Saturdays in the South End: My Weekend in Pictures

This weekend, one of my very best friends, Tori, came to town, and we, along with my other friend Grace, had the ultimate blast. After we met up at the train station (and I engulfed them both in a powerful three-way bear hug), Grace declared herself more than a little famished, so we headed over to the South End Buttery, a cafe and restaurant combo that I've been meaning to return to since stopping by this summer. Since Saturdays and Sundays are optimal Brunch days, the line was, understandably, pretty long. But it was no matter really; Tori and I decided to wait outside on a bench while Grace waited for her food.

There's something you really have to know about Grace and Tori: they are die-hard dog lovers. And when I'm with them, I become just as die-hard. If we so much as hear the possibility of a clinking dog tag, our heads swivel around so quickly, frantically searching for our next doggy encounter. And this weekend, I think I met the man of my dreams.

 I'm speaking of course about the bulldog.

It's a weird/interesting/funny story, I suppose. There we were, perched on a bench, admiring all the sights and sounds that go along with typical Saturdays in the South End, when all of a sudden we spotted him: Rocky, a 19 month old bulldog, happily trotting along with his owner. But the two were all the way across the street, and by the looks of the half-full basket of clothes in his owner's hand, it looked like the pair was right in the middle of Laundry Day. And I'm not sure of this, but either the man saw us eyeing his adorable puppy, or Tori and my uncontrollable cooing was more audible than usual.Whatever the case, Rocky and his owner made a beeline for our bench. And before I knew it, his owner had picked Rocky's front half up, walked him on his hind legs, and literally wrapped the dog's arms around my waist. I instinctively hugged him because, honestly, what does one do in this situation? But one look into those beautiful eyes, and I was a goner. Rocky is a rescue originally from Texas, and is featured in this great local book, Dogs in Thought. 

After meeting him, I totally want a bulldog. And he'll have a cool name like T-Bone, and wear muscle tees all the time. Or I'll name him Herbie, and he'll be a sensitive soul who wears sweater vests.

Welcome to my mind.

What's really cool about the South End Buttery, is that there are actually two locations. The first, is the traditional cafe, but the second, located just down the block, is a totally awesome little market. On the shelves are imported loose leaf teas, and locally made ice creams, and in the cases are the most delicious looking treats like cupcakes, quiches, and specialty cookies. Honestly, have you ever seen anything cuter than those Oscar cookies? Now I wish that I'd gotten one.

Finally. FINALLY after WEEKS of wanting to check this place out, I FINALLY made it Farm and Fable. If you haven't heard of it, it's this charming, freshly renovated, cooking boutique. It's got everything from vintage cookbooks, to antique copper pots, to adorable, independently made recipe and greeting cards. And that's just the upstairs! The lower level of the shop is equipped with a full demonstration kitchen, which is home to tons of events from a Cookbook of the Month Club where members each make a recipe out of the featured cookbook, to private cooking lessons.  I feel like I'm not doing this place enough justice, so here's a write-up about it in the Globe. 

We found ourselves feeling a bit peckish after the trip to Farm and Fable, and though the initial plan was to grab some Vietnamese food, Grace's breakfast sandwich looked way too good to pass up. I never say "no" to breakfast food, no matter the hour. So guess where we ended up?

If you guessed the South End Buttery, then you're a great guesser. Two o'clock in the afternoon, and we tucked in at the bar for a spontaneous brunch. There are only a few things these days that remind me that I still live in a big city, and one of them is brunch. No matter where you go in Boston, you will find brunch, or it will find you. There's no escape, so you just have to give in to it. And just LOOK at how fluffy those pancakes are! I have to admit (maybe I shouldn't) that I'm a bit of a pancake snob (she said pretentiously). Not everyone can do it right, and the South End Buttery did it absolutely right.

Those pancakes, mixed with the wonderful feeling of being tucked away in the back portion of the restaurant, mixed with delicious coffee, mixed with amazing friends who make you laugh so hard and loud that you feel slightly embarassed made for the best Saturday.

T's back home now, and I miss her already. BUT, for my birthday, I'm planning a trip to New York to visit her, and I CAN'T WAIT.

What'd you do this weekend?

Shopping Wishlist

I have a complicated relationship with shopping. In real life, I subscribe to the "Fill up the cart!" philosophy. Especially at Target. ESPECIALLY if I have friends with me who'll say, "Why not? Get it!" That is very dangerous for me to hear. But online, if I find something I like, I very rarely purchase it. I pour over it for days, do as much research as I can, dissect the reviews, and then, after all of that, if I still want it, then I get it. Here are a few things I've been crushing on lately:

Red Flower Coasters from DecoyLab on Etsy // Quilted Picnic Blanket from Provisions by Food52 // Spiced Pomegranate Pear Molly Hatch from TeaGuys // Fairmount Park Telephone Salt and Pepper Shakers from Kate Spade New York

I just want them all.

My Weekend in Pictures

  On Friday, my co-worker brought in his cousin's dog to visit because he knew how much it would make my day. His name is Monty, and he's just the sweetest. As soon as I got into work, I was greeted with a nice hug, and an invitation to play a never-ending game of fetch where Monty pretends that he'll give you the ball to throw, but when you reach for it, he slyly pulls away. Monty decides when you throw the ball, not you. At any rate, we had such a blast. He's what's called a Springville Labrodoodle who, despite his size, sat in my lap, cradled like a baby, and now I totally want one.

On Saturday, I decided that it was finally time to take my roommate, Sophie, to my absolute favorite bookstore in the city: Brookline Booksmith. It's an independently owned shop right in the heart of Coolidge Corner that's been around forever, and is the place where I've met both Jim Gaffigan and John Krasinski. I have never left this place without buying something.I think it's because of the sheer whimsy and quirk of the place that makes you feel right at home. There's also a very impressively stocked used book cellar with amazing bargains. I picked up a used copy of Julie and Julia, (the movie is one of my favorites, so it's about time that I picked up the book) and a brand new copy of Food in Jars, because I really want to start canning! I'm starting small with a batch of vanilla extract, then working my way up. I am TOO AMPED to dive into this book.

I should really visit Brookline Booksmith more often. Seriously guys, if you can shop small, do it. Support your local businesses!It's funny, I live all the way across the city now, and yet I still very regularly find myself back in Allston. Part of that is because my close friends have remained, and another part is The Avenue. And more specifically: The Avenue Burger. Just picture it: Buttery, toasted bun, perfectly seasoned beef patty, melted swiss cheese, and the tangy deliciousness of the famous "Secret Sauce." I have been trying for months to figure it out, but no such luck. It's really no matter, I'll just have to keep coming back until i do. Also worth noting: Sweet Potato Tots with Maple Bacon Ketchup.

The Avenue is the perfect neighborhood bar, and one that's quiet enough during the day to keep me coming back. They have a TON of amazing beers and ciders on tap, and the waitstaff has always been nothing but friendly. Plus, if you're a sports fan, there's almost a TV for every table, give or take. If you find yourself on Harvard Avenue, find yourself at The Avenue. Burgers are only $1 on Mondays!

I'm feeling really inspired lately, so I've channeled that into my baking. I'm currently working on a double chocolate cookie recipe of my own, and I found myself diligently working on this Saturday night. I'm almost there, guys!

What did you do this weekend?

My Weekend in Pictures

On Friday, my boss took us out for a special Valentine's Day lunch to an awesome restaurant downtown called Myers + Chang. It's actually co-owned by  Joanne Chang, the owner of one of my biggest bakery inspirations, Flour. The place has an eclectic, vintage diner style to it, and serves a fusion of very authentic Asian food. We got there a little early, and it wasn't long until this place was packed. The special of the day was a lemongrass pork burger, which one of my co-workers had been talking and dreaming about all day. He'd made it sound so amazing, that I was positive that was what I was going to get. But looking at the menu, (which was big enough to have a ton of great options, but not so big that you feel overwhelmed) I wasn't so sure. I finally decided on my first Banh Mi, and oh my goodness did I make the best choice.

For those of you who are new to Banh Mi, they're Vietnamese sub sandwiches with a special type of cole slaw, jalapeños, and sriracha. I got the Braised Short Rib with Asian Pear, which tasted just as amazing as it sounds. Hands down, one of the best sandwiches of my entire life. I can't even believe it. So. So. Good. I will be going back to Meyers+ Chang super soon.

On Saturday, I braved the blizzard-like conditions (the Midwest makes you tough! Four to eight inches? PUH-LEASE.) and made my way to Cambridge for some good, much-needed, breakfast food for dinner at The Friendly Toast. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and this place always delivers. It's also a vintage diner style restaurant, with knick knacks and trinkets from all over the place. I think I have a thing for diners, you guys. I can't get enough of 'em. I'd have pictures, but as soon at the food came, I blacked out and mauled my plate. If you go, MAKE SURE you order a piece of the toast. It's homemade, super thick, and so buttery. My mouth is watering, I have to stop. Go to the Friendly Toast, then tell me everything, so we can relive it together.

What'd you do this weekend?

I Heart Valentine's Day Cookies

I only really like Valentine's Day for the food, so let's get that out of the way now. This year, I decided to make a special surprise for my work chums, to show how much I love that they eat all the food I bring them. Super soft sugar cookies with a thick coating of buttercream frosting should do the trick!

I went to the store a few days ago to get the last of the ingredients for these cookies, and as I went to pick up some sprinkles, I stopped myself. I wanted these cookies to be 100% from scratch, which meant either making the sprinkles myself, or dying a second batch of buttercream, and frosting little designs. But when it came time to actually make the sprinkles, I realized that it might be a little too time-consuming for this go-around. But THEN I was left in a panic because Boston decided to have another snowstorm, and there was no way I was going to trudge in the snow to the market for one tiny package of red sprinkles. Luckily, I found not one, but TWO packages of sprinkles and Red Hots in the back of the cupboard, still good to eat. (I knew there was a reason that I save everything.) Thank goodness, because tan sugar cookies with boring white buttercream wouldn't exactly get everyone sprinting to the cookie tin.

There are a couple of things to note about these cookies. One, make sure you let that buttercream set for a while before you try to transfer these onto a plate, or into the travel carrier. Two, when baking, use your own discretion for the baking time. I have a gas oven, which cooks things much faster. For the first batch, I left them in for the suggested time of seven minutes, and the bottoms and edges were way too brown! I cut it down to five minutes, and even that was cutting it close. Also, make sure you roll out the dough as thin as you can, because these things puff up so much! They can't be tamed, these sugar cookies.

These Lofthouse style cookies are even better the next day, which is a relief, because I was worried that they would lose their pizazz. Although, nothing bad can ever really happen when there's buttercream frosting involved, am I right about it?

Super Soft Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies

For the Cookies: 6 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1½ cups sour cream

For the Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups powdered sugar Pinch of salt 6 tablespoons heavy cream

Food coloring, optional Sprinkles, optional

Directions:

1. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream and beat at low speed until combined.

3. Add the dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Dough will be a little sticky and that is ok. Divide dough into two sections. Flatten into rectangles about 1½ inches thick, then wrap with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator overnight or for at least two hours.

4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats; set aside.

5. Lightly flour the countertop and the top of the dough. With a rolling pin, roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out the cookies and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 7 minutes, until cookies are slightly golden around the edges. Immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Cook cookies completely before frosting.

6. To make the frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and vanilla extract. Slowly beat in powdered sugar and the pinch of salt. Once smooth and creamy, add in heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, then beat at medium-high speed for a minute or two until light and fluffy. Add food coloring, if desired, and beat until combined.

7. Once cookies have cooled completely, frost and add sprinkles, if desired. Allow frosting to set, then store in an air-tight container.

SOURCE: Two Peas in Their Pod

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Prepping for Valentine's!

Today is the day that I start finalizing my Valentine's Day treats for my work chums! I'm down to either heart-shaped cupcakes, or Lofthouse Style cookies with buttercream frosting...

Stay tuned!

My Weekend in Pictures

This weekend I got to babysit my co-worker, Maggie.

We've known each other for three years now, and she's always there to greet me at the door at the start of the day. When her dad asked me to watch her for the weekend, I leapt at the chance. Not only am I seriously missing my dog these days, but having a pet around can somewhat validate the hundreds of times a day that I carry on conversations with myself. They can't answer, but at least they make eye contact!

You know a person has officially made it in a city when they have a dog, am I right? Like, you see a person walking down the street with an adorable pup on a leash and you think, "Wow, that person definitely has it together. That person has MADE IT." This weekend, I wanted to get a taste of what that's like, so Princess Margret and I, along with my roommate, Sophie, decided to hit the town.

We first hit up Polka Dog Bakery in Jamaica Plain. I wanted to get the Princess a little treat, and I'd heard that this was the place to go for fresh "pupcakes" and dog treats. This place has everything: cookies and pupcakes in an actual bakery case, a huge selection of treats and bones, lots of unique toys, and even a little section for cats. We also met a retired racing Greyhound name Rosy. (Or Nosy Rosy, as her friends call her.) Her owners were there to talk about a greyhound shelter that they're apart of in Mass. After talking to them, I was almost certain that I wanted a greyhound...until I considered how much they eat! Super cute though.

I decided on this ADORABLE "pupcake" because the delicate flower on top reminded me of Maggie. I also asked her if this was the one she wanted, and actually waited for a response that never came. Thankfully I was in an environment where that sort of thing is encouraged, so we're good. And as you can see, I couldn't resist, and bought her a little squeaky toy. I hope that when she plays with it, she thinks of me.

I don't think I've ever realized how cool Jamiaca Plain is. To be honest, I hadn't ever spent much time there. But after we left Polka Dog, we decided to go exploring. Sophie pointed out a bakery on the same block, and I made a beeline.

It's called Monumental Cupcakes, and it's the kind of bakery that people in the neighborhood would go to, to get their daily doughnut and coffee. It's on the small side, but there are a few tables tucked away in the corners. What caught my attention right away was the advertised Apple Cider Doughnut with a cinnamon sugar glaze. It was. Without a doubt. The best Apple Cider Doughnut I've ever had. The apple flavor was pleasantly pronounced (do they use magic apples?), the cinnamon sugar was an amazing complement and not too heavy, it was fresh, and didn't taste like a doughnut that's been sitting in the case all morning, and the edge had this satisfying crispness that you can only achieve when you're a fryer master. It had me wishing that there was more, and that doesn't happen often with bakery items for me. I highly recommend.

On the same block is a shop that is basically a real-life version of Etsy. It's called Aviary, and it's the rustic-chic shop of my dreams.

Aviary is a store that celebrates local and small business.  From their pieces on display from local artists, to clever cards hot off the letterpresses, to repurposed metal jewelry with pressed letters, to independent  magazines and newsletters., it screams "indie."The place is so charming and wonderful that you have this overwhelming feeling to buy something, anything, just to stay and take it all in a little longer. I got some adorable and unique "thank you" notes that are almost too pretty to use.

On the way to the bus stop we passed by a vintage furniture and housewares store called Yesteryear. That place is absolutely filled to the brim with household items, but it was closed! That's a store for another day, I suppose.

On the way home, we may or may not have gotten a little lost. We weren't far from home though, and got to enjoy a brisk walk through some nice neighborhoods.  We were starving by the time we made it home, and it made that doughnut so much sweeter.

I took Maggie home yesterday, and I miss my napping buddy already. Maybe this is a sign that it's time to get a baby of my own? Maybe not just yet.

What'd you do this weekend?

Adventures in Recipe Testing: Nutella Edition

Since it's kind of World Nutella Week (but when is it NOT Nutella week, am I right?) I decided to make cookies for my work chums (aka recipe testers) using this heavenly hazelnut spread as my anchor. The test? Salted Nutella Oatmeal Cookies. Testing a recipe is kind of scary, isn't it? You honestly never really know how it's going to go until those cookies (or whatever you're baking) have are done. You could get the timing wrong, you could add too much flour and as a result they're too dry, you could have been heavy-handed with the vanilla, killing it. Tons of things could go wrong, and yet, tons of things could also go right. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and all that.

When I first started baking (that is, when I finally started making things that were actually edible, and couldn't double as door stops and paper weights...) I thought that my food heroes spent hours in the kitchen, taking different flours together and mixing it with ingredients. Kind of like a mad scientist with those really long rubber gloves, cooking chemicals on burners in their labs. But now, after lots of time watching the greats I realized: all the best recipes are based on the classics. For instance, the classic rice crispy treat recipe on the back of the cereal box. Great bakers take that recipe as the base and say: what makes this better? For one, brown butter. A great baker is one who takes a recipe, tries it, then improves upon it because at the end of the day, it's about making something taste out--of-this-world. The recipe I based these cookies off of was for a classic oatmeal raisin cookie.

I should be honest: I may or may not have just wanted to buy a tub of nutella so that I could eat it by the spoonfuls in my kitchen...which I did. Twice. But after that, I used about a cup worth of it to make these cookies...then scooped out the remainder of the jar with my finger. No nutella was wasted in the testing of this recipe.

Have I ever mentioned that sea salt is my favorite ingredient? Put it on some dark, dark chocolate with caramel, and I'll marry you. (No, I won't.) It was the perfect topping for cookies that are extra sweet. Not only is it a great contrast, but it also brings out the flavor of the nutella even more. It's like magic. Delicious, salty magic. I would also like to note that no matter how much you love sea salt, do not let yourself get carried away. I was so excited once that sea salt had taken my dark chocolate oatmeal cookies to the next level, that I pinched a bunch with my fingers and threw it in my mouth. That was a terrible decision. Learn from my mistakes.

Tomorrow my dear work chums will be my taste testers. After some workshopping, these babies will be up on the blog.

Happy friday!! Eat some nutella today. (by the spoonful. It's the weekend, who cares?)

P.S. This is my 100th post. I can't believe it.

Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

People of Earth: I am here to tell you that there is life beyond Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. That being said, sometimes it's just more comforting (and less time consuming) to throw a pot of classic Kraft on the stove with whole milk and a little extra cheddar, but for the sake of this post, we're going to go to the next level.

What sets this mac and cheese apart in one thing: Béchamel Sauce. Just four ingredients: flour, butter, milk, and salt. And it absolutely makes all the difference in the world. What it does, is add a bit of depth to the cheesiness. It's smooth, creamy, and, mixed with the cheese, the shining light in this classic dish. But keep in mind: you have to do a bit of multi-tasking to make this sauce. While the butter is melting, you have to watch the milk which should bubble, but not boil. And the very second that the butter is melted, you have to add the flour and whisk with all your might. Pay attention while you make it, and the reward will be huge.

Look how rich and creamy that is! The only thing keeping me from diving face first into this pot was my fear of severe burns. That's the only thing.

The wonderful thing about having a recipe for basic mac and cheese is that you can add in your favorite ingredients. For this, I decided on tons of spinach and turkey bacon. The only way you'll get me to eat my vegetables is with cheese (Is that the Midwesterner in me? I'm not sure.), so bring on the spinach...so long as there's a cup of cheddar chasing it into the pot.

To me, an essential part of your basic mac and cheese is that satisfying crunch. Toasted panko is perfect for this. About 1/2 sprinkled on top is just enough to add a little extra texture. Try it. You'll like it.

Last but not least, don't forget to pop this perfection in the oven for ten minutes. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Is it time for dinner yet?

Grown-Up Mac and Cheese with Spinach and Turkey Bacon

Ingredients:

Béchamel Sauce:

•  3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt or 1 teaspoon table salt

Bread Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup panko (Japanese Bread Crumbs)

Mac and Cheese:

• 1/2 pound dried elbow pasta
• 2 cups Mac Sauce
• 1 1/2 cups grated aged white cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 strips of turkey bacon, chopped
• 3 cups baby spinach (But the amount of greens is really up to you!)

Béchamel Sauce Directions:

Heat the milk in a pot over medium heat until it just starts to bubble, but is not boiling, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.  (Tip: while the milk is heating, get your flour ready!)

Heat the butter over medium heat in a separate, heavy-bottomed pot. When the butter has just melted, add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture turns light brown, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Slowly pour the warm milk, about 1 cup at a time, into the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly. It will get very thick when you first add the milk, and thinner as you slowly pour in the entire 3 cups.

Once all the milk has been added, set the pot back over medium-high heat, and continue to whisk constantly. In the next 2 to 3 minutes the sauce should come together and become silky and thick. Use the spoon test to make sure it’s ready. To do this, dip a metal spoon into the sauce-if the sauce coats the spoon and doesn’t slide off like milk, you’ll know it’s ready. You should be able to run your finger along the spoon and have the impression remain. Add the salt.

The Mac Sauce is ready to use immediately and does not need to cool.

Toasting the Bread Crumbs

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F

Place the bread crumbs on a baking sheet and set in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the crumbs have turned a golden brown. Set aside.

 Preparing the Macaroni and Cheese:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F

Cook the pasta according to box instructions. Drain, rinse the pasta with cold water, then drain again.

While your pasta is cooking, now’s a good time to cook your bacon and spinach. What I like to do is: start cooking the bacon first. Once almost cooked through, I add the spinach to the pan. Tip: wring out your spinach as best as you can after rinsing, and before adding to the pan of bacon. It’ll sizzle.

Add the sauce and both cheeses to a large, heavy-bottomed pot and cook over medium heat. Stir until the cheese is barely melted, about 3 minutes. Slowly add the cooked pasta, stir, and continue cooking while stirring continuously until the pasta is hot and steaming, another 5 minutes. Add in the bacon and spinach, and stir. After fully incorporated, remove from heat.

Spoon the mac and cheese into an oven-safe dish, making sure it’s evenly spread. Sprinkle the panko crumbs on top.

Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until it starts bubbling on the edges.

Remove from oven, and dig in. You earned it!

Dish serves 4.

SOURCE: Very loosely adapted from the Mac + Cheese Cookbook: 50 Simple Recipes from Homeroom, America's Favorite Mac and Cheese Restaurant 

Is there such a thing as too much cheese? Answer: No, absolutely not.

My Weekend in Pictures

As a natural homebody, I sometimes have to make myself leave the house and go places other than the grocery store and corner sandwich shop. That's why I'm so glad my best friend Anna (this is her blog!) lives in this city as well. She's one of my favorite activity partners, and also one of the only people I know that doesn't think I talk too much. Bless her, she puts up with my long-winded stories. If there is one thing that Bostonians can do, it's drink, which means that Boston is nowhere near in short supply of bars and pubs.

As a person who doesn't like to go out much, I can't stand places that play music louder than normal speaking level (Call me crazy, but when is it ever fun to literally shout out a story to a person sitting two feet away from you?). That leaves out a good chunk of establishments for me. But one place that has never failed to keep me happy is Goody Glover's in the North End. It's one of the only restaurants in the neighborhood that isn't Italian, (it's very, very Irish. Like, many of the servers have wonderful Irish accents and everything) and it ticks every box on my list: appropriately balanced audio, friendly staff, a true pub feel complete with dark furniture built into the wall, and food that is TO DIE FOR. You have not lived, my friend, until you have tried one of their potato spring rolls. It's kind of one of those places that can easily get passed up if you're not paying attention, but if you're in the mood for a Grade A burger and a pint of Magner's, find yourself at Goody Glover's this instant.

Anna and I had time to spare before our movie, so I suggested we hit up my favorite cupcakery in Boston: Sweet. It is the Girly-Girl's dream. There's pink everywhere, Marie Antoinette playing on a loop, and cupcakes with the perfect frosting-to-cake-body ratio. If you've never had a Buttermilk Pancake cupcake, Sweet is the place to fix that. AND, best of all, there are great vegan and gluten-free options that are just as sweet (see what I did there?). Sweet is the kind of bakery that I'd love to open in the (very distant) future.

Mmm Cookies and Cream.

Side note: Have you heard of the Cupcake Sandwich? If you haven't, then I can assure you, you've been eating your cupcakes all wrong. Listen, the next time you hit up a bakery, take a seat and try this little trick: unwrap the cupcake, carefully split it in half so that one half is the cupcake top with frosting and the other half is plain cake. Carefully join the frosting side and bald cake together to make a sandwich with frosting in the center. Voila, a Cupcake Sandwich. You'll never eat a cupcake the same way again.

Hamburgers and cupcakes: do Saturdays get much better?

What did you do this weekend??