As I sit here nibbling on a Chocolate Mint cookie from Milk & Cookies, I compile my thoughts on two very well-known Manhattan bakeries and the cupcakes I chose based on a quick decision. This afternoon I took a brief excursion to the west side to investigate the few bakeries I have considered inspirations in all that I love about the world of pastry–first stop Billy’s Bakery, a leisurely walk down 9th and over to 7th to get to Pichet Ong’s Batch, and a new cookie for my palate over on Commerce St. at Milk & Cookies. Later this week I’ll be going to the Lower East Side to investigate my options, but for this muggy Monday, we’ll stay west of 6th Ave.
Today I highlight the first cupcake battle on this blog (and technically the first post),
RED VELVET CUPCAKE (Billy’s Bakery)
VS.
CARROT & SALTED CARAMEL CUPCAKE (Batch)
First we start with the Red Velvet.. this is a specialty cupcake at the price of $2.50. A decent line formed right when I was gazing upon all my little sugary friends and I was urged to be helped by the girl at the counter, so I picked the first one that was not a basic buttercream.
Mmm, shiny frosting, ruby red cake.
Sliced it in half, licked the non-sharp edge of the knife, and dug in. Don’t have the exact ingredients for this cupcake so I can’t tell if the cake is made with food coloring or beet extract. Some cupcakes just leave us speechless (unlike Magnolia’s which just sits at the back of your throat and slowly slides down to your stomach).
Close-up at the tastiness.
Yum. The heat makes the frosting gooier than usual, and it stuck to the paper in the bag, so I took out my offset spatula, scraped the excess off, and licked off my fingers.
Next, I cut into the Carrot & Salted Caramel Cupcake from Batch..
Much more unique than your typical carrot cake cupcake.
According to the website, the cupcake’s dimensions are “Carrot Cake, Lime Cream Cheese Filling, Caramel Frosting, Maldon Sea Salt”. Lime Cream Cheese! Nice.. didn’t expect that. This salty sweet cake goes for a healthy $2.95 among some other colorful cakes and pastries in a fancy-schmancy, hair-salon-esque decored palace of sugar.
Let’s see if we can tempt you any further..
Yikes.. last meal on earth material?
Gooey, melty, this to me was worth the $2.95. The lack of Sex & the City-type visitors is the ultimate one-up for this place. Pichet Ong is a celebrity pastry chef.. no customers at 2pm, he really doesn’t have anything to worry about. This bakery is right next to P*Ong, and we know that people like that spot.
Which reminds me, something to celebrate better come up soon, so I can give just about anyone a reason to buy me a three course dessert tasting..
