RATE IT! Sprinkles

Last month when I wasn't following in Ferris Bueller's footsteps in Chicago, I was swooning over a new crush. 


Sprinkles. Where have you been all my life?


Sprinkles is an American cupcake powerhouse. Who knew that such delights awaited me in Chicagoland? I feel like I'm the last person on earth to discover this yummy indulgence. So much time wasted. So many cupcakes not eaten...


Candace Nelson created Sprinkles a few years ago in California and now her delicious enterprise has shops in several U.S. cities including New York City, Beverly Hills, Washington D.C., Dallas and of course, Chicago. Their cupcakes are moist, mouthwatering bundles of joy made fresh on the premises. I kid you not. Sprinkles take cupcakes seriously - and their dedication is palatable (literally!). 


Here's just a sampling of their flavours: dark chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, red velvet, lemon coconut, black and white, cinnamon sugar, carrot...to name but a few. And if you want to attempt to recreate the Sprinkles experience at home, you can purchase cupcake mixes in store. Genius!


The Sprinkles shops are all immaculate, uncluttered and simple in design - IT WORKS! The focus is on the cupcakes and let me tell you, it is love at first sight! Each cake is perfectly formed, not sloppy -- so unlike my first (and only!) visit to the famous Magnolia Bakery (yes, the very cupcake place featured in Sex and the City) in Manhattan. Sprinkles easily trumps Magnolia. There, I said it. 


For now, my crush will have to be an unrequited one. My memories - so vivid that I could almost taste them - will have to carry me through until I can be reunited with my love. Sprinkles has yet to open shop in Canada. They hope to bring their sweet offerings here soon and possibly to other cities... Boston, London! When they do arrive in Toronto, I will be first in line waiting to place my order for a vanilla milk chocolate, peanut butter chip and chocolate marshmallow!


(photos by: Jackie Middleton - cupcakes shown: chocolate marshmallow, vanilla milk chocolate)

RATE IT! Dylan's Candy Bar-bie

2009 saw Dylan's Candy Bar celebrating the 50th birthday of Mattel's iconic Barbie doll. The confectionary haven dreamed up all sorts of Barbie-inspired sweet treats -- decadent chocolates, breath-taking mints -- all dressed up in retro tins, wrappers and commemorative purses to delight Barbie fans young and old.

Now in 2010, Dylan's has gone one step further... this time, unveiling their very own official Dylan's Candy Bar Barbie. Never mind the Candy Man, it's all about Barbie!

Sporting a gown in the famous Dylan's Candy Bar colours, and boasting the most delectable accessories -- a lollipop and a candy necklace (but of course!), this Barbie isn't shy about enjoying a sugary indulgence or two!

This candy-loving Barbie retails for $34.95 US, and can be purchased in person or online from Dylan's Candy Bar.

RATE IT! Pop-Tarts Invade the Big Apple

Manhattan's Time Square is notorious for glitzy advertising campaigns, and extravagant marketing attempts. First it was Hershey... the American confectionary giants, moving into prime real estate just a few steps north of Times Square. Their shop peddling all sorts of Hershey munchies and paraphernalia has become a Broadway mainstay, a destination for chocolate lovers of all ages. Drawing on the success of Hershey, rival M&Ms followed suit with their own mega-shopping experience across the street. Sweet treat fans rejoiced - the more, the merrier.


Well, better get your dentist on speed dial because there's a new sugary player on the Times Square scene -- throw down the welcome mat for Pop-Tarts. Yep, the icing clad breakfast pastry is attempting to mirror the marketing and consumer success of its chocolatey counterparts. 


Setting up shop on 42nd Street between 6th Avenue & Broadway, Pop-Tarts World promises to unleash a sweet experience that will leave its fans with an appetite for more. Their 3,200 sq. ft set-up introduces an array of Pop-Tart cuisine. From the odd (Pop-Tart sushi ~ a fruit roll-up stuffed with a selection of smashed up Pop-Tart flavours) to the delicious (the Fluffer Butter ~ gooey marshmallow fluff sandwiched between two fudgy Pop-Tarts). Unique Pop-Tart vending machines have been installed, and shoppers can even create their own Pop-Tarts with dedicated chefs taking their suggestions to craft their personalized treat. 


Sounds all yummy and somewhat sickly sweet, but will people love, or loathe it? The Pop-Tarts marketing geniuses aren't taking any chances. The lease on the Times Square property is only reserved until the end of January. When the new year rings in, bosses will decide whether Pop-Tarts World lives on, or is toast. 

RATE IT! Fifth Avenue, 5 AM

If you've ever wanted to discover the inside scoop on one of the most beloved Hollywood films of all time, now is your chance. 


'Fifth Avenue, 5 AM' by Sam Wasson, delivers all the details, many revealed for the first time, behind the making of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' Apparently, Truman Capote, the author of the novella from which the film version of 'Tiffany's' was based, wanted Marilyn Monroe to star in the role that eventually went to Audrey Hepburn. Can you imagine? The movie would have been a completely different experience without dainty Audrey. 


'Breakfast at Tiffany's' has been featured in many pop culture enterprises, including the delightful 'Summer at Tiffany' -- a must read if you're a fan of Audrey's movie, or the famed jewellery store -- but in 'Fifth Avenue, 5 AM' it's the very first time the movie myth itself gets examined on its own terms. 


'Fifth Avenue, 5 AM' is published by Harper Studio and can be purchased from Amazon.com, and most bookshops. 

RATE IT! Happy Bunny

It's hard to believe that Happy Bunny, the witty, tell-it-like-it-is rascal of a rabbit is turning ten years old this year.


Geez, I hope by disclosing his age in such a public fashion that I didn't cause Happy Bunny to throw up a little in his mouth?*


To celebrate, Happy Bunny's creator/Dad, Jim Benton will be at the haven of candy-holics everywhere -- Dylan's Candy Bar in Manhattan this coming Saturday between 2-4pm. 


Schmooze with Jim, eat copious amounts of Happy Bunny-inspired chocolate, and blurt out what's on your mind, all in the true spirit of said rabbit. 


*not to be gross but I stole these words straight out of Happy Bunny's mouth.

RATE IT! I Lego NY!

Let's just face it...Lego is taking over the world, or at least the pop culture part of it.

We've seen Lego pop stars, Lego boomboxes, Lego artwork...now the plastic blocks are taking a bite out of the Big Apple. The I Lego NY booklet, crafted by Cristoph Niemann is a treasure trove of Manhattan favourites. Taxis, famous architecture, food, even whimsical glimpses of the idiosyncrasies that plague city dwellers (stepping in chewing gum, anyone?)...all make this book a joy to behold.

New York City as a tiny toy-town. Love it!

HATE IT! Fashion Crime

Some things in life just do not mix.

Milk and Pepsi -- have you tried it? Horrid! 'Laverne and Shirley' have a lot to answer for. Shame we can't blame this abomination on Squiggy.

Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger -- pretty as a picture on the outside, household of hell on the inside.

Designer fashion and the 'Jersey Shore' cast -- no brainer, right?

Turns out, several people believe that the fashion world makes a good match with Snooki, The Situation and the other interchangeable Jersey Shore greaseballs. Apparently, these Jersey embarrassments are on the cusp of being featured AS MODELS during New York City's upcoming Fashion Week. True story. Several designers are considering hiring the obnoxious gang for their catwalk presentations.

Am I the only one to think that NYC's Fashion Week just hit a brand new low?

Sure, their presence will get plenty of attention but isn't it the wrong kind?

(image: MTV)

RATE IT! Your Thighs Will Hate You....

...but, so what?

Some things are worth the indulgence, right?? -- I'm looking at you, Everything But the Kitchen Sink chocolate bar!

Marshmallows, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, graham crackers, toffee and cashews all have starring roles in this tasty chocolate sensation from Dylan's Candy Bar.

Meal replacement at its very best!

RATE IT! Where's Rob?

The Improv Everywhere gang get up to the usual hijinx -- this time at a NBA basketball game.

Too funny!

RATE IT! Grilled Cheese Truck

My fave comfort food of all time is on the move -- literally!!

New York magazine reports that the Brooklyn Flea is unveiling a mouthwatering batch of new food vendors... including a grilled cheese stand called the Milk Truck, AND an innovative grilled cheese truck!

How cool is that! The sandwich shop will open this month with the wheelie grilled cheese truck driving up in May or June.

Now, the cheesy sandwiches on sale here will be somewhat special...not your run of the mill made-by-Mum type of grilled cheese (white bread, Kraft cheese slices with a dollop of ketchup on the side) that many of us (ME!) know and oh, so love. Nope, the fella in charge, Keith Klein, will be peddling posh cheeses, fancy breads and pricey mustards in his grilled cheeses. Still, the idea is fantastic! Makes a change from the pretzel and hot dog carts!

RATE IT! Dirt Balls

Well, this bucket of fun made me laugh.

Dirt balls....

no longer a DISGUSTING thing, thanks to Dylan's Candy Bar.

Crunchy, chocolately badness -- in a trash can. Feels kinda wrong to say, "Yum!"

RATE IT! Popcorn Old School

Simply. Adorable.

Dylan's Candy Bar... you've out done yourself once again.

This mini old-fashioned popcorn wheelie cart can be your's for just under $65 US.

Better than Jiffy Pop (do they still make that?), or the now-standard microwave popcorn any day.

RATE IT! Fondue You'd Like

The thought of forcing down a meal created in a fondue pot is quite revolting to me but Dylan's Candy Bar has taken the idea & given it an appealing twist.

Meet the Chocolate Fondue Fountain.

Forget sickly melted cheese goo....this chocolate trickler is just like the contraption used at office parties everywhere - only smaller! I've attended too many parties to mention where the food highlight for many (hmmmm.... don't get out much?) was the unveiling of the iconic chocolate fountain. People go mad for this thing... so for Dylan's to unleash a tinier, home appropriate version, well, I'm sure they've made many a holiday more fun...more delish!

It's kinda cheap too.... less than $80 US, so this thing is appealing for lots of reasons!

RATE IT! Lego Empire State Building

Why should all the rock stars and celebs have all the Lego fun?

Time to add iconic skyscrapers to the list of Lego-ized success stories.

Just in time for Christmas, the Empire State Building. Coming to a coffee table near you.

RATE IT! Surprise Wedding Reception

The brilliant gang who brought 'Invisible Dogs' to the light of day -- Improv Everywhere -- have another nifty New York City video extravaganza.

You are cordially invited to a surprise wedding reception... enjoy!

RATE IT! Vegas Serendipity

Serendipity is not just for New Yorkers anymore.

Now visitors to the Las Vegas strip can indulge in the Forbidden Broadway Sundae and Frrrozen Hot Chocolate deep in the sandy desert. Serendipity 3 is now part of the Caesar's Palace complex with a casual dining menu that offers treats for all tastes.

The new digs look to be more spacious and comfy than the cramped, fire trap of a closet where Serendipity thrives in Manhattan. The move westward also brought along themed Vegas munchies -- but let's face it, the real attraction here, just like in the Big Apple, is the desserts. Take my word for it, skip the entrees and jump right into the course that counts. The desserts are out of this world while the hot dogs, sandwiches and the like are disappointingly average.

A trip to Vegas would be ideal if only a Forbidden Broadway Sundae was on the cards for me....

RATE IT! Haunted Gingerbread House

Who says Christmas has the market covered in gingerbread? Not Dylan's Candy Bar.

To mark the celebration of all things ghoulish this Hallowe'en, they're serving up a new holiday take on an old favourite.

Take a break* from all the super sugary chocolate collected throughout your Hallowe'en travels, and feast upon this haunted house, gingerbread stylee!

*taking a "break" from chocolate is not really recommended by me. I was just trying to be all PC about sharing the junk food love with the gingerbread.

RATE IT! Glee Gets Yanked

Hee!

Please excuse my giddy enthusiasm. I can't help myself -- I feel such um, well...*joy* that a certain TV show, namely "Glee" got yanked from next month's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I so despise that show, the thought of those cheesy whatsits gunking up the fabulousness that is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade makes me nauseous.

The annual NYC mega-balloon walkabout is broadcast on NBC -- "Glee" airs on rival Fox so obviously someone at NBC leaned heavily on the parade's organizers for allowing the all singing & dancing geekarama to be scheduled for a turkey day appearance on THEIR network. "Glee" got its marching orders, and NBC is a happy camper.

I couldn't be happier. I'd much rather see a Jimmy Fallon float anyway!

And while we're chatting about who's in, who's out... rumour has it that the Pillsbury Doughboy got an invite to this year's festivities, while return engagements are set with new balloons for Mickey Mouse, Ronald McDonald & Spider-Man. Spidey's balloon was a parade favourite, having flown through the streets of Manhattan for twelve consecutive years until his balloon retirement in 1998. Welcome back, web man!

RATE IT! Sickly Sweet!

Is it too early in the week for a cuteness explosion?

The New York Lottery is right on the money with this bunny bonanza of a commercial for its Sweet Millions game.

Sure, it checks all the adorable-ness boxes but it's funny too. Twee CAN be good *and* funny. You listening, "Glee"? No, I didn't think so.

RATE IT! Macy's Come Together Campaign Pt. 2

Last week, I was extolling the fun charity campaign rolled out by Macy's, 'Come Together.'

You've seen the commercial (and if not, you can here)...and now you can see the making of, courtesy of Entertainment Tonight.

Enjoy!