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A while ago, a few of us dropped by Billy's Bakery to see if they really have the "top-rated" cupcakes.The bakery, fashioned in the green, pink and white colors of the quaint '50s' is a very warm...
A while ago, a few of us dropped by Billy's Bakery to see if they really have the "top-rated" cupcakes.The bakery, fashioned in the green, pink and white colors of the quaint '50s' is a very warm and inviting place. Staff are ever so helpful and friendly.When you walk in the store, you notice the place is divided into 2 tiny seating areas: 2 tables, a few chairs on the left; one table, with even fewer chairs on the right. But what definitely stands out are the huge kitchen space and 2 glass-encased counters of baked goods: pies, cakes, cookies and cupcakes! Instantly, my eyes trailed to the refridgerated icebox cake. I haven't had one of these since the days of La Fondue (early 90s). I ordered a piece with some english breakfast tea (Twinnings!). The lady who served me, cut me a huge slab -- enough for 3 people to share! I definitely forced some of the cake on others to share. I needed room to at least try 2 cupcakes: one vanilla, the other chocolate. The cake is just how I remembered it should taste: light, airy and so oreo-like. Tasty. The problem was that after you consumed a few bites, it totally sunk into your stomach. But I was here to try cupcakes!I ordered the vanilla cake with vanilla pink buttercream and the chocolate cake with vanilla yellow buttercream. Again, with barely little room, I forced half of each onto another. I didn't care for the chocolate cupcake as much. A bit on the dry side. The yellow cupcake definitely was more flavorful and airy. Overall, I thought the cupcakes were too heavy on the sugary and thick frosting. Wouldn't say its the best cupcakes I've had either.If I had to rank my cupcakes, it would be as follows:1. Cupcake Cafe2. Magnolia Bakery3. Buttercup 4. Billy's BakeryI would definitely recommend going to Billy's Bakery for the excellent Icebox cake. Try their other cakes and pies too.
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It's a cute, kids-friendly, quaint little place. The entrance is down the stairs, where one takes notice of the daintly scripted writing on the walls, the large silver tins of tea, the inviting...
It's a cute, kids-friendly, quaint little place. The entrance is down the stairs, where one takes notice of the daintly scripted writing on the walls, the large silver tins of tea, the inviting bookshelves filled with little books, cups, soaps and mugs -- all carrying the theme of "Alice in Wonderland." The warm lighting and register area almost reminded me of Serendipity's.
We each were given two menus. One being the list of food and desserts and the other, a zerox copy listing their different teas. What an extensive list it was too! Over 100 types of teas, listed in alphabetical order on 4 pages back and front. Way too many that it left us quite perplexed on what to order.
We were there to try their 3 tiered trays of high tea. They have 3 different types -- all with an Alice in Wonderland theme name -- except I only remember 2: : The Mad Hatter and The Jaberwocky. They also have a version for kids too. We settled on the last choice, the one with the most stuff, The Jabberwocky ($30) which consists of:
- A pot of tea
- Top Tier: Two scones with clotted cream and jam - using Lady Mendl's as our comparison, we both thought the clotted cream didn't seem as fresh. The raspberry jam seemed lackluster too.
- Second Tier: Unlimited finger sandwiches: which was basically a selection of 3 sandwiches each from their sandwich list:
1. lapsang souchang smoked chicken served with apple slices and goat cheese on 7 grain bread - we agreed this was their best out of the six. An awesome sandwich!!
2. albacore tuna with tangy capers and mustard vinaigrette - a little too salty but still tasty
3. olive tapenade and goat cheese -It's basically olive paste layered with goat cheese, carrot strips and a sort of slightly zippy marinade; can be slightly salty
4. cucumber and watercress on whole wheat bread - simple and unimpressive.
5. eggsalad - I hate eggs. We didn't order this.
6. Ham and Gruyere cheese - I'm normally a huge ham and cheese sandwich fan but opted out for the olive paste sandwich.
- Third Tier: Caramel Creme Brulee, chocolate mousse served in a lil tea cup and an assortment of cookies.
Creme brulee was rather creamy and thick but had very good flavoring. I tend to be partial to creme brulee. Mousse definitely had quite a rich but smooth chocolate flavor. A little on the sweet side -- then again, I'm not much of a chocolate mousse fan. Cookies, I broke off a tiny piece of each. They consisted of chocolate chips; peanutbutter; cinnamon sugar cookies; and chess colored shortbreads (brown parts actually had a rich chocolate taste!)
Lady's Mendls - the quintessential tea experience -- still ranks as our number 1 experience! But this place, with their friendly, tea knowledgeable and good looking staff, ranks high up there. Definitely worth going back to.
Besides tea, for the coffee lovers, they do serve coffee -- in a nice big mug that says "LOSER." Hahah.
Next time I go, I think I'll buy the disappearing "Chesire Cat" mug and perhaps grab the "Loser" mug for a particular coffee addict I know.
Such a tea-licous experience!
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