Scarlett’s Bakery

Mini-cupcakes at Scarlett's Bakery

Tonight the sight of these mini-cupcakes drew me into Scarlett’s Bakery, a cute little shop that’s been open less than 2 months in my neighborhood.

My friend and I thought 1.20 euros per mini-cupcake was a bit much for such a small treat, but I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to resist next time.

Regular-sized cupcakes were 3.20, but we both opted for the cheesecake, which at 3.80 for a huge slice seemed like the best deal.

I’m no connossieur, but the cheesecake was yum to me. Plus the bottom of the cake tasted just like Graham Crackers. Graham Crackers! I haven’t had those in like two decades! I said to my friend. There wasn’t *enough* of this crust for me.

A healthy (?) sized cheesecake

We were right about the size.

“Death by cheesecake,” my friend proclaimed. I couldn’t finish mine and wondered whether I should ask to take the rest home. “Doggy bags” just aren’t done in France and for a dessert I imagine even less so.

“But this will be my test!” I said.

We had been remarking that the staff (two young women in their 20s, I’d say) seemed sweet. The closest cupcake place previous to Scarlett’s opening was Cupcake & Co, which while good, always left us feeling a little let down because of the less-than enthusiastic service.

(I know, I know, I’m in Paris, what do I expect? We just took it as an affront when I went in for my birthday one time and the woman was not so nice. “Cupcakes are American!” my friend wanted to say. “And we serve them with a smile!”)

Blast from the past: Birthday cupcake. My friend finally got Cupcake & Co to put a candle in my cupcake, despite initial cold attitude.

Anyway, back to Scarlett’s. I go up to the counter and tell them how good the cheesecake was (super bon!), but that it was so rich, I’d like to take the rest home with me.

Pas de souci! No problem, she said and smiled and slid the rest of the cake into a cute little box.

Ok, done. This is our new cupcake place, we agreed.

That woman peeking in through the window? Yeah, she came in, too

The room itself is nice and bright with lime green and pink walls and comfy chairs.

The opening hours are listed as open 11 AM to 6 PM Tuesday through Friday, but we were there until 7 PM. (Wonder if they need to change their site – and also what’s posted on the door! Apparently they do Saturday and Sunday brunch, too, and are open 10-7:30 weekends).

Colorful enough to keep you awake...then the sugar high will take over

My favorite part, though?

Three French women sat down behind us. They had ordered 3 mini-cupcakes and a slice of cheesecake.

“How does this work?” one of them said, looking at the mini-cupcake.

Were they flummoxed by the paper wrapping? She managed to take that off (good job!) and then starts eating the cupcake with a spoon! A spoon! Did I tell you how small these mini-cupcakes are? Bite-sized? Like a small bite. But no, no, this operation called for the delicate slicing with a spoon.

Oh good lord, people. Some things are better done with your hands.

Resident Americans, we’ll show them how it’s done next time.

Selection at Scarlett's Bakery

Scarlett’s Bakery
http://www.scarlettsbakery.fr/accueil
15, Rue Léon Frot,
75011 PARIS

Métro Ligne 9: Charonne ou Rue des Boulets
Tél: 01 43 70 71 60