On the first sign of warm spring weather, what better idea than to take a road trip. It was decided that D.C. would the destination of this adventure. District of Columbia is home to our President Barack Obama, Politics, & DC Cupcakes!
DC Cupakes is an acclaimed show on the TLC Network, about DC’S first cupcakery founded by two sisters, Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne who traded in their stilettos in Corporate America for aprons and pastry bags in their own shop. Georgetown Cupcakes opened February 2008 and has been the talk of the town since then.
On this bright, sunny day, I strolled up the hill of Georgetown in pursuit to satisfy my sweet tooth at Georgetown Cupcakes. The weather was warm with a slight wind chill from the Potomac River. The streets were filled with tourists, college students, and families with small children.
As I approach the corner of the bakery, I was astonished to see customers lined up 2 blocks up the street just to get these cupcakes. I thought to myself it was no way I would stand in this line, so after a convincing conversation and swift movements, I was two people away from the register. The bakery had an open kitchen theme with clean glass windows showcasing an assortment of delicious cupcakes on stands.
The cupcake menu was very creative and extensive, it was composed of everyday, special, and seasonal flavors. Some of the flavors were Red Velvet, Vanilla Birthday Cake, Chocolate Banana, Cookies & Creme, Peanut Butter Fudge, Salted Caramel, etc. There were so many to decide from and hard to pick just one so I chose three. I decided to go with one everyday flavor, Red Velvet and two special flavors, Salted Caramel and Coconut.
The Red Velvet cupcake, I was slightly nervous about because I’ve had great ones and I’ve have dry ones. The cupcake had a very bright red color and to my satisfaction it was a very flavorful, moist cupcake topped with cream cheese frosting. I was intrigued by the Salted Caramel cupcake flavor, once I tried this gooey, moist cupcake, as I peeled the paper down the side,I discovered a salted burnt caramel bottom layer, which i thought offset the sweetness of the top layer. [Most people think burnt caramel is a bad flavor, but if correctly made it adds an unique flavor and leaves a lingering kick on your palate] Lastly I tried the Coconut cupcake which I thought was amazing because not only was it topped with flaked coconut but it was also baked with freshly grated coconut.
Foodie Critiques:
Flavor
Although I enjoyed the flavors of the cupcakes, I didn’t enjoy the buttercream that was topped on. It left a greasy film on my palate which is commonly found in American style buttercreams, because of the amount shortening that is put in the mix. Shortening has a higher melting point than butter which is why that greasy film is still lingering after you finish your cupcake. I would recommend using a little less.
Price
The cupcakes were $3.00 each, which for some people it may seem overpriced. With my baking expertise and knowledge, I understand the cost of ingredients, labor, and of course you’re paying for “DC Cupcake” name.
Overall, I would return to this bakery to try some other cupcake flavors on a less busier day! Enjoy!~
To seek more information about the Georgetown Cupcakes, visit www.georgetowncupcake.com
To seek more information about the show, DC Cupcakes, visit http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/dc-cupcakes/
Urban.Food.Print 