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