cupcake wars

Lauren decided that on my last day in Portland, it would be most important for me to try 2 of the more notable cupcake places in the city and compare them. We went to Cupcake Jones first, which was in the Pearl and had nowhere to sit. I got a mini Chocolate/Chocolate cupcake. The frosting was a fudge frosting, which was amazing, but the cupcake itself was pretty dry. Not my thing.

On to Saint Cupcake. This is probably the most famous place in Portland for cupcakes. They have a big seating area, and are located in NW Portland. They also served mini cupcakes, so we got 6 total, 3 each, of all different kinds. I of course got chocolate/chocolate, chocolate/hot fudge, and carrot cake. Lauren got a coconut thing, some turtle thing and a big top? Yea..who knows! The chocolate fudge was good. the ratio was off since the fudge was put on hot, so it was more of a glaze, but the cake here was perfect. The buttercream frosting on the other chocolate cake was not my fav. I preferred the frosting at Cupcake Jones. And I LOVE frosting, i couldn't even eat it all. The carrot cake was perfectly spicy, and the cream cheese frosting was perfection. Saint Cupcake: You win!!!

Mother's

One of my co-workers always talks about this place, usually about how she always eats there, and how busy it ALWAYS is. Some friends, Adam and I took a chance on a late brunch and headed there. It's technically called a "bistro" and that's exactly what it looks like on the inside. Huge chandeliers, and fancy wall paper..We were seated promptly, and the drooling began. With 5 people, we all ordered something different, and we were all pleased. I got a frittata, (with sundried tomoatoes, spinach, feta and herbs) It was delicious, and so were the potatoes. My Mimosa was great, albeit $$$. All in all, great food and good service. There were about 5 other things I wanted to try, so I bet we'll be headed back..