Thursday, October 22, 2009
A New Craving
A few months ago I literally stumbled into Crave Cupcakes while killing time over at Houston's Uptown Park before a dinner meeting. After buying a dozen on the pretense of treating Dave for his birthday back in May, I've been using just about any excuse (baby showers, birthdays, random Tuesdays) to swing by and order two or four...or twelve. As a self-appointed connoisseur of the cupcake (I've had my fair share, believe me), I can honestly say that these are the best money can buy -- and yes, even better than Sprinkles or Magnolia. At $36/dozen they aren't cheap, but boy are they worth it. Moist, flavorful, and with just the right amount of icing. And today, after waking up at 4:30 am to participate in a company charity event, I'm in need of a sweet pick-me-up more than ever. Alas though, Crave Cupcakes don't exactly jive with my recent efforts to eat healthier, so a little day dream eating will have to suffice for now.
Of course it doesn't hurt that they're pretty to look at as well. If you order at least 24 hours in advance, you can even select from an assortment of cute decorations to personalize them further.
While you can take your cupcakes to go (or even have them delivered -- Lord help me!), their storefront is so retro chic it's worth eating one (or two) there to fully appreciate the ambiance. Something about it feels very Southern Californian to me.
Unsurprisingly, I love all of the soft turquoise; it's the perfect counterpoint to the cool whites and rich chocolate browns. Unlike a lot of cupcake bakeries in Houston, this one doesn't look cutesy or overly sweet (thankfully). The large menu board displays the flavors currently on offer that day.
While I highly doubt the dozens and dozens of cupcakes baked here each morning come out of this vintage oven, I absolutely love the retro touch. It also coordinates with a half dozen vintage turquoise mixers on display by the cashier.
While I have yet to have the privilege of sampling every flavor they offer (there are 28 flavors, many of which are only available on certain days), my favorite so far is a tie between the red velvet (shown above left) and the vanilla on chocolate (shown above right).
Two flavors on my "must try" list include candy bar and nutella. Since both are available only Wednesdays and Sundays, it might be worth a drive-by for a little hump day treat.
...All I can say is, as far as my waistline is concerned, I'm very, very fortunate that Crave is a bit out of the way for me.
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19 comments:
YUM! I'm a chocolate lover and these cupcakes are right up my alley. I guess I too am very fortunate that Crave is EXTREMELY out of the way for me. :-)
This was a cruel post - now I'm craving cupcakes!! While we don't have a Crave in Dallas, we are lucky enough to have a Sprinkles - it's definitely dangerous.
I was just there about a month ago, picking up some cupcakes for a hostess gift. Isn't the place adorable? I was going to blog about it, but completely forgot, so I am glad that you did. :) I love the colors and vintage appliances.
I think I've just DIED and gone to Heaven - and I've only seen the pictures, for goodness sake! A Must Stop during my next day trip to H-town - thanks for the tip!
Crave is good... but Sprinkles is so much better!
Ok, I've never felt any urge to move to Texas, but these cupcakes just did it for me. They would be worth the heat and George Bush. I was just telling my coworker that I wish I had a piece of chocolate, and then read this. I am DYING as I eat a far-too-healthy pear!
Oh, I am craving the look of this store...striking, simple, cool yet inviting! And of course it must smell wonderful as well!
Janell
I think they should give you a year's free supply for this lovely post! And since I suggested it, if they do you can split it with me.
Dad likes strawberry and I love red velvet.
i love the look of a plate of fancy cupcakes - we just had a bakery open nearby and i've ordered a few dozen for my son's football team (the jets), but i'm sure they won't be as gorgeous as these!
OK, I am officially drooling now - these are beautiful, Averill. Have a great weekend!
Really gorgeous (and delish) photos, darling!
I am drooling on my keyboard!
xoxox,
CC
OMG, they look divine!
Wow! i never see a store like this before specially for cupcake only. And NUTELLA is my all time favorite. whether its cookies, crepes, and now a CUPCAKE!
Did you mention they deliver?,
Now i'm eager to try this. Anyway, its my first time to place a comment,and i like your blog.its educational.
I've driven by a couple times and have resisted stopping in. Now that I've seen this, there's no way I'll be able to anymore! Have you tried Sugarbaby's on South Shepherd? It's a much more pink and cutesy place, but their red velvet with cream cheese frosting is delicious!
I love cupcakes-I dream about Georgetown Cupcake in D.C.
Kristin -- Sprinkles IS divine, but I'd say Crave could go head-to-head with it any day!
Breanna - I have been to Sugarbaby's and while their red velvet is good, I definitely prefer Crave's version. Generally, I thought Sugarbaby's cupcakes -- while cute -- were a bit too dry.
Beth -- Just googled Georgetown Cupcake; so cute! Love their Halloween cupcakes.
Oh what a delightful looking place! Love the look of the place and the cupcakes sound yummy! Next trip to Houston...someday! (though fewer cupcakes are better for my eating plan!)
MMMMM! Oh my! I have to search for the closest location online :) Now I'm craving a cupcake.
I've had Sugarbaby's once. I was expecting something delicious... but was disappointed.
Can't wait for Sprinkles to open in February!!
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