The Cupcake Shoppe

Every morning on my way to work, I am taunted by the scent of freshly baked cupcakes. It kills me. I don’t really have much of a sweet tooth and I always pass on dessert when I go out for a meal (ask anyone!) but there’s just something about these cupcakes. Maybe it’s the brightly coloured frosting? The adorable window display? The pink and white packaging? I’m not sure, but they are hard to resist. So yesterday, I finally gave in and picked up a couple to bring home. They were absolutely heavenly, but definitely something I would only reserve for special occasions. (especially at $2.50 a cupcake!)

L-R: “Frost Me” (vanilla frosting on marble cake) & “James Brown” (chocolate cake with chocolate frosting).

The two flavours that I picked out were probably two of the more popular ones, but they often have daily specials and are baked fresh every day.

The Cupcake Shoppe
2417 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON

-Allison

Hello, Hong Kong! Part Two

Today my friend the doorman/security guard gave me this:

I was very pleased. After Life Partner, it is my favourite “ion supply” drink. Who doesn’t love a beverage with sweat in its name? Once again, I am flummoxed as to how I am ever to repay his kindness.

Thank you, Mr. Doorman/Security Guard; you make me feel so welcome.

- Andrea

P.S. Does it look like I’m sipping the can? That was the effect I was going for in my fluorescently lit bathroom. The best place to drink Pocari Sweat, of course

Hello, Hong Kong!

While I have few culinary adventures to report (aside from a very mediocre meal at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s MO Bar – though it was free so I shouldn’t complain), it appears my trip across the globe has rendered me both malnourished and incompetent. Or so I have concluded from the behaviour of the doorman/security guard who shields the inhabitants of my apartment from local ruffians. In the past two days he has given me the following:

His food-giving began yesterday, after he barged into my apartment with a real estate agent and a prospective buyer (my landlord forgot to tell me about the appointment; thank goodness I was fully clothed and not engaged in anything too embarrassing). I guess he took one look at my meager furnishings and his kind heart filled with pity. “Look at this girl, all alone,” perhaps he said to himself. “A can of clam chowder will do the trick!”

At any rate, I am touched. And feel the need to reciprocate. Why, oh why did I not bring a box of maple syrup cookies?

After four days in the city I have come to the following pronouncement. Hong Kong: the city with the world’s best doormen.

-Andrea

Adieu, Toronto

While Allison will continue to hold down the fort in our fair T-dot, scouring the city for tasty Vanity Fare-worthy treats, I shall be reporting back from Hong Kong.

Until then.

- Andrea