October 15, 2009
There is one common, unsolicited complaint I have heard over the last few weeks. It has nothing to do with the economy, politicians or Chicago not being awarded the Olympics. Personally, it is one of those pet peeves that no one has any control over. I usually embrace the issue or don't give it much weight. Others, not so much.
Of course, I'm referring to the weather. We've all been hearing the moaning about the rain and the groaning about the cold. People often have short memories. Was it not just a few weeks ago everyone was complaining about the heat or that it was too dry? Perhaps, one of the downsides of living in Texas. Yes, the elements, as of late, feel like Seattle. I get it!
However, I will give the naysayers one tip of the hat. The cloudy, cool, rainy weather can eventually take its toll. Perhaps, it may even cause a few blues. And, as we all know, the blues are not conducive to romance or a happy relationship. Fortunately, in Fort Worth, we have several places that dish up just what the doctor ordered.
Sure, I could recommend some of the obvious solutions. Prozac? Maybe. The gym? Sure. Sugary bites of deliciousness? Done!
Cupcakes seem to have medicinal value. I have not checked WebMD for what all they cure, but, in my own blind study, cupcakes are pretty remarkable.
For that "I don't want to get out of bed" kind of day, head to Sublime Bakery (5512 S. Bellaire Drive, #A). Catherine Ruehle and her team make a chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing. Sounds pretty standard, right? Think again. Much like finding a prize in a box of Cracker Jacks, this cupcake has one, too. Let's just call it a dollop of chocolate ganache. And, when you find it, you will know. More importantly, your taste buds will love you for it. Just writing about chocolate ganache and thinking about how amazing that first bite is, I'm already starting to feel better.
Another great choice is Cupcake Cottage (5015 El Campo Ave.). I'm a big fan of the cookies and cream cupcake. How can you not be? To not like anything even remotely resembling an Oreo is probably in the same vain as burning the flag. Or, not liking puppies. You get the idea.
If you haven't heard about j.rae’s (935 Foch St.), you are missing out. Everything there is uber delicious. But, when it comes to cupcakes, I'm sticking with my favorite...the red velvet! One bite and your heart will melt. I would liken it to your first kiss or the first time you laid eyes on your future spouse. You'll stare at it a little longer and you'll get butterflies in your belly. This is the perfect choice to bring home when you say the wrong thing or upset your better half. Seriously, no one can stay mad after eating one of these red velvet cupcakes. Come to think of it, I may win the Nobel Peace Prize for discovering the possible solution to world peace...the red velvet cupcake from j. rae's.
Lastly, I can't forget Central Market. I love to support the small business owner. However, I've come across a cupcake at Central Market that should be illegal. If not, it might be banned, much like cell phones, while driving or operating heavy equipment. It is the tiramisu cupcake. First of all, the cake-to-icing ratio is perfect. Perfect, for me, that is. Primarily, because they are extremely generous in their portions. Next, is my love for tiramisu. An Italian dessert that literally means, "Pick me up." Once you've eaten one of these gems, you'll understand why it was so appropriately named.
Cupcakes are an important element in today's society. As you've read, they help with depression (please check with your doctor to verify these claims), they may lead to solving world peace (please check with your United Nations to verify these claims) and they just put a smile on your face (true). More importantly, cupcakes should never be underestimated or taken for granted. This is best summed up by a dialog that took place on The Simpsons:
Bart: It was an accident, ma’am!
Judge Constance Harm: “Don’t spit on my cupcake and tell me it’s frosting!”
Homer Simpson: (angrily) “What did she say about cupcakes?”
There is one common, unsolicited complaint I have heard over the last few weeks. It has nothing to do with the economy, politicians or Chicago not being awarded the Olympics. Personally, it is one of those pet peeves that no one has any control over. I usually embrace the issue or don't give it much weight. Others, not so much.
Of course, I'm referring to the weather. We've all been hearing the moaning about the rain and the groaning about the cold. People often have short memories. Was it not just a few weeks ago everyone was complaining about the heat or that it was too dry? Perhaps, one of the downsides of living in Texas. Yes, the elements, as of late, feel like Seattle. I get it!
However, I will give the naysayers one tip of the hat. The cloudy, cool, rainy weather can eventually take its toll. Perhaps, it may even cause a few blues. And, as we all know, the blues are not conducive to romance or a happy relationship. Fortunately, in Fort Worth, we have several places that dish up just what the doctor ordered.
Sure, I could recommend some of the obvious solutions. Prozac? Maybe. The gym? Sure. Sugary bites of deliciousness? Done!
Cupcakes seem to have medicinal value. I have not checked WebMD for what all they cure, but, in my own blind study, cupcakes are pretty remarkable.
For that "I don't want to get out of bed" kind of day, head to Sublime Bakery (5512 S. Bellaire Drive, #A). Catherine Ruehle and her team make a chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing. Sounds pretty standard, right? Think again. Much like finding a prize in a box of Cracker Jacks, this cupcake has one, too. Let's just call it a dollop of chocolate ganache. And, when you find it, you will know. More importantly, your taste buds will love you for it. Just writing about chocolate ganache and thinking about how amazing that first bite is, I'm already starting to feel better.
Another great choice is Cupcake Cottage (5015 El Campo Ave.). I'm a big fan of the cookies and cream cupcake. How can you not be? To not like anything even remotely resembling an Oreo is probably in the same vain as burning the flag. Or, not liking puppies. You get the idea.
If you haven't heard about j.rae’s (935 Foch St.), you are missing out. Everything there is uber delicious. But, when it comes to cupcakes, I'm sticking with my favorite...the red velvet! One bite and your heart will melt. I would liken it to your first kiss or the first time you laid eyes on your future spouse. You'll stare at it a little longer and you'll get butterflies in your belly. This is the perfect choice to bring home when you say the wrong thing or upset your better half. Seriously, no one can stay mad after eating one of these red velvet cupcakes. Come to think of it, I may win the Nobel Peace Prize for discovering the possible solution to world peace...the red velvet cupcake from j. rae's.
Lastly, I can't forget Central Market. I love to support the small business owner. However, I've come across a cupcake at Central Market that should be illegal. If not, it might be banned, much like cell phones, while driving or operating heavy equipment. It is the tiramisu cupcake. First of all, the cake-to-icing ratio is perfect. Perfect, for me, that is. Primarily, because they are extremely generous in their portions. Next, is my love for tiramisu. An Italian dessert that literally means, "Pick me up." Once you've eaten one of these gems, you'll understand why it was so appropriately named.
Cupcakes are an important element in today's society. As you've read, they help with depression (please check with your doctor to verify these claims), they may lead to solving world peace (please check with your United Nations to verify these claims) and they just put a smile on your face (true). More importantly, cupcakes should never be underestimated or taken for granted. This is best summed up by a dialog that took place on The Simpsons:
Bart: It was an accident, ma’am!
Judge Constance Harm: “Don’t spit on my cupcake and tell me it’s frosting!”
Homer Simpson: (angrily) “What did she say about cupcakes?”
