Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Cupcakes from The Flying Cupcake!

I was cranky. But then I stopped in at The Flying Cupcake at 56th and Illinois and I am cranky no more. How could anyone who stops in to this delightful and whimsical bakery be cranky for long? Well, maybe the two well-dressed older ladies in front of me in line who shrieked in horror at the $2.50-a-cupcake price before leaving in a huff. Not me, having been to Sprinkles in California (where a cupcake will set you back nearly $4) and Magnolia Bakery in NYC (who prides themselves in a reasonably priced cupcake in the $2.50 range), I was prepared for what some in Indianapolis might call sticker shock. (As the nice guy who helped me said confidentially "Hey, we're not Marsh.")


Either way, I picked two cupcakes from their selection of 15 or so (including a red velvet cake cupcake with cream cheese frosting and red and white sprinkles and a chocolate cupcake with pumpkin icing and a spiderweb pattern on top!) (These were regular sized. Jumbo cupcakes will set you back a little more.) I also treated myself to a scoop of gelato -- one of 12 or so flavors they carry from Gelato DaVinci in Carmel. More treats may be on the way (according to news blurbs from the bakery's owners) but for now, cupcakes will work for me. They take special orders and can give special pricing for larger orders with a few days advance notice. What a nice change cupcakes would be from a traditional birthday cake -- especially for grown ups!

86 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wish I could say how much I enjoyed my cupcake but I didn't drive up from downtown for fear they were closed...they don't have any web presence (one page with store hours is all I'm asking for, people) and no one would pick up the phone when I called multiple times between 4 and 5 o'clock.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I've been waiting for this place to open. Finally gave it a try last weekend. Loved the three that I tried. Tried to pick up more of my favorite ones yesterday, but they were all out. I might need to have them page me when new batches are available. And I agree about the price; you're expected to pay two or three times that for much less satisfying desserts at the Scholar's Inn Bakehouse, and may other places. Here's hoping for a branch downtown or on Mass Ave. They also show a Broad Ripple address on their cards.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, they don't even give you the hours on the phone message. I believe they're open until 8:00, but was told they stop baking at 5:00, so after 5:00 it will likely be hit-or-miss slim pickins. Prior to 5:00, they're always churning out fresh batches.

Anonymous said...

I'll bet the Broad Ripple address is for the Girly Chic Boutique -- it's the same owners.

And agree that no website in this day and age is a *huge* problem. So simple to set up -- and number one key to opening a new business.

They were out of several on the board yesterday for me, too, but I just thought it might be because it was late in the day. I hope this isn't a regular problem.

re: Their hours seem a bit odd -- until 4 or 5 (if I recall correctly) early in the week, and open until 8 or so later in the week.

I was a little disappointed they didn't have so many of the treats the owners have been talking up in the press accounts -- pretzels dipped in icing, rice crispy treats, etc. I can only assume those are coming.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad we finally got a cupcake place here in Indy. I can't wait to go!!

I agree with the website comments. How can you not have a website these days.

Anonymous said...

I gotta say...I love cupcakes, most every cupcake, and have been to the latest trend of cupcake bakeries around this country, but the flying cupcake's cupcakes were definitely not the best or even close. $2.50 may be an OK price, but the taste better be there to keep customers returning.

Anonymous said...

Sadly, though I was very excited to try the chocolate cupcake with pumpkin icing that a certain blogger was so kind to pick up for me as a lovely little gift!, the cupcake didn't really rise to the level of "gourmet." It was a little dry, and while the cream cheese frosting with pumpkin definitely helped, the overall flavor combo was a little strange. As for the cake, I almost suspected that they just added cocoa to their vanilla/yellow cake recipe without reducing the flour.

This sent me looking for the recipes from the hottest cupcake places, and I found the Magnolia cupcake recipes right away. Sure, enough, the chocolate cupcake recipe has a full 3/4 cup less flour in it than the vanilla recipe. And the cupcakes in the photos have about 3 times as much icing. I might just be making my own this weekend (though I will *never* look a gift cupcake in the mouth if anyone *else* wants to buy me one)!

Here are the links:

http://www.kitchenlink.com/cookbooks/2005/0743246616_2.html

http://www.kitchenlink.com/cookbooks/2005/0743246616_3.html

Anonymous said...

braingirl, is there a way to email/PM you without posting to an otherwise unrelated thread? There have been several times that would have been useful...anyway...

I'm sure you've heard this, but just in case...El Sol to reopen:

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071011/BUSINESS/71011032

Anonymous said...

I too was excited about the cupcake shop opening, I was also willing to pay the $2.50 for a cupcake. Then I went there. Yes the setting and decor are very cute. But after seeing the lovely cupcakes on TV from Magnolia's and envisioning a similar product...I was very, very disappointed. My daughter could have done a better job icing them! They looked like they were slapped together very quickly...did they not think to maybe use an icing bag?!? It's fine if your going to use a knife to ice the cupcakes, but at least make sure there is some icing there first, and put a little time into it!! Also...what's the deal with the little cheap plastic toppers that I could get from the local grocery store? I wonder if the owners have visited a bake shop. We did buy one, hoping that it didn't taste as bad as it looked. The vanilla cupcake did taste good, (one saving grace). It was more dense than the box type, and had a nice consistency and flavor. The frosting again, no big winner here. The little bit that was on the cupcake tasted like the usual Betty Crocker chocolate. Overall, the $2.50 price was highly inflated for the product. Based on the product offered, $1.00 would be pushing it. As to the comment listed here comparing it to Sprinkles or Magnolia...all I could do was laugh. Magnolia in NY, is $2.00 for a highly superior product and Sprinkles is $3.25 and is made with the highest quality products and is located in Beverly Hills. Remember folks this is Indianapolis.

Anonymous said...

I agree that they can't be favorably compared to Sprinkles (There are a few Sprinkles now all over the west coast -- and last time I was at one, cupcakes were #3.95) or Magnolia (only some are $2.00) -- no question that they're doing a lower quality product here. But I will disagree that they can't do something just as good, Indianapolis or not. (They could definitely do something as good as Magnolia, but they're not.)

re: The icing. It defintely didn't look like they'd used a pastry bag in any cupcakes I saw -- agree that the icing looked "home made" which I suspect is what they're going for.

Like Kirts, I agree that if you're going to go that route, you better have a damn good product. I'd label their products as "OK" but not "damn good". Hey, they're a new business -- either they'll get it right and succeed, or they won't and fail. Or, they'll find their niche and those of us who like quality just won't go there. Case in point: I noticed Oh, Yumm Bistro is still open, so *somebody* is still eating there. Just not me or anyone I know.

Anonymous said...

Thank God I am not the only one who was extremely disappointed with the Flying Cupcake Bakery. The owners may know retail, as I heard they own the Girlie Chic Boutique in Broad Ripple, but opening a bakery is a whole other thing...and to just open a bakery because Cupcakeries are the latest craze, which is basically what they said in Indianapolis Monthly or somewhere...well, that is not good enough if...it may be the trend, but if the cupcakes aren't even good...why would anyone come back. I don't wish failure on anyone, but I certainly hope the figure out what they are doing or hire someone who does!

Anonymous said...

I too was HIGHLY dissapointed when I went to the Flying Cupcake. Not comparable to Sprinkes AT ALL. For my money, I'd rather buy cupcakes from Marsh.

Anonymous said...

I was excited when I drove to the flying cupcake from Carmel....dissapointed driving home...average at best...the ideas are good but the quality just lacks.There is a farmers market in Zionsville that has a baker selling her goods and I would love someone to print her name/website.The flying cupcake girls could learn a thing or two from this baker.Any help? I agree on the Marsh comment ...Flying cupcake is overpriced and average.

Anonymous said...

does anyone know he hours? i know that they are a little odd...hoping that they are open on a monday!

also, recommendations would be great!

Anonymous said...

loved loved LOVED the flying cupcake!! the red velvet elvis cupcake and the chocolate bottomed cream cheese cupcake were to die for an sinfully rich...definately will return!

Anonymous said...

I live in the neighborhood and have been to the flying cupcake several times in the last few weeks. I haven’t been disappointed once. My two kids are pleased with and always select one of the seasonal cakes and play, play, play with the toppers. Recently, we started testing out the gelato and really like it – especially the smaller sizes that you’d get of ice cream some place else. The store does look great – very cute. This is a great addition to the neighborhood! Soon, when there is a Starbucks, it will be kid and parent nirvana at 56th street.

Anonymous said...

Ahh, see, and herein lies the difference in opinion. Sprinkles and Magnolia are definitely *not* kid bakeries. I mean, a lot of people get the high end cupcakes for kids, but they're not kid destinations. And if this place is supposed to be a kids place, then, hey, let parents pay $2.50 a cupcake. I'll skip it since I don't need to play with my cupcake toppers -- and I actually *want* my product to be really great. Right now, they're not doing really great product, but most kids don't know the difference.

No offense, but 56th and Illinois being kid/parent nirvana makes me *less* likely to go there. But I'm single and being around a ton of kids (and I'm sure you're not, but a lot of parents are really obnoxious) is not a draw for me. But maybe that's their niche business and if so, I wish them success. (It's sure worked for the Sugar Buzz people -- good for them!)

Seriously, if you've seen work other cupcake bakeries in other cities are doing, this one doesn't compare favorably. I hate that everyone opens places like this and says "well, it's only Indy, we just have to be sorta good."

Anonymous said...

Whoa! Its just cupcakes, people. I went in with some friends after it opened. I had a mississippi mudslide cupcake which was like the best thing ever. It was like a brownie meets cupcake meets smore. I went back again and my flavor was sold out. I guess they sell out of stuff everyday which I think is a good sign. I opted for a cookies and cream cupcake that literally tasted like a warm oreo with the middle part on top as the icing (if that makes sense). I am so glad they are finally open and look forward to many new cupcake creations!

Anonymous said...

I was glad to see other people liked the cupcakes. I just found this blog and was glad I could post my two cents. I think some people are just used to Marsh type cupcakes and I think they just don't get the whole look of this bakery. I love vintage things anyway. I liked their little plastic decorations on top like the old school ballerina and clown because it reminded me of my childhood. I also thought everything I had was very good. I recommend the Red Velvet cupcakes and the giant cookies with icing which are like a sugar sandwich. I wish them the best of luck and I will be back.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe anyone would complain about these cupcakes. Me and my friends think they are so good. I went to the Anthropologie Store opening today at the Fashion Mall and they were there offering cupcakes to the shoppers. First of all, they were the cutest cupcakes I have ever scene (and I have been to both Sprinkles and Magnolia). I had two. If they are good enough for Anthropologie...they are definitely good enough for me. I love love love the red velvet. I will be a returning regular for sure. Best of luck to them.

Anonymous said...

I wanted to enjoy my cupcake, but it was below average...if box mixes normally do it for you, then their cupcakes may satisfy, but there is nothing special or remarkable about them...very disappointed. Still hoping for a good bakery in Indy.

Anonymous said...

There ARE good bakeries in Indy. This, unfortunately, is not one of them. A LOT of work needs to be done to step up to the level of quality cupcake bakeries nationwide.

Anonymous said...

I had the best cupcake here....red velvet heaven! I also noticed the comments about the box mixes. I am not a baker, so I really don't know. However, they do have an open kitchen and I can see the gal baking with eggs and stuff. They don't seem to have anything to hid like all of the other bakeries. I love the place. I think they are great! One of Indy's best!

Anonymous said...

Wow; this is quite a string about this new (cupcake) shop and it’s really exciting because it shows that people pay attention to 56th and Illinois. It’s great to see that people from all around the city are excited about coming to Butler-Tarkington to check out the Flying Cupcake. I’ll admit that I have a huge bias (I’m on the board of the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association and did an artcle on this shop for the BTNA news), but its clear that the Flying Cupcake, in combination with Kids Inc, Oh Yum, the Food Emporium, and other existing shops, is an appealing retail area (for parents, kids, grand parents, singles, and anyone else). I love the Flying Cupcake – I have been there several times and the cupcakes are always excellent and the owners are a part of the neighborhood. Local owners, a great product, an engaging area – perfect!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
braingirl said...

Let me rephrase...

It's nice that the G.Thrapp block is still vital. However, you can't omit Kinkaid's, still the biggest foodie reason to venture over that way.

Anonymous said...

Have been there twice - once to check it out and the second time to give it another shot. Sorry to say that the cupcakes were just okay - not anything to write home about. The way they were displayed seemed sloppy - and last minute - and there were barely any in the case on a Saturday. I LOVE Girly Chic Boutique and had very high hopes for this little cupcake shop.

Maybe it just needs sometime time to figure it all out - I can definitley see where they are trying to go with the feel of their store, but I am not sure that it all works together.

Anonymous said...

After visiting once and being quite disapointed, I headed home to my computer and voted for Indianapolis a hundred times on the below website.

http://www.sprinklescupcakes.com/locations.html#

Please Sprinkles, come to Indy!!! We need you.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the link anonymous!!!

Anonymous said...

I loved the Flying Cupcake. I have not had the chance to go to a sprinkles yet, but hope to in January. I had the elvis cupcake (red velvet) and LOVED it! It is rich, but very good. I am sure they are still working things out, but I think they are off to a good start.

Anonymous said...

On another thread, a new pizza place in Irvington (called Jockamo) was mentioned. On their online-menu they mention that their desserts are carrot cake and pineapple upside-down cupcakes (made by Cake - people who supposedly know something about baking). Maybe they can be encouraged to expand their cupcake options? Viva la Cupcake Renaissance!

Anonymous said...

The Flying Cupcake Bakery ROCKS! Just loved it.. Had a last minute luncheon to put together this week and called them on Sunday after hearing great things about their cupcakes... They had 4 Dozen of the YUMMIEST cupcakes decorated (very nicely) and boxed, ready for me by 10am Monday... They did a great job and took on the last minute order with no problem at all. Two of their friendly staff members even insisted on loading them in my vehicle for me. They included 3 flavors... Vanilla Butter Cream (YUM!), Lemon Infusion (YUMMIER!) and the most amazing of them all... The "Red Velvet Elvis" (YUMMIEST!). I can't wait to go back with friends and enjoy the charming, cheerful, retro-kitsch atmosphere. A truly unique addition to the indy scene and, in my opinion, the cupcakes were down-home and DELICIOUS... The 37 people at our little get together raved about them too. Our family loves to travel and I have been to Magnolia and a couple different Sprinkles locations... They are both VERY good. I enjoyed the Flying Cupcake just as much, if not more... These are the cupcakes my Grandma made... Only better... Down home delicious... The real deal. As for the comment on this thread about "cake mixes"... The kitchen is open and when I picked up my order the guy and gal in the kitchen were definitely not using mixes back there... You can watch them bake and it was the real deal folks. There is a discount if you buy the cupcakes by the dozen, which made the price even better. A couple bucks for these cupcakes is very fair, they are very good. People are paying $5bucks plus at coffee shops for a cup of coffee... I hardly think a couple bucks for a delicious cupcake is over the top. Lastly, the "plastic" decorations they use are a hoot... I noticed a negative comment about them on this thread but I think the funky decorations go with the whole feel of the place... Fun, kitschy, retro charm. You can't walk in this place without smiling. I adore this great little place and their product and welcome this fun new bakery to Indianapolis... Viva La Flying Cupcake!!

Anonymous said...

^^^ Nice to see the Flying Cupcake is now advertising...

CoutureAnne said...

Does anyone know the exact hours? I drove from downtown to The Flying Cupcake at 8:30am and they were closed and do not have store hours on their door! I really want to try this place, but I need to know when they are opened?!?!

Anonymous said...

Several of the posts in this thread DO sound suspiciously like people with vested interests are posting them. Lame!

Anonymous said...

Come on, Butterbean. I'm calling you out. The cakes from Flying Cupcake are average at best, and are in no way Magnolia caliber. I also believe that you have a vested interest.

Anonymous said...

Anyone know the hours to this place? I have been twice during and they have been closed both times.

Anonymous said...

Stopped by today for a cupcake (some looked really appetizing; some did not...I haven't eaten mine yet so the jury is still out on taste). Their business card included a web address. Their site appears to be under construction, but it did list hours:

Mon - Thu 10am to 6pm, Fri & sat 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 12 noon to 5pm

Anonymous said...

Upthread someone asked for the name of the bakery at the Zionsville or Carmel farmers market. It's Sweet Lucinda's. And the cupcakes are far superior. (I'm not affiliated with SL's, by the way. But I've had both SL and Flying Cupcake recently.)

Sweet Lucinda's are artfully and generously frosted and look almost too gorgeous to eat. I wasn't blown away by Flying Cupcake's taste, but it's okay. One thing I will say about the lack of frosting - it's easier to eat, frankly. But I'd much rather sit out Sweet Lucinda's at a party.

Sweet Lucinda's doesn't have its own bakery, but they sell from a kids' clothing store in downtown Zionsville.

Anonymous said...

Oh my! Seems like nothing riles that masses like a post about cupcakes!

Anonymous said...

Talk about calling someone out, Sweet Lucinda's Much? It's so obvious! Butterbeans is an antique dealer out of Midland...FYI. Unless she also makes cupcakes in her down time...I seriously doubt she's "vested". I know because I go to Midland and buy her stuff like every collector I know. Just like other people who liked these cupcakes, I to go to New York and other big shiny cities for other treats such as cupcakes. Magnolias is like all of the others...just cake with frosting. You don't like cupcakes? Don't buy cupcakes! I realize that some of you don't get to bigger cities often ....but aim higher than Zionsville. I had Sweet Lucindas. Not too sweet. Dry and stale. When I questioned when and where they were made, I was told "at home". Is this even legal? I got several...was stuck with plenty after a few guests tried them. I'll stick with the Flying Cupcake (and Magnolias the next time I am in a big shiny city).

Anonymous said...

So if other people like The Flying Cupcake cupcakes we are the owners or vested somehow? We can't actually like them? Sounds like some of you are a little jealous. I stand by my love of these goodies as do all of my friends. Other than this blog which seems to be written often by the same person, I don't know anyone who has not loved their stuff. I am offended that some of you don't think other people are entitled to their opinions. That's what sets Indianapolis apart from New York, not the cupcakes. I don't know about this Sweet Lucindas thing as I am sure it is good too. But even a cupcake lover like myself doesn't have the time to trek that far.
I will keep going to the Flying Cupcake bakery because it is GOOD. Period.

braingirl said...

Hey, folks! Good to see such spirited response. I think it's safe to say opinions here are mixed about Flying Cupcake. Hey, if you think they're good, then by all means patronize their business. If not, then don't. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Why is this the only venue where there have been negative reviews? I haven't seen any threads on egullet or chowhound, but this blog tends to attract readers who are a pretty large group of food experts, chefs, and general foodies. And they're quick to call a product out if it's subpar. Also, keep in mind that many print publications in town have formal or informal "no negative review" policies. Just something to keep in mind when you read. Just some points to keep in mind.

Foodies are by nature pretty opinionated about what we like and don't like -- so if you like the cupcakes, go for it! In the meantime, place nice and we can all go for cupcakes later.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you totally...except for the part about "no negative review" policies. I read a great review in the Butler paper about this bakery. I have read plenty of negative reviews in this same paper about other food establishments. Again, to each their own and this blog is no more honestly written than any other review in the free world. That's what makes free press so great- which includes all press and not just this particular forum of expression. I am still a happy girl!

Anonymous said...

I tried the Flying Cupcakes at the Anthropologie store opening. I thought they were amazing,so I took two people with me to the actual bakery. I thought it was very dingy and the decor was tacky. There was hardly any selection, and the cupcakes that we saw at Anthropologie tasted and looked much much better than the actual thing. I agree with the other blogger that Indpls. is not the place for over-priced cupcakes. Not only were they overpriced, the gelato was extremely overpriced and the pies on the counter top weren't covered, which led me to question their hygiene. Overall, the cupcakes are a total waste of money, and the experience wasn't far behind. Everyone who tasted the cupcakes at Anthropologie will be extremely disappoointed in the reality of this place.

Anonymous said...

I tried them at Anthropologie as well. They were amazing. I went to the bakery last week because I had them at the mall. I loved the chocolate cupcake I had at the store as well. I loved the atmosphere. I can't ever see the whole retro thing as "tacky", but I guess it isn't everyone's style. I thought it was the most charming vintage looking place I have ever been to. My kids actually lit up. I didn't see anything uncovered so I can't really speak about that. I guess I agree with several posts ago about the jealousy thing. It seems obvious that someone is taking all of this cuteness too personally. As for the prices, I can't see how a couple of bucks is too much to pay for a great snack. I guess you could get mix made stuff at Kroger for like $4.00 for a dozen?

Anonymous said...

I also had them at Anthropologie. They were almost too pretty to eat (but I had two anyway). I went to the bakery and got a dozen for a party I was having that weekend. Everyone talked about how great they were all night. Most people there had already been to the bakery as well. We all agree a good bakery in town was much overdue. It was funny to read the part about the store being dingy and tacky because everyone kept talking about how adorable that place is. I wish them the best of luck!

Anonymous said...

So I finally made it over to the Flying Cupcake this afternoon. I got the chai cupcake and the red velvet cupcake. I have to say I am kind of disapointed. The frosting on the chai cupcake was hard and seemed kinda stale. The red velvet wasn't too bad, but they were both pretty small. However I am glad they are open and hopefully they will improve on their recipes.

Anonymous said...

I wanted to thank the Flying Cupcake for providing my family with two dozen of the most delicious cupcakes for our Thanksgiving party. They even took the time to write the flavor of each cupcake down for me despite the pressure of a long holiday line. I picked two of every flavor that they had in the case and I really enjoyed the chocolate mint (which might be a holiday flavor only?) and the red velvet cupcake. All of my guests were delighted to be treated to these yummies that I wish I could have taken credit for making myself.

Anonymous said...

An update: they have scaled back their hours even further - Mondays through Saturdays, they close at 6. How are they staying afloat? Most people I know are barely off from work by 6.

As they were preparing to open, the owners asserted to the press that on weekend nights they would be open for late-night cravings. So much for that!

Anonymous said...

^^^Sounds like business is not doing so well. Thats what happens when you offer a subpar product. Watch for this place to be out of business by the end of the year.

Anonymous said...

I believe that their hours are scaled back during the month of January. This seems to be common for many establishments in the area. My grandson and I usually stop by before his music lessons in the afternoon which seems to be their rush time. the good news is they are open 7 days a week and i have taken advantage of their pre-ordering and carry out options too.

i am looking forward to late nights in the spring and summer as promised by the owners, as it is much needed in this neighborhood.

Anonymous said...

why is it that anyone would say business is not doing well and that the product is subpar? I guess being voted best cupcake by Indianapolis Monthly is not good enough for some. Also, seeing the lines out the door every weekend is pretty indicative of a slamming business.. Sort of funny that anyone would say it isn't great because that is all I have ever heard. Jealous much?

Anonymous said...

Lines out the door? Huh? I have two kids and we live in the neighborhood. I've been to the shop five or six times since they opened. It is convenient for us to grab cupcakes to take to play-dates etc. That being said, I shake my head every time I return and pay almost $3 for a cupcake. The cupcakes are okay, but they aren't fantastic. There has never been more than 2 other people in the shop everytime I have been there. Is the business on a last leg? I don't know, I don't do their books. But it doesn't take a Warton MBA to know that you have to sell a ton of cupcakes, even at $3, to make ANY money.

Anonymous said...

Best cupcake in Indy? Thats not really saying much. And I would damn well hope so for $3! Their product is light years away from a Sprinkles type product, which is only slightly more expensive and much, much tastier.

Anonymous said...

Why is there so much hatred and vitrol aimed at this little cupcake shop?

Anonymous said...

without any mean-spirited hatred, I must say I had to chuckle a bit with the "best cupcakes in Indy" comment...they are the ONLY cupcake shop in Indy...therefore that makes them the Best and the Worst and everything in between! Not hard to be the best when you are the only. But I do hope they get better...I live in the neighborhood and think the place is cute...but cute does not a good bakery make.

Anonymous said...

Of course they are not the ONLY cupcake in Indy! Every bakery and cafe in town has them! They are soooo much better than the rest! I also live in the neighborhood with my kids. We go in every week and they are always packed. They are doing a great job! They are the talk of the town and I do mean in a positive way.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree! First of all, they are not expensive! I mean even a frozen desert platter at MCL is like $4.00? Maybe you are used to buying frozen deserts at Meyers or something. Secondly, I don't know anyone who thinks they are subpar. Everyone loves them! I ordered 6 dozen last weekend for a big party and they were the talk of the night. I support small businesses anyway and will continue to be a repeat customer. I hope they don't change a think!

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is a serious debate. Over cupcakes nonetheless. I guess I know what I'm having for lunch today.

Anonymous said...

anonymous said:
"I mean even a frozen desert platter at MCL is like $4.00"

Delicacies of the Gobi?
Mongolian death worm?
Heh.

Anonymous said...

I am in love with this place.They are the best cupcakes and the people who work there are so nice and helpful. Please please please don't change anything. I can't imagine why anyone would think it appropriate to speculate on how well any privately owned business is doing. It does sound like people are just jealous they did not open their own bakery first, as much as I hate to say it. While it is true they make a living at $2.50 a cupcake, who only buys one? Seriously! I purchase three dozen every Tuesday for work. I am there in the mornings and there are always customers at the tables enjoying a muffin/ cupcake and coffee and other people in line waiting to order dozens at a time. I seriously doubt they are going any where any time soon. I also support locally owned businesses and wish this place only the best.

Anonymous said...

Like someone mentioned earlier, cupcakes from Marsh are much, much better.

Neal, how bout making some real gourmet cupcakes for desert sometime.:-)

Anonymous said...

Their cupcakes are decent, but they need much more variety.

Anonymous said...

I saw all the "controversy" over this little cupcake place on the blog and decided to find out for myself. I went in with two friends yesterday.

We shared a black forest cupcake (amazing) a red velvet with loads of rich cream cheese icing, and a sweet and moist cinnamon sugar cupcake. The place was so crowded and there were five people bustling around behind the open kitchen helping customers. I seriously doubt this place will be gone by year's end, thank goodness. The cupcakes were very very good. The black forest cupcake was seriously the best think I have ever tasted. We also had a scoop of the gelato which was the real deal. They have tons of it and it is quality stuff. I counted 14 different flavors of cupcakes.

I loved the cupcakes, the atmosphere, the gelato, the selection, and the location. I am glad all of this debate has continued so that I was finally forced to go in and decide for myself. As for the Marsh comparison, what a joke! Good on you, Flying Cupcake!

Anonymous said...

^^^14 different flavors of cupcakes?! I have NEVER seen more than 6 or 7 the three times I have been there. Sounds like you might be stretching the truth a tad bit there...

Anonymous said...

For my money, the red velvet cupcakes at Goose are much, much tastier...

Anonymous said...

Knowing the owners, I recognize several names as vested, indeed. I hate to blow their cover as they are nice owners with success elsewhere. This, however, is not their strong suit.

I think what they have here is a good idea, poorly executed. Having a "baking hobby" is not enough to successfully sustain a professional bakery. People should look at this storefront as a novelty. It is surviving on exactly that: novelty.

The price and quality are incongruous. Frankly, they have nothing to do with one another in this case. The idea and presentation are intended to carry it. The cupcakes themselves are an afterthought. That comes through in many comments seen here. I honestly prefer a less novel approach to my baked goods.

Anonymous said...

Knowing the owners, I recognize several names as vested, indeed. I hate to blow their cover as they are nice owners with success elsewhere. This, however, is not their strong suit.

I think what they have here is a good idea, poorly executed. Having a "baking hobby" is not enough to successfully sustain a professional bakery. People should look at this storefront as a novelty. It is surviving on exactly that: novelty.

The price and quality are incongruous. Frankly, they have nothing to do with one another in this case. The idea and presentation are intended to carry it. The cupcakes themselves are an afterthought. That comes through in many comments seen here. I honestly prefer a less novel approach to my baked goods.

Anonymous said...

What a waste of money! Sweet Lucindas is by far a more quality product!

Anonymous said...

I stopped by last weekend for a treat. what a treat indeed! I agree with all of the positive buzz I have heard all of these months. these are the best cupcakes I have ever had! Seeing as the place was packed all the way out the front door, this is hardly a novelty as the last comment said. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the coconut cupcake. Clearly a hit with the masses.

Anonymous said...

I have had many good experiences at this place. Always good and everyone is friendly. Not sure what sweet lucinda's is...never heard of it. Is it a Bakery? I tried to look it up in Indianapolis and couldn't find it.

Anonymous said...

If only Indy could get a cupcake place like one listed in this article...Oh Sprinkles, PLEASE come to Indy!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/05/12/cupcake.boom/index.html

Anonymous said...

link:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/05/12/cupcake.boom/index.html

Anonymous said...

Heads up everyone! A friend of mine just told me about a new cupcakery that is located some where in Carmel called Holy Cow Cupcakes. I haven't had the opportunity to try them yet, but I am eagar to do a little tast testing.

Levi's Momma said...

Holy Cow, Cupcakes! is owned by my friend, Karen, and she is selling at Carmel Farmer's Market on Saturdays.

Anonymous said...

Where in Carmel is Holy Cow Cupcakes located? I can't wait to try them!

Levi's Momma said...

I'm pretty sure that as of right now she's just at Carmel Farmer's Market.

Anonymous said...

I love this thread...people love them some cupcakes! Info on Sweet Lucinda's - she started out selling at the Zionsville Farmer's Market but she now has a small space at the back of Ballerinas and Bruisers on Main Street in Zionsville. I think she does most of her business via special order. Don't know if she will be at the Farmer's Market this year, the first one is this Saturday.

Anonymous said...

I love this place...best cupcakes ever. I don't like that zionsville place called sweet lucinda's. The cupcakes are super stale and overpriced. I was very disappointed. I actually took my mom there after reading this blog and was so embarassed by the treats. It also was a carbon copy decor wise of the flying cupcake bakery. Too bad.

Levi's Momma said...

Holy Cow Cupcakes are now online!!
www.holycowcupcakes.com

Anonymous said...

Where is this carmel bakery? I hope these aren't made at home in a kitchen like that zionsville place. For some reason that creeps me out. Are they good?

Levi's Momma said...

She leases kitchen space. It's a board of health violation to sell food cooked out of a home kitchen that isn't certified.

Holycowcupcakes said...

Hi All! I am the owner of Holy Cow, Cupcakes! and I am so excited to see the love of cupcakes! I welcome questions and tasters!! I am only at the Carmel Farmer's Market right now, but with some patronization I hope to have a bakery here! I do prepare everything in a commercial kitchen...homemade goodies would creep me out too! I hope to be different than "the others" out there. I use local and organic ingredients, and try to come up with innovative recipes. Please stop by and say hi if anyone makes it to the market! (I also deliver, if you can't make it!!)

Holycowcupcakes said...

p.s. Holy Cows love country and city mice!!! thanks Erin!!

Levi's Momma said...

Karen is opening her retail space (soon) at 545 S. Rangeline road in Carmel!!!! I'm in love with her moon pies!!!