Featured

The Atlantic Intellectualizes the Cupcake

By Hailey Eber Tue., Mar. 3 2009 at 3:05 PM
Categories: Featured
In the same timely (sarcasm) manner that it examined the yoga trend in late 2006, the Atlantic tackles the cupcake craze this month. Of course, maybe it's only because I'm writing and reading from New York as someone who once lived all too near Magnolia Bakery/the Sex and the City tour bus stop that Corby Kummer's cupcake piece seems a bit late to the (birthday) party. He does acknowledge that the tasty trend is at once out of fashion and ongoing, writing:

Cloyingly cute cupcake shops may seem passé in New York, but they continue to thrive there, and new ones seem to open across the land by the month. Silly and disappointing as most of these shops are, the craze is worth keeping--if only, like the audiences at La Scala, to keep applauding till the performers do better.
He also earns points, at least with me, for declaring Magnolia's treats being all frosting and disappointing cake.

Possible datedness aside, it's amusing to have the cupcake being examined about with such gravitas. In the video that complements the piece, Kummer is asked "Are cupcakes actually filling some important role in society?" Deep thoughts. You'll have to watch the video above for the answer.
Email to Friend
Print Article

We Recommend

My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
  Livefyre
Sort: Newest | Oldest
VOICE Daily Deals

From the Vault

 

Slideshows»

©2013 Village Voice, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places New York

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city