Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

Review: Mr. Cupcakes

September 3, 2009 · Narrative

Mr. Cupcake


If you’ve been coming here for awhile, you may have noticed a theme of topics … food, of course, a little bit of life, kids, the color pink … and oh yes, cupcakes!  I don’t know how or when the cupcake obsession started, but it’s been going strong for many years now and shows no signs of letting it up.  Whether we’re making them at home or hunting down the newest cupcake spot, it’s a popular topic.

I can’t remember how I first discovered Mr. Cupcakes, but think it might have been a local write-up in the paper or some such.  The first time I tasted cupcakes from there, it was at a cupcake-themed Supper Club gathering last year.  The Neighbor Wife, always eager to avoid baking, offered to pick some up since the place was on our to-visit list but we had yet … to visit.  She brought an assortment and I’m fairly certain there were none left by the end of the evening.  Quel surprise!

Last weekend, when I was planning our first “formal” dinner in the new house for the kids, I had decided on cupcakes for dessert.  What better way to cap off our first meal?  I mentioned to Nick that I’d be picking some up, and that was the first thing he was looking for when he walked in the door.

Armed with my handy dandy GPS, I found the store quite easily.  Parking, on the other hand, is another issue.  There are a few spots on the street in front of the place, and there is a little parking lot one door down.  This is fine as long as you don’t drive an SUV.  If you do, the lot is small enough that it’s quite the juggle to get out of the space.

The store is small.  Actually, it’s about as big as Billy’s in the city, but they use their space way less creatively.  There is one small bistro table to seat two if you want to eat there, but that’s also right in the middle of where the line forms, when there is one, so it’s not somewhere you want to sit.  So pretty much a grab-and-go joint.  They could use some help in the decorating department, but since we’re going for the cupcakes and the cupcakes alone, we’ll turn a blind eye.

The cupcake varieties fill the display case,  sitting in labeled black trays.  The store sells “Executive” cupcakes, those flavors that are always available, and “Interns,” those that are there for a limited time only.  Cute concept.

I was the second in line on a Saturday afternoon, but before my turn was up, the line was out the door, so it’s definitely a popular spot.  The staff seemed to be mostly high school students, and all were professional and very friendly.  I got an assortment of flavors, including the French Toast, Hot Chocolate, Triple Chocolate, Hot Fudge Sundae and Plain Jane.  Nick devoured the Hot Fudge Sundae Cupcake.  I liked the French Toast one, although it was a little heavy handed with the cinnamon dusting on top.

The prices are very reasonable … 5 regular sized cupcakes, 1 mini and 2 tattoos for the kids was under $9.  Considering there is another place that I know of that sells cupcakes for $4 a piece (craziness!!), I’m pretty happy with the $2 +/-each price range.

Would I go there again?  If I was in the area, yes.  But now that we’re making really good ones at home, ones that rival and sometimes beat Billy’s Bakery cupcakes, and since we have a few other spots left to visit on our list, it’s not an OMG, can’t-wait-to-go-back type place.  That said, if you’re in the area, or even not, it’s worth a trip to satisfy your inner cupcake craving.

Mr. Cupcakes
1216 Van Houten Avenue
Clifton, NJ  07013

New location:
The Shops at Riverside
390 Hackensack Avenue
One Riverside Square
Hackensack, NJ  07601

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: Billy's Bakery, Cupcakes!, Mr. Cupcakes

Comments

  1. Joanne says

    September 4, 2009 at 6:13 am

    I adore cupcakes. Too bad I’m not REALLY in the area! How did these compare to Crumbs?

    Reply
  2. Debbie says

    September 4, 2009 at 8:20 am

    It’s a bit too far for me to drive to! We have some cupcakes shops nearby in Alexandria, Va and they are all soooo expensive. I don’t understand how places charge upwards of $3.50 for a cupcake. We had one recently from Cake Love in DC and it was just too sweet. Nothing special. The ones you bought look delicious and the price is definitely reasonable.

    Reply
  3. Ramona says

    September 4, 2009 at 9:39 am

    I would never pay $4 each for a cupcake. Sorry, just would have to do without. $2 yes.

    They look good.
    Ramona

    Reply
  4. Sarah Caron says

    September 4, 2009 at 11:49 am

    Well, they look delish. But sounds like parking was a headache. What other flavors did they have?

    Reply
  5. The Neighbor (Wife) says

    September 4, 2009 at 12:50 pm

    YES, Cate’s cupcakes rival and beat Billy’s Bakery. And you don’t get the attitude you get at Billy’s from the HORRIBLE Staff!

    Reply
  6. {kiss my spatula} says

    September 4, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    you can’t look at a cupcake and not feel happy! :)

    Reply
  7. Patsy Kreitman says

    September 4, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    Those cupcakes are adorable! Next time we head over toward Clifton (there is a cool fish store my hubby likes to visit), maybe we’ll try to find this place for a treat.

    Reply
  8. Pineapple Princess says

    September 5, 2009 at 2:37 am

    OMGosh! I am so hungry right now. You are not helping me be good tonight. :)

    Reply
  9. Cate says

    September 7, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    Pineapple Princess – lol, sorry!

    Patsy – what is the fish place? If you’re in the area, also be sure to check out Corrado’s, if you haven’t been there. Just be sure to stay away on a Saturday or holiday! :)

    Kiss – exactly my feelings!

    The Neighbor Wife – awww, thanks!

    Ramona – I know, crazy, right?!

    Debbie – I totally agree. I mean, really, part of the allure of the cupcake is that it’s an affordable little sweet treat, but heading north of $3 is just craziness.

    Joanne – I don’t know … you’re only about 20-30 minutes away. ;) I like Crumbs better though.

    Sarah – hmm, Red Velvet, Birthday Cake flavor, Strawberry Shortcake, Fruity Pebbles and Oreo Cheesecake are a few of their “regulars” – definitely a nice mix of flavors.

    Reply
  10. Scarlett says

    October 1, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    I live on the same street and go there way too often!!! They have quite a variety but my favs are Red Velvet and Snowball fight!! I did just try their new Lemon one last night and it was AMAZING! Rasberry Cheescake is my boyfriends fav…
    I kind of wish I did have to make a trip!!! We visit about once a week! When we’re being “good” we’ll get a mini. haha..

    Reply

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Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!

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Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.

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