Cupcake Contention

I'm not sure what has become of traditional bakeries and classic treats such as brownies and cookies, but these days deluxe, delicious, and designer gourmet cupcakes are all the rage. Truthfully, as much as I want to lose 20lbs (hold your comments); I hate to say it, but I'm almost sure I've developed a cupcake addiction. Mind you, it is moi we're talking about, so you know I'm not addicted to just any ol' cupcake, but a cupcake of substance, quality, decadence and utmost approval and deliciousness. Once I start, it's awfully hard to stop -- you can't eat just one, but I try.

Just like I'm not addicted to any ol' cupcake, I'm also not addicted to cupcakes from just anyone's over. Ugh-ugh...absolutely not! Not my style! I'm addicted to gourmet cupcakes from THREE different companies; I kid you not! I can eat them without notice. I have my fave creation from each cupcakery (my word, but you can use it), but cannot bring myself to choose one favorite overall. These are just my faves from the selections that I've tried...there are still many options remaining at each bakery; not even going to mention the bakeries I have not had the pleasure of visiting (Babycakes and Buttercup Bake Shop [Peanut Butter and Jelly] are on my list to be tried soon and very soon) or those I have ruled out for other reasons (subtext: some things are just nasty). I think you should try all the cupcakes; especially from my three fave cupcakeries. Of the establishments I am about to name, they may have their own nominee for their best cupcake; be sure to ask them when you visit.

Georgetown Cupcake - (@GTownCupcake) A welcomed discovery I made by walking by (someone's desk) and being curious; another reason it pays to be nice -- you get rewarded with treats. My favorite GTown Cupcake thus far is their delicious and moist PB Fudge.

Sweet Revenge - (@sweetrevengenyc) I was introduced by a friend and fell in love immediately. First, you know I love the name...and that's all I'll say about that. Secondly, my friend is one of those who "playas" who try to be smooth and on the romantic tip in his dating excursions ... the venue is cute and provides a great atmosphere for the occasional first date; an added bonus is that they pair these sweet treats with wine. My favorite is the Sweet Revenge Cupcake, but I'll suggest trying the Not So Dirty -- they are only available on select days.

Crumbs - (@CrumbsBakeShop) Don't worry; you won't have any 'crumbs' leftover to clean up. My first Crumbs experience was with a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcake...I've been hooked ever since. They are pretty much a staple at office parties and becoming ever popular at birthday parties. I warn you now, they are ginormous. My ultimate favorite is the Blackout -- never had a bad one, I like them room temperature or chilled, and I often get them two and a time-- followed closely by the seasonal Chocolate Pecan Pie. Red Velvet is proclaimed to be their top selling cupcake; I've also been told to check out their new flavor Milkshake (I imagine it has all the boys...and girls...running to a location).


Also, trendy and worth checking out is Baked By Melissa -- delicious and cute mini cupcakes. No personal faves, but they definitely add color to a party or celebration...and make great gifts, as well.

As I've said, I have no final favorite as I still have many options to experience, but I'm not giving up...I'm holding on and keeping strong. Believing that one day, I'll be able to say..."And, the winner is...."

It will likely be Blackout, but you never know.

If/when you've had some wonderful cupcake experiences, let me know...I'm also open to suggestions.

Get your eat on!

Movie Review: Julie & Julia

JULIE & JULIA [Meryl Streep, Amy Adams]

Appetizing. Delectable. Warmingly delicious. 'The butter to your bread.' Meryl Streep and Amy Adams deliver remarkable performances in this funny, heart-warming, mouth-watering, and loving comedy. This is truly the feel-good movie of the summer that will leave you satisfied, yet hungry. It's bound to have you running to three places after you see it: 1) the bookstore [for a Julia Child's cookbook] 2) the grocery store [for recipe ingredients...most likely beef chunks, lobster, and butter -- which makes everything taste better] and 3) your kitchen [to utilize numbers 1 and 2].

A minor detail in the movie, that most will likel overlook, but I just adore, praise, and highly recommend...COOKWARE. Both Julia and Julie used Le Creuset brand pots. These are my ABSOLUTE FAVES; there is nothing better. Trust me...I live by these pots and many of their other cookware line items. Many don't understand my fascination with them, but once you use them...you'll know. They are like gold...and make the best gifts! [hint, hint]

Go ahead, run to see this movie and prepare to get your cook on!

THE WIZ brings it 'Home'

The bricks for that famous yellow road have been relayed...and it's all golden!

This long-awaited revival of the 1975 hit delivers on every point. Ashanti delivers a strong performance; quickly silencing those who were expecting less of her. Tichina Arnold mesmerizes and entertains as Evillene; managing to give the 'wicked' character a grand and likable quality. Dawnn Lewis gives a dead-on, fun, and hilarious portrayal of Addaperle. Christian Dante White graces us with a surprising and thoroughly enjoyable performance as Scarecrow. Talk about totally lovable! Just makes you want to squeeze and hug him; it's like he's stuffed with Charmin instead of straw.

The acting. The singing. The dancing. The production elements combine to take you on an unforgettable journey to Oz. Ashanti, Tichina Arnold, Dawnn Lewis, and the rest of the amazing cast sweep you into their world and never let you go; from the time the curtain goes up through the last note of "Home," there's never a dull moment.

The big plus? The choreography! I can't even begin to describe it in a way that would give it justice, but it was beautiful and creative. The way it's used to show lapse time and travel...in genius! You must check it out for yourself.

If you liked WICKED, you ain' seen nothing, yet. So, what are you waiting for? Ease on down the road to see this production! The final performance is scheduled for July 5th, 2009. Don't wait until the last minute, because you'll want to see it twice! Audience members are giving it 9.3 to 10 stars!!!

Tickets for The Wiz can be purchased by clicking here,visiting nycitycenter.org, or calling 212-581-1212.

The Wiz is a 1975 Broadway musical, an adaptation by Ken Harper of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, exclusively featuring African American actors.

Movie Review: Obsessed, Wolverine

Obsessed [Idris Elba, Beyonce Knowles, Ali Larter]
The tag line for this movie should have been: When Addiction Takes a Wrong Turn.
From the start, I recommend this movie. I wasn't disappointed at all...in the script, in the overall movie, or in Beyonce's acting -- she did well and she's continuing to grow. Her character had a few good lines that will have you laughing and clapping. But I'm telling you...she worked those high-heeled boots in her fight seen. There was a moment where the entire audience was on the brim of screaming "ring the alarm," but that would have been mad cliched....and ghetto (but given the theatre we attended, ghetto would have been the proper decorum). The only disassociation I had with the film was Ali Larter's character...despite the fact she was crazy as hell...she was wearing some glorious designer wear. I'm not hating, but we wondered how she was able to afford that on a Temp's salary. You know me, if you can get it...please show me how. SEE THE MOVIE!

X-Men Origins: Wolverine [Hugh Jackman]
There is no need for me to write this review. Hugh Jackman. X-Men. Hugh. Jackman! (I know I've said it once, but I had to say it, again). Hugh can do no wrong to me. I adored and recommend this movie. While it wasn't as action-packed, to me, as the other X-Men movies, it still captured you and kept your adrenaline pumping...not to mention heart racing and palms sweating when Hugh runs across the screen stark-naked!!!!! There was a brief moment where it felt as if something (possibly the connection with our other favorite X-Men warriors) was missing, but it the film did what a prequel should do...leave you wanting more. SEE THIS MOVIE. There's a little treat after the credits; it just leave you...

NOTE: After you see Wolverine, be prepared to go back and watch the other three X-Men movies.

Movie Review: Duplicity / I Love You, Man

DUPLICITY (Clive Owen, Julia Roberts)

Skip it. It drags at times, it's predictable, and it has Paul Giamatti. I went with a friend and a fan to see this movie; we were finished discussing it by the time we walked out of the cinema's lobby doors. We had brunch together and didn't feel the need to mention the film...at all. The stars are the high points of the movie. Clive Owen is simply delicious and Julia Roberts is as charming, as always...sometimes you just want to give her a hug.

I LOVE YOU, MAN (Paul Rudd)

Fun-nay! I haven't laughed so hard since Madea did something, I'm sure. The chemistry among the actors come across with ease, the dialogue is on-point comedy, and the film is an all-around feel-good movie. Paul Rudd has always been an immense talent; I'm glad his star is finally starting to shine. Andy Samberg portrays Robbie, Paul's brother in the film, and is just "oooooooh cute." Makes me want to get an Equinox Fitness gym membership. See this movie: in theaters, on dvd...see it in theaters and buy it on dvd...I don't care...just make sure you see it.