The fluorescent Pepsi sign brought Brooklyn Cupcake owner Carmen Rodriguez to Long Island City.
Years ago, when the neighborhood was still in its early days of development, she journeyed to find the iconic neon insignia and stumbled upon Long Island City, instantly forming a bond with the unique sector of the city. After catering several weddings in the area, she began exploring the possibility of opening another storefront in her new favorite neighborhood.
Brooklyn Cupcake recently announced plans to debut a second location in conjunction with Uncle Louie G’s on 48th Avenue off Vernon Boulevard, to create a one-stop dessert shop.
“There are no other bakeries [in LIC] and everyone needs a local bakery,” said Rodriguez.
Brooklyn Cupcake’s Williamsburg location, which will celebrate its second birthday this July, creates confectionary dreams like Vanilla Raspberry, Guava con Queso and Red Velvet for adoring customers. The team uses real cream cheese and whipped cream in their baking, instead of butter cream, to give their cupcakes a rich, smooth taste and texture. However it’s the fans that set this bakery apart from other sweet shops. The New York Daily News voted them the number one cupcake spot in NYC and they scored a coveted Zagat rating of 27 out of 30.
“Cupcakes are the ‘in’ thing – the logical dessert option if you’re looking to be the hit of the party, dinner whatever the occasion,” said Rodriguez. “You can show up with 12 different flavors and be sure to please almost everyone.”
The Long Island City location of Brooklyn Cupcake will also offer ice cream, milkshakes, coffee, tea and cakes.
Rodriguez says the secret to a killer cupcake is adding just a little something extra.
“It is made with love, it will always taste good,” she said.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
- New book offers guide to diverse Queens dining scene
- ‘Blend’ to perfection
- Sweet simplicity: A day in the life of an L.I.C. baker
