stomach flu, because the thought that I make men vomit doesn't make me happy.

We left the bar and he put out his arms for a hug. Now, generally, I'm a hugger. However, I just met this guy and clearly he was ill. I do understand that when you're not feeling well, a hug is nice. So I compromised. I did the "pat, no body contact" kinda hug.

And then it happened. He leaned in for a kiss. UGH!! Seriously!! YOU WERE THROWING UP!! NO KISSY-KISSY!! That's just nasty! And then, he acted all offended when I didn't want to kiss him. HELLO!!! I don't want your puke-tastic germs! What is this guy thinking?

**blah, blah, blah--yeah I changed the name!