CUPCAKES - THE SWEETEST BIRTHDAY TRADITIONOttawa, Ontario, Canada
Here's a statement I could easily buy into: “A birthday without cupcakes is like a day without sunshine."
Let's take a moment to reflect on some important moments in life and you’ll see why cupcakes make them special. They sweeten a joyful celebration with the BFF and they turn a little 'me-time' into a moment to be savoured. They provide a refreshing variation on the tradition that birthdays must be marked with something sweet. Most importantly, cupcakes turn just about any moment into a special moment. Imagine the happy day when I realized that spring break, both my children’s birthdays and a trip to Ottawa, were about to coincide in one delicious family vacation. Canada’s capital city had long been on my must-see list. Situated on the south bank of the Ottawa River in Southern Ontario, the city is home to 900,000 people and is at the center of Canadian politics. Add to this, the still cool seasonal weather and Ottawa’s multitude of great indoor destinations and this was the obvious choice for our birthday vacation. Now, join my cupcake loving family on some birthday trips and you'll see why Ottawa can't be beat for sweet. Here's a list of our favourite decadent destinations: The Cupcake Lounge (thecupcakelounge.com). Owner Claudia Arizmendi describes her ‘gourmet and upscale’ cupcakes as ‘made for grownups’. My son disagreed - he claimed our mom-and-son birthday trip to this confection-packed nook as his favourite holiday excursion. He also claimed that his Vanilla Chocolate treat was better than mine. Madagascar bourbon vanilla cake with bittersweet dark chocolate frosting did indeed sound delish. The friendly and smiling Jinny didn’t hesitate when asked for a recommendation - Red Velvet is a favourite for many, and I was happy to indulge. One bite led to much sugar-fueled debate as my son and I compared the merits of dark chocolate frosting over smooth and creamy vanilla. Try these other great flavours: Oreo, Orange Cranberry, festive Gingerbread Cupcakes cost $3.25 each or $36/doz. Location: 6 Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON, Tel:1 613-862-0926 ThimbleCakes (thimblecakes.ca) ThimbleCakes claims to make ‘Cupcakes for Everyone'. They cater to food allergies, as well as organic and nut and egg free needs and are happy to accommodate your special requirement. Their small seating area is a lovely spot - china blue and paneled walls, accents in girly pink and white, and lattes and espressos creatively listed under “Warmth” on the menu. The cupcakes are especially creative with variations on swirls and sprinkles and perfectly shaped edible petals. We settled in with Sprinkle Party Pants and Lovely Peach and had a most delicious feast. More sweet treats: Lovely Lemon, Boston Cream, Vanilla Love Cupcakes are $3.30 each or $3.80 for gluten-free Location: 369 Bank St, Ottawa, ON, Tel: 1 613-695-0109 The Flour Shoppe (theflour shoppe.ca) Melissa Somers, owner and baker at this cute-as-a-cupcake shoppe, claims they’re bringing style to the dessert table one cupcake at a time. It has a larger seating area than my other destinations, and a simple ambiance - picture stark purple and white paired with ornate and textured frames. Cupcakes are the only form of decadence in the decor with an elaborate “Cupcake Sculpture” - nine frosted treats pose on pedestals in a creative and sugary display. Vanilla Bean was enjoyed by my birthday-girl - it disappeared fast accompanied by multiple ‘Yums'. You just can’t go wrong with a swirl of icing that’s taller than your cupcake! Not wanting to be beat I opted for the equally tall icing of the Earl Grey and enjoyed a sophisticated flavour with a refreshing hint of lemon. More to say ‘Yum ‘ about(and especially for the chocolate lovers!): Chocolate Chip Pancake, Chocolate Snowball, Chocolate Mint Cupcakes cost $2.50 each or $28/doz. Location: 617 Bank, Ottawa, ON K1S 3T5, Tel:+1 613-695-3752 Auntie Loo's Treats (auntieloostreats.ca) Auntie Loo’s is Ottawas first 100% vegan bakery with accommodation for most allergies - so enjoy those treats guilt free AND worry free. You can order at their take-out counter, but most sales are on-line and wholesale. In 2009 founder Amanda Lunan (Mandi Loo) took her Nana’s recipes, gathered an eclectic group and started baking up a storm. Check out Miss Loo’s team - Sir Shane, Little Jo Berry and Kate 2.0 undertake a range of strange pass-times including playing the accordion, occasional time-travel and one self-described dancing devil. You won’t be surprised that this team of ‘originals’ are also the inventors of some deliciously original recipes. Lavender Vanilla was like a little sugary taste of the herb garden - and strangely delightful. And since Auntie Loo’s seems to bring out a little of the daredevil in its customers we decided to take a chance on Ginger Pear Pineapple. Here’s how Mandi Loo describes this creation: “Chunks of pear are mixed into a cake base that uses pineapple juice, and is topped off with a lemon ginger icing”. Fruity cupcakes - I can take them or leave them, but the creative icing combination was a treat! More original flavours: Citrus Paradise, Strawberry Lemonade, Triple Berry Beet(Beetroot makes the red in Auntie Loos version of Red Velvet!) Cupcakes can be ordered on-line at $28/doz. Location: 507 Bronson Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6J8, Tel:+1 613-238-2566 Ottawa's decadent birthday trips are the beginning of a new family tradition - and one I’d highly recommend! |
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