The Shoppe and Lovely Confections

With my recent move to the hipster-esque area of denver known as East Colfax/City Park area I now have two amazing cupcake bakeries at my disposal. Despite my avowal to limit my sugar intake, I have still managed to squeeze these little folks into my life.

The Shoppe located at 3103 E Colfax is my favorite cupcake place thus far for a multitude of reasons. They have several flavors every day and come in mini, regular, and jumbo size (unlike most stores which only have a few flavors each day.) The mini cupcakes are like a perfect amuse bush. I chose the strawberry-rhubarb as the tangy sweetness is one of my absolute favorite things of life. The whipped cream icing was delicious (this coming from a girl who hates whipped anything really!) And the woman working the counter was radical and helpful as well. She offered her favorites, and told us which ones she wasn't fond of also. They even have vegan cupcakes, not that I probably would or could eat one but I think stores' attempts at vegan and gluten-free baked goods is promising.

The atmosphere is pretty hipster-y, with eclectic or eccentric art on the walls, bright pink and white contrasts, and what appears to be a small boutique at the front of the store. What I do enjoy about this place is that it feels like the kind of place you can go and sit, with real plates and silverware.

Lovely Confections at 1489 Steele St. is also a tasty bakery with a cupcake selection and some other items as well. During the Sex and the City Two movie (which I still have not seen!) craze the owner made a couple of cupcakes dedicated to the show/ladies of SatC. My favorite at this place is the Strawberries and Cream and Red Velvet. Very traditional cupcakes, they are made with local and organic ingredients, which is to be appreciated! It appears they only come in regular size, with a huge layer of frosting. Tasty and pretty to look at too.

My beef with the place is that the first time I went in there they were sold out, which was fine, the sign on the door actually said the shop was closed but I saw people going in. So I eagerly entered the store too to be greeted by the owner who was sitting with a group of folks on the couches, an quickly told me she was sold out for the day. It looked like they were conducting some secretive cupcake baking mission to take over the world. It didn't feel like a warm and welcoming atmosphere. But I went back again, they were almost sold out this time, and had only a few left, so my fried and I took off for The Shoppe. I have heard from others that tey feel the place is a bit yuppy-ish and pretentious. I am however, willing to give it another chance.