The Smile Politely Editors are comprised of Chris Maier, Justine Bursoni, Seth Fein, Marissa Monson and Lindsey Markel. They, along with Webmaster Mason Kessinger, are the founders of the magazine. They decide to highlight certain events going on in Champaign-Urbana in a democratic fashion, without bias, in order to best bring to you the finest information on the entertainment around town.
Sugary sweet confections aren’t something folks generally turn down. So, when a little storefront opened up proclaiming “Cakes on Walnut,” it was only natural that Champaign residents threw their scales out the window and gave the new cupcake shop a try.
Smile Politely loves when new businesses pop up in town. Cakes on Walnut, at 114 N. Walnut Street, was certainly bustling during last week’s Ebertfest, as movie-goers bopped around downtown with white boxes — large and small — or sat at the outdoor bar indulging in the sugary grub.
So now that the dust has settled, what did you think?
Owned by the sister duo, Trisha Bates and Amanda Bates, the interior boasts a pleasantly-modern setup, but with magazines galore, a sitting area, and wireless internet access to boot. The former shoe repair shop offers a cozy enough invitation to hunker down with a cupcake for an afternoon sweet treat.
Guided by the staff at Bacaro, the Bates’ sisters concocted an array of fancy sandwiches such as turkey apple quince and white bean and Parmesan, so “Cakes on Walnut” is no one-trick pony. Cupcake flavors include red velvet, vanilla, chocolate, classic yellow, salted caramel, strawberry balsamic — and Smile Politely has heard raves and jeers about the offerings.
Is a cupcake habit (at $2.75 for a small and $3.50 for a large) something you can afford? Will you carve out a new column in your budget to include the saccharine delights?
Comments (10)
Friday, May 2, 2008 11:38 PM
Salted caramel cupcake -- sigh, I was hoping for more than just like a tiny salty toffee piece on top. I was thinking more dulce de leche with sprinkling of nice fleur de sel a la David Leibovitz
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archives/2005/11/dulce_de_lechec.html
But the Red Velvet -- killer.
Saturday, May 3, 2008 4:38 PM
I agree that the red velvet cake was scrumptious and would say the same for the chocolate. I wish there were some way to sample them all, like maybe a discount if you buy three or four of the small ones.
I have no doubt this place, which seems as much an art space than a cupcake shop, would do well in a big wealthy city. On principle, I'd like it to survive here too, but I have my doubts unless they start selling a wider array of goods.
Saturday, May 3, 2008 9:23 PM
This place is too pretentious for its own good. If it wants to survive, it needs to become more family-friendly.
Monday, May 5, 2008 8:40 AM
bourgeois
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 9:56 AM
They don't even make them from scratch. They are using Cake Swan.... that stuff is bland. Blahhhhh
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 10:42 AM
For the record they do bake the cupcakes from scratch . Swan is the brand name of a cake flour which you need if you bake from scratch. I guess Blah doesn't bake.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 1:57 PM
I was excited when they opened, but after trying it i was very disappointed. The cake was dry, crumbly and bland. The icing was phenomenal, but not enough to make up for how un-moist the cake was. At prices that high for a single cupcake, and with cupcakes being the point of the whole place, i really thought they would have perfected the recipes better. Hopefully they tweak their recipes a little better, because i would love to see them do well; I just don't think that's possible with the flavor they have going on now.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008 2:43 PM
The concept of a cupcakes-only restaurant is equal parts ridiculous and awesome. I approve.
Having eaten there, it does seem pricey for what it is. I'll go back, but no more than every couple of weeks.
Thursday, May 8, 2008 1:08 PM
I've heard several folks say it's not "family-friendly." I don't know what about CoW broadcasts not for kids, but whatever it is, I hope they keep it up.
I'm joking (sort of), but for reals--what on earth about a store full of tiny cakes is anti-family??? What is "pretentious" about it?
I find the store very sweet, the cupcakes look cute, and outside seating is great. Prices are still less than dessert at a restaurant, and comparable to treats from a bakery like Mirabelle. I loved the chocolate and red velvets. Only I wish they would give out a fork with the big size, which is more like a piece of cake than a handheld snack.
Friday, May 9, 2008 1:48 PM
To begin, I agree with the last posting. How is a CUPCAKE shop not family friendly? Kid-oriented and family-friendly are different things. Some things are meant to be enjoyed by BOTH children and adults without being geared towards kids. COW succeeds. Also, I think it's great everyone shares opinions here. But some people are just plain harsh. These women opened a small business. They sell cupcakes. It hasn't even been a month! Give them a break and don't be so ready to criticize and hate. It's not like a lawyer's office took a primo location and it's not just another bar. It's something different. Instead of crying "prentious" and "big city", why not see it for what it is AND help them succeed?