"On the Road" Food Network App

Are you a big Food Network fan (like me) and wish you could visit every restaurant, bakery, and food truck featured on all the shows?! Then the new Food Network app is perfect for you! The new On the Road app recommends and lists all the great places featured on the top Food Network shows, such as The Best Thing I Ever Ate, The Great Food Truck Race, Cupcake Wars, and Diners, Drive-in & Dives.. You can find what's nearby if you're in a new city or you can find restaurants recommended by your favorite chefs.

I did a search of what's near my house and found The Perfect Circle Cupcakery was the closest place, as they were contestants on Cupcake Wars. I love having a cupcakery so close, but I wish their cupcakes weren't so dry.

I know this app will be super useful on my next road trip. Anyone else tried it yet?

The Perfect Circle Cupcakery Truck?!

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I was surprised to learn from Eat in OC that The Perfect Circle Cupcakery now has a mobile cupcake truck! I wonder what their plans are....join the food truck rotation, private catering? I'll post more when I know more.

This Prego Can Still Run

About a month ago I enlisted your advice to help me decide what to wear at the Disneyland Half-Marathon. This 28-week-along prego Minnie Mouse ran the full 13.1 miles and did it will a smile on my face. It wasn't easy and I was certainly slow, but I had a blast! If you're ever considering signing up for a running race, I definitely suggest a Run Disney race.

And yes I did indulge in a cupcake after the race. Luckily I live close to The Perfect Circle because my feet did not want me doing anything else for the rest of the day.

P.S. The Orange County Register wrote a little story about my race. Check it out here.

OC Register Names "The Best of Orange County"

Each year the Orange County Register puts out a publication called "The Best of Orange County." It is derived from a survey where residents of Orange County vote for the "Best (blank) in Orange County." The publication was delivered today and of course the first category I looked at was "Best Cupcakes." For the most part, I can agree with the masses.

First Place: Sprinkles Cupcakes

It's hard to compete with such a large, well-known brand. But it's even harder to compete with Sprinkles when they are so good. Along with their great tasting cupcakes, Sprinkles gives you the experience of a gourmet cupcake. They makes their cupcakes feel special and well worth the price tag of $3.25. One thing I really like about Sprinkles is, along with the dozen or so flavors they offer daily, they sell different holiday and season-themed cupcakes throughout the year. I'm looking forward to trying their Caramel Apple available October 7-31.

Second Place: The Perfect Circle Cupcakery

This shop was bound to be successful with the popularity of the revamped Old Town Orange Circle. The Perfect Circle has become my local shop, as it is only blocks from my house. I love the cream cheese frosting that is present on top of the red velvet, pumpkin, and banana cupcakes. The owner has appeared on the Food Network's Cupcake Wars twice and even grabbed a win the second time. Mixed reviews from readers and reviewers have left me surprised that The Perfect Circle was one of the top cupcake shops in Orange County. Bad customer service and dry cake don't seem to be holding down The Perfect Circle's popularity. Cupcakes are $3.25 each and run out quickly, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.

Third Place: SusieCakes

I've proclaimed SusieCakes as one of my favorite cupcake shops. They offer very simple, very delicious cupcakes. My favorite part about their cupcakes is the dollop of frosting hidden in the middle of the cupcake. Yum! Their cupcakes sell for $3.00 each. SusieCakes doesn't just sell cupcakes though, they have many other delicious desserts too. I love their chocolate chip cookies and have been eyeing all of their cakes for a while. You won't be disappointed!

Critic's Choice: Meringue Bake Shop

I can honestly say that cupcakes from Meringue Bake Shop are my favorites in Orange County! From the time I reviewed Meringue over 2-1/2 years ago until now, her cupcakes just keep getting better. Meringue Bake Shop currently sells her cupcakes at the Great Park Farmer's Market on Sunday and through direct order. Meringue has differentiated herself by introducing the world to Push Cakes. These delicious treats are modeled after a childhood candy called PushPops and are out of this world! My dream is that Meringue Bake Shop will open it's door at a real shop so I can eat her delicious cupcakes any day of the week!

Tonight's Episode of Cupcake Wars: Grammys

Four past Cupcake Wars veterans return to the battlefield for another shot at victory and a chance to serve the music industry's biggest stars.



Milk (Los Angeles, CA) - I still can't believe that I haven't been to Milk yet. The next time I'm in LA, I HAVE to go. They did pretty well the first time they were on Cupcake Wars, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them go all the way.

The Perfect Circle Cupcakery (Orange, CA) - My local cupcakery is back on Cupcake Wars. Of course I would love for them to do well because they make some delicious cupcakes.

Crushcakes Cupcakery (Santa Barbara, CA) - I visited and reviewed Crushcakes last year. I loved their Buttermilk Crumb cupcake.

Smallcakes (Overland Park, KS) - I have an excuse for not tasting Smallcakes yet...they're in Kansas. I don't know if I'll ever get to Kansas, but if they do well on Cupcake Wars tonight, I will have to stop by.

New Flavors at The Perfect Circle Cupcakery

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New flavor at The Perfect Circle Cupcakery: White Hot Chocolate. You can preview this flavor, as well as Black & White, on Sat 1/15

Cupcake Wars: Season 2

Cupcake Wars is back!

In July I announced that Cupcake Wars was holding auditions for Season 2. Looks like they're ready to start the show! Food Network's hit show "Cupcake Wars" begins airing Season 2 on Tuesday, December 7 at 10pm ET/PT. Season 2 will have 13 episodes and will be the same format as Season 1: four bakers compete for $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at an event.

Episode Guide (so far)

Episode 1 (December 7): "Tree Lighting"

Sugar Bakery (East Haven, CT)

Crave Bakeshop (Portland, OR)

The Spot Gourmet (Glendale, CA)

Sweet Rachel Desserts (Los Angeles, CA)

Episode 2 (December 21): "LA Kings"

Mission Mini's (San Francisco, CA) - I met Brandon at SF Food Wars: Mini Cupcake Clash in 2009.

Cakeology (Boston, MA)

Parties by Panahce (Los Angeles, CA) - They are down the street from my work. I didn't know they made cupcakes.

Auntie Em's Kitchen (Los Angeles, CA)

Episode 3 (December 28): "Hard Rock"

Bruce's Bakery (Brooklyn, NY)

Cupcake and Cookie (Los Angeles, CA)

Mini Bakery (Los Angeles)

Sweet Freedom Bakery (Philadelphia, PA)

I do know for certain that my local cupcakery, The Perfect Circle, will be re-appearing this season. I can't wait to watch!

Cupcake Proposal

Two weeks ago I received the following email from a reader:

"I'm trying to help my brother find a great cupcake bakery-we live in Yorba Linda. He wants to propose to his girlfriend this week after work, so he wants to find a good cupcake and put the ring on top. She loves Sprinkles, but it would be too far to go after work. Any ideas for places around Yorba Linda or within a 20 minute drive?" - Joanna

I recommended The Perfect Circle Cupcakery in the Orange Circle for a couple of reasons. First, they are the closest cupcake shop to Yorba Linda. Second, their shop has a cute atmosphere, perfect for a proposal. And of course, I love their cupcakes.

A few days ago I got the scoop:

"She said yes! My brother proposed with this (see photo below), based on your recommendation at the store in old Orange, along with a dozen red roses. He told me she was surprised when she opened the box."

So cute! Reminds me of when my husband proposed to me. Just replace The Perfect Circle with Miguel's Mexican Restaurant, cupcakes with mexican food, and the dozen roses with my husband singing "I Want to Grow Old with You." Congrats to Joanna's brother and his new fiance.

The Perfect Circle is on Cupcake Wars Tonight

My local cupcake shop, The Perfect Circle will be a contestant on tonight's episode of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network. Obviously I love The Perfect Circle (as you can see from my many, many posts), so I'm rooting for them. Can't wait to see what happens!

To see the full episode guide, go here.

Red Velvet from The Perfect Circle

Local Orange County Cupcakery to be Contestant on Cupcake Wars!

My very own local cupcakery, The Perfect Circle, will be competing on this season of Food Network's "Cupcake Wars!" Several months ago Alyssa, the owner of TPC, hinted that something big would be happening. I predicted that this was what she was hinting about and I was right!

The Fast Food Maven reports that this season of Cupcake Wars will begin on June 15 with two bakers from Southern California -- Dollhouse Bakeshop Shoppe in Santa Monica and Milk in Los Angeles. The contestants are competing for $10,000 and a chance to show their cupcakes at a high-profile event. Each show will have a winner.

Alyssa Magliato will be on the June 29th show and will compete against The Coffee Shop of Gilbert, AZ, Cupcake Charlies of Mashpee, MA, and Sweet E's Bake Shop of Los Angeles.

Many of the cupcake shops and bakers may look familiar to you because I've reviewed their shops. Check out the episode guide below:

June 15 9:00pm ET/PT (Season Premiere) "SeaWorld Birthday Bash"

Dollhouse Bake Shoppe (Santa Monica, CA)

Milk (Los Angeles, CA) - I have been here yet, but I've been dying to go!

Daddy Cakes (Topeka, KS)

Sweet Bakery & Cafe (Ellicot City, MD)


June 22 at 10:00pm ET/PT "Match Making Party"

Chef Chloe (Los Angeles, CA)

Crushcakes Cupcakery (Santa Barbara, CA) - I just reviewed their shop last month.

Cupcake Nouveau (Coral Gables, FL)

Cups (La Jolla, CA)


June 29th, 10:00pm ET/PT "Ace of Cakes 100th Episode Celebration"

The Coffee Shop (Gilbert, AZ)

Cupcake Charlies (Mashpee, MA)

The Perfect Circle Cupcakery - Obviously I know this place very well.

Sweet E's Bake Shop (Los Angeles, CA) - Tried their cupcakes at LA Cupcake Challenge. They were also on the pilot episode of Cupcake Wars.


July 6th, 10:00pm ET/PT "Survival of the Fittest"

Lulu's Cupcakes (Scotsdale, AZ) - Their website says they are closed. Hmmm...

Whodidly Cupcakes (Santa Barbara, CA) - Not sure how I missed them on my trip to Santa Barbara last month. They were also on the pilot episode of Cupcake Wars.

Cupcakes & Co (Burbank, CA)

Smallcakes (Overland Park, KS)


July 13th, 10:00pm ET/PT "George and Ann Lopez Charity Golf Tournament"

Sweet! (Orlando, FL)

Sugar Cupcakery (Milford, OH) - Not yet open

Southern Girls Desserts (Los Angeles, CA) - Tried their red velvet cupcakes at LA Cupcake Challenge a few months ago.

Becker's Bakery (Manhattan Beach, CA) - They are close to my husband's work. Maybe I should have him stop by sometime soon!


July 20th, 10:00pm ET/PT "Cupcakes for a Cause"

Suite 106 Cupcakery (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)

Kara's Cupcakes (San Francisco, CA) - Yum! I loved eating their cupcakes during my visit to San Francisco last year!

Ivey Cake (Franklin, TN)

For Heavens Cakes (Thousand Oaks, CA)



July 27th, 10:00 pm ET/PT "Film Festival Face-Off"

Sweet Arleen's (Westlake Village, CA)

Red Velvet Stefanie (Los Angeles, CA)

Bee Sweet Bakery Cupcakes (New Orleans, LA)

Mr. Cupcakes (Clifton, NJ)


August 3rd, 10:00pn ET/PT "Classic Cupcake Challenge"

Molly's Cupcakes (Chicago, IL)

La Provence Patisserie Cafe (Beverly Hills, CA)

Cupcakes (Scotsdale, AZ)

Jazzy Cakes (Sherman Oaks, CA)


More info about the show will be available on May 27 at www.foodnetwork.com/cupcakewars. I can't wait to watch!

Info from: The Futon Critic and Fast Food Maven

Babycakes from The Perfect Circle

Yesterday I introduced Avalanche Bark, a yummy treat that I served at my friend Jill's baby shower. But what would a baby shower be without cupcakes?!

Being in the middle of tax season, I just didn't have the time to make the perfect cupcakes for Jill. Instead, I went for the second best option: babycakes from The Perfect Circle!


I ordered two dozen chocolate coconut babycakes (mini cupcakes). They were the hit of the baby shower and disappeared quickly! Everyone kept asking if I made them, unfortunately I had to tell them the truth.


Babycakes are available from The Perfect Circle for $15/dozen. Order ahead of time because they mostly sell regular-sized cupcakes in their shop.

St. Patty's Day Cupcakes from The Perfect Circle

Either everyone is getting their taxes done earlier this year or it's going to be a hectic tax season!

In case I haven't mentioned it before, I am a tax accountant. So the months of February-April are crazy busy for me. I barely have time to squeeze in a workout before I'm fast asleep.


Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day and I didn't even get the chance to post pictures of my favorite green cupcakes. Kelly, from Just Spotted, picked up some St. Patty's Day cupcakes from The Perfect Circle, tweeted about them, and I salivated for one all day long. Unfortunately, I didn't get off work in time to try one. They sure looked good though.

Valentine's Day Cupcakes For Sale

Valentine's Day is fast-approaching! The best Valentine's gift I can think of for myself would be a box full of cupcakes. I wish my husband was that easy to shop for. I'll probably end up getting him something bike-related. Anyways, if you're looking for some places to buy cupcakes for your Valentine, here are a few suggestions.


Sprinkles Cupcakes has a few different cupcakes available for Valentine's Day. I believe this year is the first time they've offered Red HOT Velvet, their classic red velvet cupcake paired with spicy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Also available is their XOX Box, a mixture of red velvet, chocolate marshmallow, dark chocolate, and vanilla. Available in all stores for $3.25 each.

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Godiva Chocolatier has Limited Edition Pink Vanilla Buttercream Cupcakes in honor of Valentine's Day. These cupcakes come with a Godiva chocolate ganache in the center. Available online only, $28 per half dozen.

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Crumbs Bake Shop is offering several Valentine's Day cupcakes. Their assortment includes Be Mine (vanilla/vanilla with heart-shaped sugar cookie), Red Hot (vanilla/cream cheese with red hots), Sweetheart (vanilla/fudge filling/chocolate cream cheese topped with heart sugars), Ooh La La (chocolate/vanilla cream cheese with heart-shaped brownie), and Chocolate Covered Strawberry (strawberry/strawberry jam filled/chocolate buttercream). All cupcakes are available in store for $3.75 each.

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The Perfect Circle Cupcakery in Orange is offering three new flavors for Valentine's Day. Caramel Bordeaux is a valrhona dark chocolate cake with rich caramel frosting wrapped in toffee pieces (available February 12-14). White Chocolate Raspberry is a white cake and a raspberry surprise with white chocolate frosting topped with fresh raspberries drizzled in chocolate (available February 12-14). Dark Chocolate Strawberry is a valrhona dark chocolate cake with strawberry filling and frosting topped with chocolate kiss (available for the month of February). Cupcakes are $3.00 each.



One of my new favorite cupcakeries is Sweet and Saucy Shop in Long Beach, CA. For Valentine's Day they are offering an assortment of yummy treats. My choice would be the gift basket of 6 cake lollipops for $20. A girl can dream, can't she?

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Last, but certainly not least -- SusieCakes! The cupcake of the month is Sugar & Spice: vanilla cupcake with cinnamon buttercream frosting. SusieCakes is also offering Susie's Signature Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Cake For Two. A wide variety of other tasty treats is also available: "Makin' Whoopie" pies, heart-shaped brownies, Valentine's rice krispie treats, Love Shack Gingerbread house, conversation heart frosted sugar cookies.

Got my Elvis Cupcake

Last Friday was a lucky day for me. Not only was it the end of my work week, but I was able to snag a special Elvis cupcake from The Perfect Circle Cupcakery. It was my first peanut butter banana cupcake. Thick, peanut buttery frosting on top of a moist banana cupcake. Wow, I've been missing out! Thanks TPC!

Holidays Cupcakes at The Perfect Circle Cupcakery

Seasonal cupcake flavors give me a good excuse to visit some cupcakeries during the holidays. The Perfect Circle Cupcakery in Orange is offering four seasonal flavors for the month of December.

Eggnog:
Spice cake with rich eggnog cream cheese frosting

Peppermint:
Valrhona dark chocolate cake with dark chocolate peppermint frosting or Vanilla cake with creamy white peppermint frosting

Snickerdoodle:
Cinnamon swirled vanilla cake with rich vanilla buttercream and dusted with cinnamon sugar

Perfect Pumpkin:
Spice pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting wrapped in graham cracker crust

Snickerdoodle was one of the first cupcakes I tasted when they opened last year. Yum! Check out The Perfect Circle's new website for a listing of all of their flavors.

Pumpkin Season!

I love this time of year! I love that the weather is getting cooler. I love snow in the mountains. I love thinking about buying Christmas gifts. I love holiday parties. I LOVE baking goodies. And I love that pumpkin becomes a popular flavor for desserts! I absolutely love pumpkin cupcakes!

I was so excited to get a tweet from The Perfect Circle Cupcakery on Saturday saying that pumpkin cupcakes were on their menu from Oct. 1-Dec. 31. Surprisingly, I didn't have any plans for the afternoon so I ran (well, actually I drove) over to The Perfect Circle and bought a Pumpkin Babycake.

I started taking some pictures, but I just couldn't resist a bite! Yummy!

There is just something special about The Perfect Circle's cream cheese frosting. To me, it is perfect! I can't wait to find another excuse to buy more pumpkin cupcakes.

Cupcakes at the Orange International Street Fair

I love to eat! It's not a secret. So the Orange International Street Fair is one of my favorite weekends of the entire year. Imagine the Orange County Fair without the rides, games, and exhibits. All that's left is food. Food, glorious food!

Cupcakes only make it that much better! While many of the stores in the Orange Circle are closed during the street fair, The Perfect Circle Cupcakery was open and selling their Babycakes.


I stopped by on Saturday afternoon to pick up a few Babycakes. I chose Red Velvet (because I already knew it would be great) and Cookies & Cream (a new flavor for me). Both were delicious! The cream cheese frosting on the Red Velvet is one of my favorite cream cheese frostings I have ever eaten. I love having a local cupcakery!

Friday Night Special at TPC Cupcakery

Received the following tweet from The Perfect Circle Cupcakery in Orange:

TGIF...Friday Nights do it Right! Don't be late, buy your date a cupcake and get your FREE! Friday Nights 7-8pm!

NOTE: You can now follow me on twitter! @elisewallace

Cupcakes for Graduation

Last week my brother graduated from high school. Like the rest of my siblings, he inherited my mom's sweet tooth. A cupcake was the perfect graduation gift!


I stopped by The Perfect Circle Cupcakery in Orange to pick up a special cupcake for him. I was so excited that there were so many choices! I chose Red Velvet for him and Chocolate Coconut for me. Their new carryout boxes are so cute.

While in their shop, I spoke with the owner about a wedding cupcake order she had just received. I didn't realize that they did wedding orders. Definitely something worth checking into if you are getting married in the near future.


Later that night, when I was about to devour my cupcake, I realized that I have never tried the Red Velvet from The Perfect Circle. And I gave my only one away! No worries, the Chocolate Coconut was still as yummy as I remembered

If you haven't stopped by The Perfect Circle yet, you must try their cupcakes soon. But you can't wait until the end of the day.....sometimes they run out and you will be left with a larger cupcake craving!

Success at The Perfect Circle Cupcakery

I have stopped by my local cupcakery (The Perfect Circle in the Orange Circle) several times since it opened in December. This weekend I was finally able to secure a Red Velvet cupcake! And it was wonderful! The cake was super moist and the cream cheese frosting was near-perfect. I think there needs to be a little more frosting on the cupcake to maintain a good cake-to-frosting ratio. Besides that, this cupcake lives up to its hype.