good news, everyone! i bought a new camera. therefore, expect this blog to be positively riddled with pictures in the near-ish future.

until then, let's talk about cake. i've always been a big fan of cake done right: moist, fluffy layers of awesomeness slathered in (REAL) buttercream... mmmmm.... sadly, most cake these days tastes more like an old kitchen sponge. i guess the point is, you really should not count on a grocery store to make a decent cake. they are strictly utilitarian, made with the least amount of effort to appeal to 5-year olds at a birthday party.

however, seems like boutique bakeries are all the rage nowadays, and that's where you have to look.

Extraordinary Desserts - Never mind that someone recently got shot here (unfortunately i am not kidding). This place is super trendy and fairly expensive, but man is their cake delicious. last time i went there, i got a slice of this and practically burst into flames of delight. the actual cake is extremely moist and flavorful, frosted with thick, delicious (REAL) whipped cream. and then the whole thing is covered in white chocolate curls. somehow, it's satisfying but not too heavy. yes, it's at least 8,000,000 calories. who cares.

Just Fabulous - MAN o MAN, this place went out of business! i went here for my birthday last year and had a great time. they spent a great deal of time plating your dessert, so it arrives with a scoop of ice cream in a tuile bowl and some decorative swirls of sauce and candied almonds and chocolate shavings, etc etc. i assure you that such attention to detail does not go unnoticed by yours truly! apparently they still do special orders, but the cute little storefront in Kensington is kaput. oh well! the owner has been featured on Food Network Challenge a few times. i've heard she's something of a bitch in real life (one of my friends wanted to get her wedding cake made here...) but when your baked goods are this tasty, i'm more forgiving.

It's a Piece of Cake - ok, this is not exactly a boutique bakery. this is more like your regular old friendly neighborhood bakery, with a cheapo carafe of coffee on the counter and all sorts of cookies and basic pastries in the glass case. i imagine the bulk of their business is wedding cakes, but there is a tiny table in here if you just want to try a piece of whatever. and the best part? the prices are totally reasonable. can i just say that the white chocolate macadamia cake is SUPER DELICIOUS and it's only like $3.50 for a large-ish slice. it also helps that the owner is a lovely person and will gladly chat with you while you munch away.

-jfj