Suddenly, cupcakes are everywhere. Whether it’s a commentary on the sluggish economy or a nod to fans of cupcake-loving characters on "Sex and the City," recent months have seen a proliferation of neighborhood cupcake bakeries in Dupont Circle and Georgetown. Now Old Town has its own cupcake specialty retailer: Lavender Moon on South Royal Street.
Husband-and-wife team Peter and Tammy Durkin say their cupcakes are already so popular they had to close early on Sunday because they ran out of products to sell.
"It’s a comfort food," said Tammy Durkin, who runs the store. "Our idea from the beginning was to cut the sugar and cut the fat but still keep them flavorful by using fresh ingredients."
The upscale cupcakes include varieties with names like Summer Peach and Basil, Chocolate Lavender and Roasted Black Mission Figs with Fennel. Tammy comes up with the ideas to carefully layer flavors, and Peter hashes it out in the kitchen to concoct a recipe that works. Individual cupcakes sell for $3, with a dozen going for $30.
"If you go into any ice-cream shop in Old Town, you’ll end up paying $3 for a flavor that’s pretty standard," said Peter Durkin, who is also the general manager of Chadwick’s Restaurant. "Why not spend the same amount for something uncommon?"