In New York's recent flurry of dessert shop [re]openings, I'm glad to report that cupcakes are not being forgotten. I had the chance to try some cupcakes from Pichet Ong's new dessert bar, Spot, which just opened up earlier this week. He was the mastermind behind Batch, though the cupcake selection seems to be different at Spot.
Cupcake offerings so far include:
Mocha - Maldon salt - Caramel
Vanilla - Almond - Coconut
Chocolate - Apricot - Green Tea
New! Vanilla- Caramel- Vietnamese coffee
Upon first impression, the green tea cupcake seems like the most Asian inspired cupcake, whereas the coconut comes off as pretty traditional. I didn't try either, but I figure that to be included in a primarily Asian inspired dessert bar means these cupcakes earned their place on those little cupcake stands.
I chose to sample the Mocha, since I'm a sucker for salty and sweet. I began by admiring the shiny glitter that's generously sprinkled over most of the dishes at the dessert bar, and which certainly isn't missed on the cupcakes. Digging under that whipped cloud of slightly caffeinated frosting revealed an airy chocolate cake. I kept exploring until I hit the center, where a surprise filling of gooey caramel and slivers of dehydrated cake awaited. Finally, the most crucial step: to reach a happy ending by taking all of that in one mouthful.
That said, cupcakes are not the ultimate focus at Spot. The more labor-intensive made to order plated desserts are what would keep me going back. Spot's cupcakes, while pretty and interestingly crafted, are framed as part of a dessert bar rather than the heart of production as is the case for other cupcake-centric places. Still, I'd keep Spot in mind for a quick take-out sweet fix.
SPOT
13 St. Mark's Place
New York, NY 10003
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