Review: Ava’s Cupcake Shoppe & Cafe, Rockaway, NJ

I have exactly four cupcake shops to review for you. That means two things. One, I’m really behind. And two, if you like cupcakes, you should continue to hang out here.

Today? Ava’s Cupcake Shoppe & Cafe in Rockaway Borough.

The first time we went there was a few weeks ago for a mid-day can’t-believe-summer-is-almost-over pick-me-up. Which is one of the very best kind of mid-day pick-me-ups one can have, don’t you think?

Located on a side street off the small downtown section, there is ample parking right in front of the store, on the street, or in a nearby parking lot. The inside of the store is cheery and bright with a retro, 1950s style vibe to it.

There are several tables and chairs for you to sit and enjoy your sweet treat, although there was quite a bit of grab-and-go foot traffic while we were there.

The cupcakes are $3.00 each, and if you buy five, the six one is free. I think it’s about average for cupcake pricing. Let’s face it, folks, cupcakes are not really a huge bargain, but in the terms of splurge snacks, it’s right there with your Mocha Frappuccino. Oh wait. That might be just me.

There are a number of cupcake places within a five mile radius, and several are higher priced than Ava’s. I think only one is lower. Ava’s perk of the sixth cupcake free is a nice bonus.

Wanna know another fun bonus? Ava’s delivers. I think we need a moment of silence.  Only cupcake shop in the area to stake that claim and I can think of nothing more fun at the moment than a cupcake delivery, can you?

The shoppe has a bunch of fun and rotating flavors, and if you sign up on their facebook page, you can see the daily changing flavors. Perfect for when you need a little cupcake motivation. Or arm twisting. Or both.

The first time we went, I ordered a Peppermint Patty cupcake. I’ve always been a sucker for the chocolate and mint combination. Just don’t share that with my hips. Then again, they might already know. The cupcake was moist with a nice crumb and the frosting had that perfect level of sweetness. Like walking that fine line between saying “Hi, I’m frosting!” and your teeth screaming for mercy. ‘Tis quite the tightrope to walk.

If you eat in, your cupcakes are served on these cute little floral decorated trays, which I love. I don’t much love the plastic forks. The eco-green part of me wishes they used real silverware like Joanne Chang and her Flour Bakery empire. It’s one of those little things that mean a lot, you know?

Madeline is a fan of Ava’s. But then again, I’m not sure that girl has met a cupcake she doesn’t like.

This past Friday, I stopped in to buy cupcakes for us to celebrate the end of the first week of school. I chose a vanilla with sprinkles one for Nick, and the double chocolate one again for Madeline, and I got a Maple Walnut. Nick demolished his and pined for Madeline’s, trying to negotiate for half of hers. Or some frosting. Or the crumbs. She’s tough. Wouldn’t budge.

I loved the Maple Walnut. The maple flavoring was definitely evident through and through and since I’m not a huge fan of nuts in my baked goods, I totally appreciated that the walnuts were tiny pieces. Perfect.

My only complaint is the height of the frosting. Stuff like that drives me a little crazy. No one needs two inches of frosting on top of the cupcake. Especially kids. I took half of mine off from mine and the kids, and it was still plenty. And way easier to get your mouth around. Without getting frosting all over. Well, for some of us. And I’m sure regular readers can guess exactly who I’m talking about.

Ava’s Cupcake Shoppe & Cafe
20 Wall Street
Rockaway, NJ
973-625-7601

September 12, 2011 – Bonus Photos

Miss Mocha apparently was bored while we were at work and school today and managed to keep herself quite busy while tearing apart her adoption folder, a flashlight and a tube of ChapStick. I had nearly forgotten what almost-puppies are like. Now I, ahem, remember. I asked Madeline what she thought we should do to Mocha to show her how she should behave. She responded with “I think we should stick her in the refrigerator.” Luckily for Mocha, the fridge is always way too full for her to be stuffed inside. You know, in case a resident 3-1/2 year old got any bright ideas.

One of my co-workers had her three-month-old son in the office today. As if I didn’t have serious I-want-more-children pangs before, baby toes certainly weren’t helping.

PS – For those who didn’t see the updates to Sweetnicks over the better part of the last week-and-a-half, I’m sorry! I *was* updating regularly, but unfortunately there was a coding issue that meant not everyone could see the new content. That also means you have some catching up to do – welcome back!

PPS – Lauren O. from Love Oatmeal!, the random generator chose you as the winner for the Hershey’s S’Mores Giveaway – please send your address details to me > cate AT sweetnicks DOT com. Congrats!

PPSS – The five winners from the recent Luna Protein Bar giveaway are Joanie from CLBB, Claire from Cooking is Medicine, Jenna Z from Corgi Pants, Jenn (of the Trader Joe’s cheese sticks snack tip) and Rose Finnerty – E-mail me your deets please. Thanks much!