Saint Cupcake’s Fabulous Non-Cupcakes

1138 SW Morrison & 12th Ave • www.saintcupcake.com • 503.473.8760

This past weekend I was graciously invited to an event at Saint Cupcake Galore downtown to sample some of their new fall menu items.

Saint Cupcake is extremely well known for, well, its cupcakes. And don’t get me wrong their cupcakes are fabulous – in particular their Toasted Coconut Cream with delectable cream cheese frosting. But owner Jami Curl and head baker Karla Arria-Devoe have many more tricks up their sleeves than just cupcakes – incredibly beautiful chocolates, scrumptious cookies and flaky mini-pies.

Surprisingly my favorite thing I sampled all day was their “Melty Goods” ice cream. Served as a topping to their mini-pies or solo in a dish, Jami and Karla have perfected the art of a creamy, rich ice cream.

Flavors are fun and different, including CocoCaramel with Oregon Sea Salt and my particular favorite, Smokey Chocolate Flake. As with their becoming-famous Alder Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookie, this ice cream flavor features smoked ingredients. Made with smoked sugar that is made on-site (yes, truly the sugar is placed in a smoker and smoked, using a similar process to smoking meats. But don’t let that gross you out), the ice cream has a truly smoky, almost bacony flavor.

The first bite might shock you a bit and seem a little weird, but just take another bite or two. And then you will agree with just about everyone else who has had this Jami Curl creation and you will think it’s the best thing you’ve ever had. The flavors are rich and intense but not overwhelming. The chocolate flakes and chopped pecans glazed with “a secret mix of deliciousness” add great texture. You won’t find this completely unique flavor profile anywhere else. Fortunately they don’t serve it by the pint (yet), otherwise I would be in big trouble, eating all of it in a matter of minutes.

If you’re looking for something warmer, try their Who Needs a Brownie? cookie. It’s a cookie but taste like a brownie – fudgy and rich, its chocolately goodness just melts in your mouth. It is the perfect treat for the gloomy days ahead.

Excited that it is fall so you can enjoy anything and everything Thanksgiving flavored? (I know it isn’t just me!) Then check out their new baby-sized pies!

The Pecan Pie is filled with wonderful caramel undertones on top of flaky, buttery crust. When ordered in the store, it is perfectly paired with their incredibly creamy chai ice cream. The Apple Crumble Tiny Pies are topped with a streusel of brown sugar and oats, and served with Chinese Five Spice Caramel Ice Cream. These pies are perfect for just that little afternoon pick-me-up, or if you are in charge of dessert for the big holiday when everyone inevitably wants just a “small slice” of each kind.

The list could go on. So don’t get caught up in the name and feel your only choice is to order a cupcake when you enter Saint Cupcake. Remember there are many, many more fantastic options available to you!

• Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 12pm-6pm
• Second Location: 3300 SE Belmont & 33rd Ave
• Don’t live in Portland? Saint Cupcake delivers!! http://saintcupcakebakery.myshopify.com/