CUPCAKES
CUPCAKES
Tastings by appointment only at 271-0302; myabellacupcakes.com
12 locations; kingsoopers.com
GAZETTE PICK: MyA BEllA CUPCAKES
The designs created by Alexandra Elliott on her tiny cupcakes are a feast for the eyes. But the texture and flavors of the little cakes are what keep you coming back for another taste. Especially good are the chai tea and roasted banana flavors.
Gold: KINg SooPErS
We’ve seen it at parties. Somebody takes a bite of a cupcake and says, “Mmmm. Where’s this from?” The answer “King Soopers” surprises. It shouldn’t. This supermarket takes baked goods seriously. SIlvEr: BooNzAAIJEr’S dUTCh BAKEry BronZE: lITTlE loNdoN CAKE ShoPPE
WINE lIST Gold: ThE BlUE STAr
1645 S. Tejon St., 632-1086; thebluestar.net
There are fancier places in town, but not many with a wine list as deep and wide as The Blue Star. Both Old World and New World are well-represented as are some of the boutique wineries. What really puts this list over the top, though, is the halfprice bottle offer on Sunday. It allows wine enthusiasts to explore new varietals and old vintages — and still pay the mortgage. SIlvEr: SUMMIT BronZE: ThE MoNA lISA FoNdUE rESTAUrANT
ChoColATE
Gold: roCKy MoUNTAIN ChoColATE FACTory Four locations; rockymountain chocolatefactory.com
This national chocolate chain has been killing diets for more than two decades. Fans love the fudge, the handmade chocolates, the huge caramel apples covered with chocolate and nuts, and the company’s support of the local community. One chocoholic said: “I could spend my entire paycheck on their chocolate covered pretzels and smores!” SIlvEr: PATSy’S CANdIES BronZE: ThE MElTINg PoT
32 I BEST OF THE SPRINGS I 2010 I THE GazETTE
ICE CrEAM
Gold: JoSh & JohN’S
111 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 6320299; 5152 N. Academy Blvd.; 593-1220; joshandjohns.com
This local, handmade, natural ice cream shop wins over fans one scoop of oatmeal cookie or Jack Daniels ice cream at a time. Fans also raved about the trivia challenge, which allows you to win dollars off your next scoop. SIlvEr: MAggIE Moo’S BronZE: Cold SToNE CrEAMEry