Got a Taste for Cupcakes? Need to RSVP??

For all you last-minute commitment-phobic Washingtonians (which is usually me too!) who have finally decided to pull the trigger and attend - rain or shine - 1st Annual DC Cupcake Contest...and haven't yet RSVP'd. NO PROBLEM! Please take a quick moment to RSVP here on the Facebook invitation. I'm tracking closely how many people are coming/not coming to be sure that we have enough alcohol and treats to keep you happy!

Still not ready to commit? That's ok too! Just come on by the Washington Club (15 Dupont Circle) around 6:30ish, in your business attire, make a nominal donation of $5 and enter into the sugary wonderland that the Washington Club will become! Your vote counts too - drop off a business card when you arrive for a chance to become an official judge.

Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight!

Counting Down to Cupcakes! - Updated 9/25/08

The 1st Annual DC Cupcake Contest is nearly underway! The contestants are busy baking, the judges are starving themselves in preparation, and attendees are counting down the minutes!

A few changes and reminders - due to the overwhelming response (over 200 RSVPs!) we do need to now collect a small charge to help us defray the costs of hosting this lovely event. ($5)

For attendees - we are featuring an opportunity for you to judge too! Please be sure that when you arrive, and check in that you place a business card in the dish - we'll be doing a drawing for one audience member to join the judging process.

Reminder - The Washington Club has graciously offered to open their doors to us. Please be sure to check out their website and take a tour! Membership in this exclusive club offers many great opportunities for young professionals. Please be sure to take or find a Club member to speak to a member on-site. Additionally, please respect the dress code of professional attire.

Now is the time to make the announcement of the final contestants:

We have FIVE cupcakeries competing to determine who is the best in the DC area:

• Nostalgia Cupcakes
• MallowDrama
• 52 Cupcakes
• When Cup Meets Cake Bakery
• The Baltimore Cupcake Company
  

There are EIGHT on the verge of greatness...

• Juli-Anne Whitney
• Erin Murtha
• Sarah Bruton
• Tiffany Rose Goodyear & Marla Hersthkowitz
  
• Melissa Westervelt
• Mollie Ohlhaut
• Liz Kurtz
  

Our esteemed judges are:

• Sarah Meyer Walsh aka the District Domestic
• Stephanie Aspinwall, Wedding Planner & Owner, Ayr Hill Events
• Amy Cavanaugh, Food Blogger & Washington Blade Contributing Writer
• Danielle Buckley aka Delleicious
• Tracey Schroeder, Professional Cupcake Taster & Founder of Uncorked DC

Get your tastebuds ready and see you all tomorrow - rain or shine!

Lo-Cal indulgences

Hamburger Helper Microwave Singles - ain't bad for 180 calories.  And, lets not forget the new thirst-quenching G2 at only 40 calories per 10oz bottle.  Big fan!

Cupcake Contest Update: Rules for Entering

Things are progressing nicely for DC's 1st Annual Cupcake Contest.  We've had tremendous response from both contestants as well as attendees - should be a great event!  Here is a full list of the rules for entering and competing in the contest.  As well as a reminder for when/where the event will be held.

When: Thursday, September 25 6:30 - 8:30 pm (contestants will have prior access)
Where: The Washington Club - 15 Dupont Circle

Contest entry and submission rules

1.     3 categories for entry – Professional; Amateur; Out of Town

2.     No entry fees.  No monetary or collateral winnings.

3.     Each contestant will enter three submissions.     

§  Chocolate cupcake with white icing

§  Yellow cupcake with chocolate icing

§  Wildcard

4.     Icing style and flavor is not limited although it is highly encouraged to adhere to traditional expectations (i.e. if a customer ordered a chocolate cupcake with white icing, they would not be expecting to receive a bittersweet chocolate cupcake with hazelnut flavored icing).

5.     The ‘wildcard’ submission is not limited to flavor or style – show your best work.  What would put your cupcakes on the map?

6.     All cupcakes must be homemade and made from scratch (no boxed submissions – i.e. Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines).  All contestants certify their submissions adhere to these rules.

7.     Cupcakes will be judged on flavor, taste, and texture, not on decorating.  While creatively decorated submissions are allowed and encouraged, this will not be taken into consideration.

8.     The size of the cupcake is not limited although traditional (not mini or oversized) is recommended.

9.     Each contestant should provide at least ½ dozen cupcakes for each of the three submissions for judging purposes.

10.  It is also encouraged that contestants offer sampling opportunities for attendees.  This is your chance to get your product in front of numerous people for honest feedback and suggestions. 

§  Sample sizing is not limited – minis are suggested.

§  Any products or materials needed for sampling are the responsibility of the contestant (i.e. napkins, small disposable plates etc.)

11.  Contestants will be provided space to set up.  All other materials necessary are the responsibility of the contestants.

12.  All signage or other promotional collateral is allowed; although it should be of limited size and tastefully respectful.  The Club reserves the right to refuse signage.

13.  No onsite sales are allowed.  Information exchange for future orders is allowed.

14.  Any use of nuts must be indicated upfront prior to any tasting or judging. 

§       Samples containing nuts must have signage at the contestant’s table alerting attendees.

§       Any other questionable ingredients that may cause allergies must be disclosed to all parties.

15.  Trash receptacles will be provided for contestants’ use.

16.  Beverages (both alcoholic and non) will be provided.  Beer, wine, and spirits will have a charge.  Contestants may also provide their own non-alcoholic beverages for sampling purposes only (i.e. milk, hot chocolate, etc.)

Any other questions or clarifications, please post here!  These rules were developed and crafted from all of the great input and questions asked by contestants to date.  Any changes or amendments to these rules will be posted here prior to the event.

Friendster: The End of an Era

Well, all good things must come to an end. Or so the saying goes. Today, after 6 (yes, SIX) years of membership, I canceled my Friendster account. It was the first social network I joined waaaaay back in the day - probably before they were even called social networks. It was a blast - being able to "connect" and "communicate" with your friends about social events, funny stories from the night before - all virtually. Pretty cool technology. And to think I was a beta adopter. How far things have come.... (cue the funeral knell) Good night and good bye, old friend-ster.

Bush Bringing Troops Home: Too Little, Too Late

So the latest headlines from the AP announce that Bush plans to bring 8,000 troops home from Iraq.  "Great!" was my first thought, but then "only 8,000?"  And, not until February?  Bush won't even be President then.  Why not now?  Why not look like someone trying to be a hero* and bring them home at the holidays?  What about the other 138,000?  Seems like a lot of hype in the press for not a lot of real substantive action.  Someone has a serious case of lame duck-itis, sounds like to me.