It must be delicious!

I conducted more cupcake research today. Because my review is unfavorable, I will not be naming the bakery; however, I have had other delights from this bakery. They were delightful.

My research was quite purposeful this time. It wasn't just about Christine Must Have Cake. I will be feeding cupcakes to others soon and want to be sure that they are yummy.

I phoned ahead and asked some specifics about cupcakes.

Cupcake Connoisseur: Can you do special decorations on each cupcake?

Bakery Girl: Yes. We can do booties and duckies.

Cupcake Connoisseur: Can I order an assortment of cupcakes -- different flavor cake and different flavor icing -- rather than ordering all of the same?

Bakery Girl: Certainly.

Cupcake Connoisseur: What do you charge per dozen?

Bakery Girl: $1,000/dozen.

Cupcake Connoisseur: (thump)(falling on the floor from sticker shock)
(They aren't really $1,000/dozen, but they are a bit pricey IMHO.)

Cupcake Connoisseur: Okay, I'll probably come by later this afternoon to taste one.

After all...if I'm going to pay too much for cupcakes, this better be some cupcake.

Later this afternoon:

Cupcake Connoisseur: Hi. I spoke with Bakery Girl earlier about a possible cupcake order.

Bakery Girl: I'm Bakery Girl.

Cupcake Connoisseur: I'd like to try a cupcake.
No free samples here, by the way. I had to buy a whole cupcake. ($2.25 for a standard size cupcake compared to $2.75 for a giant size cupcake at the previously discussed Cupcakery in Bearden)

Bakery Girl: Would you like to take it with you or sit down and eat it here? (then explains how cake tastes better at room temp and their cupcakes are refrigerated, so it would be important to allow the cupcakes to reach room temperature before serving)

I never understood why people put cake in the fridge, anyway. I've eaten cake that sits out on the counter without benefit of refrigeration all my life.

Cupcake Connoisseur: I'll have a seat.

While tasting my cupcake, I peruse the catalog to see pictures of the bakery's cake decorating talent. Very bakery-ish. Not bad work.

So, yes, the cupcake was a little cool (unlike the last cupcakes I told you about) and maybe I should have waited til it reached room temp before I tasted it and passed judgment. Then, again, I am a cupcake connoisseur. My palate is delicate enough and discerning enough that I believe I can pass qualified judgment.

The frosting was creamy. No sugary granules. The cake seemed stale. Dry even. There was no fluffy/spongey texture.

End of evaluation.

Cupcake Connoisseur to Bakery Girl: (returning the plate and fork) This seemed stale.

Bakery Girl: These were just baked this morning.

Cupcake Connoissuer: Hmmmm...
With my furrowed brow look.

Bakery Girl: Okay. So you don't like our Devil's Food.

Cupcake Connoisseur: (smiling) Maybe.

I then asked how far in advance I would need to place an order if I decided to do so.

Bakery Girl: By Thursday morning.

Cupcake Connoisseur: Okay. I have another place to visit and more cupcakes to try. If I decide to place my order with you, I will give you a call.
As I made the gesture of picking up a business card.

Bakery Girl: Okay. I understand.

No real further conversation. She didn't thank me for stopping by or considering her bakery. Pretty sure she's not the proprietor, but it doesn't matter. Of course, why should she thank me after I insulted her cupcake? Can't blame her.

After all, it's not as if I'm shopping for someone to bake my wedding cake, for Pete's sake. But as you know, I take cake very seriously. A confection such as this is imporant...everybody always comments about the cake! So, if we're going to have it, then it must be delicious.