When I wrote about 'commercially available' alternatives to home baking in my last post, I admit I wasn't feeling too enthusiastic about the whole idea. It was more a matter of trying to look on the positive side of not having an oven for a couple of months while the old kitchen is being ripped out and a new one installed.
But I've been miraculously cured of my pessimism today. I had lunch in Bea's of Bloomsbury, the most delightful place on Theobald's Road, just round the corner from the street where Bricks and Mortar, an excellent Persephone book, is set, and not far from the characterful Lamb's Conduit Street where you will find Persphone Books. I can think of no better additions to a Bloomsbury morning or afternoon than cakes from one and books from the other.
And not just any old 'c0mmercially available' cakes either (just as Persephone books aren't quite your Mr Kipling-style books). I brought these home for my cake-deprived offspring (I feel like a mother thrush bringing little tidbits back to her nest for her little chicks all waiting with their beaks wide open). They look good and taste delicious. I see that Bea's is also offering a special summer picnic selection to take away and it includes a cupcake and a guide to the local parks so you can go and find somewhere in literary and legal London, sit in the sun or under an umbrella, read, eat and soak up the wonderful atmosphere that is the capital in summer.
And to think I was about to write off 'commercially available' baked goods. It's like writing off summer in England in June. You simply want to be proved wrong.
Cupcakes are the rage, aren't they? We have a little shop that sells tiny little BUNDT cakes in all different flavors. I'm sorry I can't remember the clever name of the business! I was going to bake a rich, naughty chocolate cake today, and I think I'll do it right now and smell the deliciousness while I read, too! I hope your kitchen is absolutely awesome and I hope you show us many pictures, Jane! In the meantime, keep buying treats and sharing happy photos!
Posted by: Pom Pom | July 08, 2009 at 18:44
My friend is a wedding cake maker and was trained by a very famous cake maker. Her cakes are works of art, and in her shop which resembles the one in Chocolat she has a little cupcake sideline going on. I sometimes get a little Fancy from Nancy in repayment for collecting her son from school. Obviously I offer most days!
Posted by: [email protected] | July 08, 2009 at 19:22
As much as I love baking and decorating myself, there is something delightful about selecting individual cupcakes from a glass case that can't quite be replicated at home. :-)
Posted by: Sasha | July 08, 2009 at 20:46
OK-I'm guessing: the blue one for Tom, the pink one for Phoebe(that must be right!), Simon's is chocolate, and the elegant vanilla belongs to Alice. Am I close?
Posted by: maryanne | July 09, 2009 at 03:57
Is that one Grover? He looks like Grover! Don't they look fresh and homemade?! Lovely with a nice cup of tea, I think. Yes! Thanks for your lovely blog, Ms Jane. x
Posted by: Pip Lincolne | July 09, 2009 at 08:06
That's really great... :-)... I love that you shared about the turn in perpsective. It happens to me so often that it's almost awkward -- but, I feel so emancipated when other women share those stories, too, of having their first idea turned completely around.
Thank you for the descriptions of the places/books connections, as well. It made me want to read the book right away, even though I don't live anywhere near.
I hope your kitchen remodel goes beautifully!
Posted by: Tanya | July 09, 2009 at 08:15
They look wicked - love the seseme street esq cake! Gorgeous!
Posted by: catofcuriosity | July 09, 2009 at 09:04
I know what you mean about commercially available baked goods - most are just a bit disappointing, they can look good but the taste is flat and uninspiring. That's why I was so thrilled to discover http://www.bittersweetbakers.com (full disclosure - the baker in question, Arianna, is now a friend, but in any event I recommend her cupcakes and other baking without reservation) I ordered my son's birthday cake from her a couple of months ago and it was completely delicious, and her cheesecake brownies are sublime.
Posted by: Tricia | July 09, 2009 at 13:39
Waitrose - that's where I found a cupcake yesterday that was wonderful but in my haste to gobble it I forgot to take a picture.
Posted by: Karbee | July 09, 2009 at 14:14
Can totally empathise with you about the kitchen, as I'm in the same boat myself. Would love to see some pictures of your new one when it's finished. Thanks for all the wonderful photos and never-ending inspiration.
Posted by: Justine | July 09, 2009 at 22:47
oh exciting! i work on theobalds road and didnt know this place existed...i am SO visiting now!
Posted by: claire | July 12, 2009 at 02:07
i love the cookie monster
Posted by: Hena Tayeb | July 21, 2009 at 00:02