Tag Archives: Dessert

Cake Bakeshop in Manhattan Beach

04/07/2011 – 11:48 PM

After having lunch at Sando’s Sub Shop in Manhattan Beach (four-and-a-half stars on Yelp, by the way, and absolutely delicious), I had a strong craving for some type of dessert item. After convincing the boys (okay, they didn’t really need much convinging) that we should walk further down Highland Avenue to see if I could find some type of dessert place, we came upon Cake Bakeshop. I had noticed this little place several times before during various visits to the area, but I never had a chance to take a peek at what this shop had in store. I always thought that the simple, minimalist store sign looked rather cute, tasteful, and modern. With hopes to satiate my dessert craving, I decided to pop inside.

This little shop is all about cupcakes. They do have other items on their menu, such as cakes, pound cakes, cookies, and bars. Upon entering, however, you immediately notice the cupcakes inside the glass counter and the novelty cupcake-related items on the shelf to the right. Cake Bakeshop sells mini cupcakes ($2.00 each) and regular cupcakes ($3.00). They have the typical chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet flavors available daily. Other flavors are available immediately in-store on the flavor’s designated day (see their flavor schedule). This day’s special cupcake happened to be carrot cake, topped with a cream cheese icing.

I opted for a mini chocolate cake cupcake with chocolate buttercream icing, and Allan opted for a mini carrot cake cupcake – the flavor of the day! Ji and Jeremy didn’t want any. Jeremy loves sweets, but he was already busy with an ice cream bar that he had purchased from the convenience store next door.

I love the simple yet tasteful design of everything from Cake Bakeshop, from the box, to the label, to the business cards, to the decor. To top it off, these mini cupcakes are adorable, and they taste absolutely delicious too! I only got one mini cupcake for myself to try it out, but next time I stop by (and there will definitely be a next time), I will be sure to buy more than one!

Cake Bakeshop has special deals when you buy a dozen cupcakes (mini or regular sized). In addition, you can order any of their other flavors on any day (for no extra charge) as long as you order at least a half dozen. The specific item on the menu that caught my eye is the Bailey’s Irish cream cheese frosting. The lady who was working there said they have that flavor of frosting available for purchase in-store once in a while, and it is usually placed atop the chocolate cake cupcakes. Perfect combination in my opinion! I will definitely be phoning-in an order of those some time soon.

If you’re in the Manhattan Beach area, be sure to stop by Cake Bakeshop. I’m not a huge cupcake person, but this place is definitely one of the best places from which I’ve tried cupcakes. Visit their website at http://www.cakebakeshop.com. They’re also on Twitter: @cakebakeshop. I would recommend checking their Twitter daily as they post special deals daily.

Tags Cake Bakeshop, Cakes, Cupcakes, Dessert, Food, Manhattan Beach | Comment (1)

Food Music Restaurants & Cafes Shows & Concerts

Starbucks Petites and The Submarines

03/18/2011 – 1:23 AM

Apparently Starbucks now has two new additions to their menu to commemorate their 40^th anniversary: Starbucks Petites and the cocoa cappuccino. I stopped by a local Starbucks near work and upon discovering this, I decided to give both of these a try.

I purchased a tall cocoa cappuccino and a peanut butter mini cupcake. (The little Android wanted to be in the picture, that camera hog.) I really wanted to try out the tiramisu cake pop, rocky road cake pop, or birthday cake pop, but the particular Starbucks location I went to didn’t have any of these, so I decided to try the peanut butter mini cupcake instead.

As I had expected, the cocoa cappuccino was too rich and sweet to me. It was pretty much like a mocha with less quantity, seeing as a cappuccino has foamed milk instead of steamed milk. The taste was great — I love chocolate — I just wish it weren’t so sweet. I probably won’t be ordering that again; I typically prefer plain cappuccinos or lattes, sometimes with a flavor shot of vanilla or hazelnut.

The peanut butter mini cupcake, however, was like several bites of Heaven. Don’t let this tiny morsel fool you — it is full of delicious chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness. Reminiscent of a Reese’s peanut butter cup combined with a unique texture due to the cupcake, every bite was enjoyable. The only disappointment I felt was when I was finished with it. This happened quickly, seeing as it is a mini cupcake. I wouldn’t necessarily want it to be any bigger, though. Being so rich and sweet, this portion was actually just right. You can try this delectable sweet treat at your local Starbucks for $1.50.

I’ve been slowly trying to get back into the music scene, seeing as I’ve been out of touch with any new material by bands I used to listen to and just any new music in general for the past three years or so. This Saturday, I’ll be seeing Girl Talk at the Fox Theater in Pomona. On April 21, I’m seeing fun. at The Glasshouse in Pomona. Nate Ruess, the lead singer of The Format, which broke up, is now the lead singer of fun. I’ve been a huge fan of The Format and I love Nate Ruess’s voice, so it’s nice to see that he is still carrying on with other projects. I’ve also purchased tickets to see Yelle at The Music Box in Hollywood on May 21. On Friday, April 8, The Submarines will be having a free show at Fingerprints in Long Beach. If you haven’t heard their music, you should definitely check them out. And if you have heard their music (or haven’t), you should definitely hit up this free show. I’m pretty excited; who could resist good live music for free?

I grabbed this little postcard/flyer the last time I was at Fingerprints. Now you can see their other tour dates, for your viewing pleasure.

Tags Coffee, Dessert, Music, Shows & Concerts, Starbucks, Starbucks Petites, The Submarines | Comments (3)

Berkeley

035.

05/13/2009 – 6:08 AM

Yogurtland recently opened across campus on Bancroft, near Telegraph! (It’s beside Jamba Juice.) I’ve been to several in Southern California and it’s awesome that they opened one up here. I love how you can choose your own flavors and add your own toppings, then they charge you by weight! My favorite topping is mochi.