I think I found my favorite Red Velvet!

J and I have been traveling more or less for the last month and we've eaten and seen a lot of amazing things that I plan on sharing, so please keep checking the blog for updates over the next few weeks! But, first things first - I think I found my favorite red velvet cupcake!!!

Who would have guessed that the popular resort town of Truckee, in North Lake Tahoe would host the most delicious red velvet cupcake I've tasted so far?!

As I was strolling through Truckee last Sunday afternoon, a pink cupcake with luscious frosting caught my eye through the store window. I was a bit skeptical about this "Wagon Train Coffee Shop" - their baked goods weren't the most aesthetically pleasing - the cookies were lumpy bumpy or unadorned, the cupcakes simple and humble. So, when I saw that pink cupcake amongst the others, I wondered - is that a strawberry cupcake? or could it be.... RVC? Devoted to my quest to find the "Best RVC" - I had to ask, and to my surprise and glee - it was indeed a Red Velvet Cupcake!

RVC usually contains a considerable amount of red dye (in fact, so much that in the past, it has stained my fingers and teeth). This one looked, natural and it's pink color actually threw me off. But one bite into it, all my doubts were cast aside. It was moist, with a rich buttermilk yet balanced and nuanced flavor. The cream cheese frosting tied it together beautifully. Once I finished eating it, I doubled back and bought another one for Jason. The salesgirl was pleased, and told me this was her "grandma from New Orlean's secret recipe." Jason agreed. This one was a winner.

I do have to give an honorable mention to That takes the cake - in the marina district of SF. I've blogged about the RVC from them before - so if you're curious, please refer to May 2009. :)

Wagon Train Coffee Shop: 10080 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA. 96161 (530) 587-7574