It was so lovely outside yesterday, and therefore a perfect opportunity to take a walk around the neighborhood. Meg and I did just that, as we walked to Astoria Park in hopes of seeing the pretty Christmas Tree they decked out last week.
On our way there, we stopped at The Candy Bar, which was a lot of fun. It's a colorful and cheery candy store, with lots of old fashioned candy and treats for folks of all ages. There's lots of things I recognized from my childhood including cow tales, giant gummy bears, bazooka gum, Pez and more. It's a place that you can totally get lost in, with lots of bright colors and even an area in the back that hosts kid's birthday parties.
Cupcakes:
Meg and I took a stroll through and I noticed something unusual - Baked by Melissa cupcakes. One of my favorite little treats that are now sold all over Manhattan, and even at Terminal 5 at JFK airport, I was ecstatic to see them at The Candy Bar, and asked if they're indeed what I thought. My suspicions were confirmed and then I asked about the price, which was just $.50 per cupcake or 50% cheaper than what you get them for in the city. I don't want to hype this up too much, as I'd like to keep this our little secret, but I hope you get out to enjoy them.
The Candy Bar - 19-31 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.956.6706
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd
Baked by Melissa, one of my favorite cupcake shops in the city is hosting a fun scavenger hunt for the entire month of December. The contest is hosted on Facebook and you have to be a fan to participate because every day, BBM releases a fun clue. A clue for what? To get 100 cupcakes of course!The quest to get 100 of these delicious stuffed treats put fire under my a%& and I was motivated to win. For those who know me personally can attest to how competitive I am--and as soon as I saw the first clue posted this morning, I was on it. The clue was the following: 44 paces South of its SW corner, this structure marks the 100th Anniversary of George Washington's inauguration as president. Don't walk too far, or you might get wet. You could sit on prize #1 and not even know it.
I Googled a couple of key facts and voila, Washington Square Park is where I had to be. Naturally, I recruited my co-worker and friend Leann who was glad to join the hunt. We got to the locale in merely 10 minutes and dissected the clue until it led us to a bench in front of the fountain, behind the big arch. Leann spotted the golden ticket and we were both excstatic. You could see the cupcake euphoria on our faces.
Want to play too? Tomorrow is another day and another clue awaits. Join the Baked by Melissa Facebook page and you could win 100 cupcakes too. Why not splurge a little? I guarantee it'll make your day - it made mine.
Baked by Melissa - 529 Broadway, New York NY 10012212.842.02206 Train to Spring Streetwww.bakedbymelissa.com
Baked by Melissa - 529 Broadway, New York NY 10012212.842.02206 Train to Spring Streetwww.bakedbymelissa.comWhile in Soho yesterday, my brother Peter and I noticed a cute cupcake take-out counter called Baked by Melissa. We were immediately drawn to it, as the cupcakes were adorably small and featured seven interesting flavors: cookie dough, red velvet, cookies & cream, s'mores, peanut butter & jelly, peanut butter cup and tie-dye. They were all so cute and looked so yummy that we got a box of six, omitting only the tie-dye--it looked too artificial and I wasn't curious about what tie-dye flavor would taste like.
Peter and I had two cupcakes each, and the remainder we shared with Dan and Peter's girlfriend, Fiana. We were all impressed, especially with how much bank you get for your buck. Even though the cupcakes were tiny, they offered the perfect amount of flavor to give you that sweet fix. The frosting was very delicious and plentiful, making them feel more substantial than they actually were. The dough was lovely--soft, moist, sweet, and I'd go as far as to say that it was on par with Crumbs.
Cost:
These teensy treasures come at a premium, but they're worth every penny. The quality is excellent and you get what pay for--delicious, luxurious mini cupcakes without all the guilt.
6 for $5.50
12 for $10
25 for $20
50 for $37.50
100 for $70
After 100, each additional cupcake is $.70. Tax is included in all pricing.3 Mmmms
