Cupcake Interview: Warren Brown, Cake Love

If you are ever down in DC, check out Cake Love. Entrepreneur Warren Brown was recently named one of Inc. Magazine's "26 Most Fascinating Entrepreneurs"

Name: Warren Brown
Age: 34
Occupation: Entrepreneur CakeLove, Owner
Love Cafe, Owner 15th & U St., Northwest, Washington, DC

How often do you eat cupcakes?
I eat about 3-4 cupcakes per week from CakeLove.

What's the best thing about eating cupcakes?
The best thing about a cupcake is the isolation. Eating a cupcake is a
wonderfully lonely event.

What's your favorite type of cupcake?
My fave is the Chocolate Dipped- chocolate cake dipped in ganache (made
from 60% bittersweet chocolate). I either lick it like a popsicle or
bite through to feel a cold rush from the chocolate hit my teeth and
melt at once.

How do cupcakes compare/contrast to other baked goods
for you?

Cupcakes are like the perfect starter cake, more than a sample but
enough to quench your craving- if it tastes right. Cupcakes are great to me
because they're festive and invite a crowd to gather if you have a
bunch at once.

Is there any innovation you'd like to see made to the
cupcake that would improve it for you?

I've seen the cupcake sandwich which is probably common by
now. Cream filled has been done. CakeLove dunks some in lightly sugared
nuts and I've been craving the almond topped one all week!

Do you bake your own cupcakes? Or (even better)
have someone who bakes them for you?

I bake some of the cupcakes, but these days I'm busier managing
production, growing the business, and sampling new cupcakes! I love working
in a bakery.

What's your first cupcake-related memory?
First memory - is the end of the cupcake. I always hated when the
cupcake was "all-gone" so I resorted to chewing the paper like it was a
piece of gum! I thought everyone else did, too.

What's the most fun you've ever had with a cupcake?
Most fun- I know I won't be able to compete here. Some customers have
told me about devilish fun they've had with CakeLove. I can only say
that the most fun with cupcakes comes before the buttercream gets spread.

Any other thoughts on the topic?
Cupcakes rock and deserve the best rap. Sometimes people
think they're beneath them or not suitable for a party. Cupcakes are a
party! And I don't like them too sweet- a sugar rush just never feels
right.

Comments

Awesome!

OK, people in D.C., who wants to bring up some CakeLove up to us next time you're visiting New York? Sounds so yummy...
Martha said…
Terrific interview! My sister lives outside of D.C., so I've put in a CakeLove request!
Anonymous said…
warren brown's stuff is ugly and doesn't taste good. don't waste your $ on amateur productions when you can buy better for less or buy better for the same, or MAKE THE SAME at home for less or MAKE BETTER at home for less.
Anonymous said…
I had the misfortune to purchase two birthday cakes from Cake Love and I agree with "anonymous", his products are horrible. His frosting tastes like sugar and Crisco. He is also over priced for what you get and where he is located. He charged me $160 for two medium sized cakes delivered a few miles from his shop (that didn't include tip). I also tried his cupcakes, same problem. His bakery goods are definitely not worth half of what they cost. Don't waste your time. There are many of cupcake vendors in DC that put Warren Brown to shame. He just happens to have a great personality and people mistakenly think that continues into his baked goods.