Doughboys Red Velvet Cake - Does it live up to the hype?

"If you don't think this is the BEST red velvet cake ever, you're probably mentally challenged. "

-Yelp reviewer 6/2009

Ummmm. No, maybe if you don't think this is the BEST red velvet cake ever... it isn't! I have tried many versions of red velvet cake throughout the country, and even internationally - so far, the best red velvet cake I have ever eaten is in Truckee, Lake Tahoe at the Wagon Train Coffee Shop. But even within LA - I prefer Sprinkles over Doughboys.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But this is my take on red velvet cake (RVC). I love red velvet cake and consider myself a RVC expert! I can't remember exactly what sparked my fascination (and obsession) with red velvet cake, but a few years ago I decided that I was on a quest to find the BEST red velvet cake. It is a challenge, because RVC it is a tricky cake to get right. Over the years, I learned that I prefer a cream cheese frosting over buttercream, a moist yet medium density cake over a light and fluffy vs dry. I like my RVC to taste distinct and not just a red colored yellow cake or chocolate cake. I can appreciate the buttermilk and vinegar twang,

Whenever I travel to a new city, I seek out the RVC. This is usually not an easy task as RVC is a rare treat in most parts of this country. However, LA is the hotbed for RVC - there are probably over a dozen options! So, on my recent trip to LA, I researched and learned that Doughboys was a legend in LA for their RVC. To my good fortune, they just reopened! I convinced my best friend visiting from New Zealand to go with me to try it out.

The verdict:

1. The "cake" size is so odd. Way too big to be a cupcake, too small to be an individual cake. It is a good size for sharing but even so it was too much for two and not tasty even to finish.

2. The cream cheese frosting was subtle. Not the best I've had, and not the worst either.

3. The red color was accurate - Brownish/Red

4. The cake? It was moist and okay. flavor was kind of blah.

After a few bites, I decided that was enough of this RVC. That's my take though! I now plenty of people who seem to love it, so give it a try for yourself!

Doughboys - Los Angeles

www.doughboyscafe.com

8136 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 852-1020

The Perfect Donut

While in NYC, we also had to wait in line for ramen at Momofuku Noodle Bar (though Ippudo is still my favorite east village ramen spot!) ... so we went next door to wait. It happened to be a bakery (score!) and there I found, and ate, the "perfect donut".

It is perfect looking, and near perfect tasting. It was doughy and light, but the lost points was for its filling. In my opinion, there was not enough chocolate cream inside. For this reason, I think the donuts in Maine (see earlier post), still reign supreme.

Unfortunately, we can't remember the name of this coffee/pastryshop but if you are facing momofuku noodle bar, it is on the same block to the left. First Ave, NYC.

Clinton Street Baking Co -Worth the Wait!

In December, Jason and I went to NYC for the weekend to meet up with his brother, Kevin. One of our foodie feasts was brunch at the Clinton Street Baking Co! Despite waking up early on Sunday and getting there at 9:30am, there was a 30 minute wait! But the pancakes were well worth the wait!

Banana Walnut Pancakes with Caramel Sauce

Fried Green Tomatoes! Sooooo Delicious!

Clinton Street Baking Co.

4 Clinton Street (btw. East Houston & Stanton), New York, NY 10002 / Phone: 646-602-6263