Road Tested: Frosting Bake Shop

Home for the Holidays always provides a nice chance to check out any new foodie delights that have popped up since my last trip to the Bay Area... and this time I stumbled upon a gem.

It's no secret the a good cupcake is 50% of the way to steal my heart (the other 50% belongs to a cute Jewish boy). Frosting Bake Shop in cozy downtown Mill Valley is beyond adorable from the moment you step in the door. The whimsical paint - brown polka dots and bright pink and orange stripes - brings a smile to your face upon entry. And then, there's the cupcakes...

Adorably lining the counter in individual glass display cases, the flavors range from classic Black & White to Peanut Butter Bliss and Juliana Banana. Karen, the baker and owner, also creates seasonal cupcakes, which she often samples in the store. I was able to taste Gingerbread, and although I'm not a fan, that cupcake alone inspired me to buy two to take home and share with the family: Black & White and Oreo.

Okay, I'll be honest, I had full intention of sharing the cupcakes with my parents, but upon entering my car, I happened to take a bite of the moist and rich Black & White cupcake, and neither treat made it home.

Now I just have to make sure Frosting doesn't become a Bar Mitzvah, or my boyfriend will have some stiff competition.

Frosting Bake Shop

7 E Blithedale Avenue

Mill Valley, CA 94941

415.888.8027

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The Cutest Little Bakery

Bluebird Bakery is a diamond in the ruff. It's alone on busy National Blvd. with no stores of equal cuteness in sight. However, everything you need is there. In fact, if on your visit to Bluebird a freak blizzard happens to hit Los Angeles, and you were trapped inside the restaurant, you'd be set.

As my boyfriend would call it, Bluebird Bakery is a "JP," or for those unfamiliar with the term, a "Jaimey Place." It's absolutely adorable. The first thing that catches your eye is the counter lined with cake pedistals filled with assorted cupcakes. The cupcakes are beautiful and just as tasty as they look. This place is no muss no fuss (I'm not sure if that's the right saying, but you don't get a chance every day to write "muss"). The cupcake flavors are: chocolate, vanilla, carrot and red velvet with cream cheese frosting. They are fresh, moist, delicous.
They make great pressed sandwiches as well, as if cupcakes aren't enough, but we all know they are. Great coffee and salads as well.

Bluebird Bakery
8572 National Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 841-0939
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