sweet peeks: let them eat cupcakes

even with a shiny new camera, capturing delicious dishes to share with you remains an ever elusive goal. shyness combined with forgetfulness means i tend to hesitate about disturbing other diners to document a meal or space out and dig in before realizing that a before picture would be much more photogenic than an untidy plate.

luckily, let them eat cupcakes still had just enough dobash and guava baked treats on display for a quick snapshot during my first visit earlier this year. whipping up cupcake editions of these bake shop classics have been on my "to do" list for far too long so when the chance popped up to wander about chinatown on a wednesday when LTEC offers two of my favorite desserts in petite portions, i coaxed my cupcake-resistant mister inside with promises of a sweet surprise.

with so many rave reviews since the cupcakerie's opening (plan b for the founders when the honolulu advertiser stopped the presses last year), i am happy to report that the dobash and guava cupcakes which beckoned me were definitely worth the wait. both flavors were nicely balanced combining a moist crumb, just enough sweetness, and a dollop of decadent dobash frosting and a filling of guava goodness which transported us back to small kid time. we somehow resisted placing a second order but let them eat cupcakes officially wins my vote for most 'ono cupcake on the island.

since the space is quite cozy, i asked permission to photograph the interior so you could spy the menu board (which has since been redesigned) and the complimentary sprinkles bar.

a handful of flavors are offered everyday with a rotation of LTEC favorites and one-of-a-kind creations sprinkled in throughout the week (other flavors which may tempt you include red velvet, maple bacon & li hing mango). and, if you have a moment, a few tables tucked inside the pleasant storefront invite you to savor your selections which are are cheerily served on pretty china.

since the cupcakes are baked in small batches, do pop in as early as possible to avoid the disappointment of finding a closed sign hanging on the door as the shop is known to close early once the last cupcake has sold. you are also welcome to ring ahead and place an order for pickup.

and a tip for parents: keiki cakes party packages can also be booked if you are on the lookout for a delightful hands-on diversion to entertain the little ones.

peek the daily menu before you make your way to chinatown:

• where: 35 south beretania street, chinatown (just around the corner from j.j. dolan's)
• shop hours: tue to fri, 8a to 4p & sat, 10a to 2p
• fyi: custom & mini cupcakes are available by request

p.s. let them eat cupcakes bakes up first friday-only flavors when they keep the doors open 'til 9p. click over to the official facebook page for a sneak peek.

Comments

[Kim Ratcliff]

Oh yum! What a cute darling blog you have. I love the design against the sweet burlap background. LTEC looks amazing! Alas, I am in Northern California. But I will put the li hing mango on my to-do list the next time we visit Oahu. I am signing up for email alerts so I can follow you!

Cheers!
Kim

[leigh]

aloha kim! delighted that you found h|h and *mahalo* for signing up for the email newsletter. i do hope you have a chance to taste the sweets by LTEC on your next trip to honolulu.

p.s. oh to have friends who holiday at hualalai and generously invite along their nearest & dearest to vacation with them. lucky lady!