1052 Thomas Jefferson St N.W.

Washington D.C. U.S.A.

It would be fair to say that Washington DC has something of an obsession with elaborately flavored cupcakes. Seriously, the Mid-Atlantic region is home to at least a dozen specialty cupcake stores, with a constant stream of promises that more are on the way.The movement has flipped the script on cupcakes being a simple side dish which accompanies coffee or follows a meal, placing it squarely front and center as a standalone food.

Baked and Wired are a good head above the pack in the DC cupcake scene and despite the name evoking some serious stoner connotations, there is nothing indicating any drugs were used during the making of these cakes.

Their near orgasmic- yes you read it right, ORGASMIC – array of flavours has my regular Aussie visitors weak at the knees and begging for one last succulent bite on their way back to the airport. However, this is not the”Melbourne Cupcake Review” and the reason I was here, was that Baked and Wired are reportedly also fairly serious about their espresso coffee.

As with many other recent reviews, Counter Culture beans seem to feature prominently in many “committed” coffee establishments in these parts, so I fronted up to test the barista’s chops with a double espresso and cafe latte.The espresso was presented in a small white porcelain cup with a beautiful golden crema, and a delicious full bodied aroma. The shot was so smooth, sweet on the front of the palate with chocolaty overtones and a comfortable bite on the back – very nicely balanced.”Surely a couple of beans here….” I reckoned to myself between mouthfuls of a “Bitchin’ Peanut Butter” on chocolate cupcake. My eyes grew wide as I turned my attention to the cafe latte. One mouthful later my bright sunshine clouded a little. Ahh the grim disappointment of a bitter and slightly burnt tasting latte tainted what otherwise was a successfully caffeinated afternoon. However the milk was well textured, which eased the pain of the imperfect espresso shot, slightly…..ahhhh no it didn’t – who am I kidding!?!?

Sadly, shooting 50% from the stripe won’t cut the mustard for two beans in this league but I’m definitely giving them one BIG one, with the promise to return in future.

BTW…Did I mention the cupcakes were AMAZING? ;o)

Thanks Eric, sounds like a reall winner, even if the coffee was a bit hit and miss, at least you found some beans in the end, take note Team Caffeine if you plan to travel out to Washington anytime soon for to get your caffeine hit, and for all the best that Melbourne has to offer check out all the action @:

Till next time, keep on caffeining on…….

[Support MCR and delight your taste buds by joining our Home Barista Hotshot Club]

Coffee: Counter Culture

11-20-2008
G’Day Caffeind,
Dropped in at Baked and Wired today for an absolutely knockout
espresso and chocolate brownie. Just magic. While I was there I
thought “Why not a macchiato?” Why not indeed. Different person
behind the machine and totally different result. Like SEX…..A 3
bean, dance inducing, exquisite devil’s cup. Hands down the best
coffee I have had in a long, long time. Beautifully smooth espresso
and the dollop of milk froth on top was thick and creamy. The world
stopped for a minute and I was on top. Great result!

Cheers
Eric