There’s nothing like a glazed donut in the morning — unless, of course, you can instead bite into a mochalicious or pistachio créme cupcake.
Those are two of the options at La Cupcakerie, which opened recently in the premises of ABC Country Restaurant at 2085 Gaetz Ave.
Others include chocolate chip cookie dough, lemoringue, Oreo burst and vanilla bean.
“I’m probably up to 16 now,” said owner Natalie Leclair. “I just keep creating things.”
The location of Leclair’s business reflects the fact that her parents, Nicole and Charles Leclair, own ABC Country Restaurant. It was in the kitchen there that she honed her cupcake-baking skills.
She works from scratch, without artificial flavours or colours.
“They’re all made like Grandma used to make them,” said Leclair.
“I don’t use mixers to make my batter. It’s just one of those things — I feel like the texture is so much better if you hand-mix it.
“I find you can just taste the difference.”
La Cupcakerie offers a couple pre-made selections every day, with customers able to choose from Leclair’s full range of flavours if they order a day in advance. Those options are expanding all the time.
“I try to push the envelope,” she said. “I’ve just created a tiramisu cupcake.”
Leclair said reaction to her business has been good. She’s tried to raise public awareness by dropping in at local businesses with surprise deliveries of free cupcakes.
Many people are turning to cupcakes as a special treat at parties, weddings and other special occasions, said Leclair. She thinks they’re a nice alternative to a box of donuts.
Her next objective is to set up a display case where a variety of cupcakes can be shown.
And beyond that?
“The big goal is definitely to set up my own location.”
Orders at La Cupcakerie can be placed in person, through the business’s Facebook page, or by text at 403-352-2003.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com