On a rainy D.C. evening, you can find a constant stream of people entering Frosting in Chevy Chase, looking for perhaps their post-work treat or picking up a few items to go. Frosting is a family-owned business that prides itself on its cupcakes made from scratch on a daily basis. If you take a look at the shop's Facebook page, you'll see that some even believe it -- gasp -- "rivals" Georgetown Cupcake. Could it be?
I decided that I had to go try a few items (for the sake of my readers, of course). After reading multiple recommendations, I chose the Peanut Brothers & Chocolate cupcake and in order to get a bit of variety, I also picked the Pumpkin Streusel muffin. So first: Peanut Brothers & Chocolate. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is basically a sure thing, so I was pleased but not surprised.
What blew me away though was the Pumpkin Streusel muffin. In my opinion, it's basically a cupcake, due to the whipped cream cheese frosting on top, and it's so large that it actually felt quite appropriate to use the knife and fork I was provided with. Needless to say, I was a happy camper with my treats and espresso.
What convinced me to become a Frosting fan wasn't just the scrumptious sweets, though; rather, it was the shop's details. For example, the store sells copies of the book The Icing on the Cake, a "reality-based romance" novel about two of the store's partners, husband and wife Todd and Michelle. If you buy a copy, you'll also get a free cupcake to take home with you!
And if you take a look at the walls, you'll see some aluminum prints produced by local photographer Richard Lasner. Like what you see? There's a sign letting you know that you can purchase the prints for $80 a piece. It's also entertaining to look at the community board, which includes letters from happy customers, one thanking the shop for being let in early in order to make a purchase.
If you visit and decide that you like what you see/taste, it's good to know that Frosting participates in the Perka rewards program, which smartphone owners can join by downloading the Perka app. Before you order, check in on your phone and then tell your name to the person behind the counter. He or she will make sure you get a star on the app, bringing you closer to your first reward.
Also, if you plan on grabbing a cupcake in the morning, note that you have to wait until 11 for them to be available. Until then, you can enjoy the coffee and breakfast options (which include the mighty Pumpkin Streusel muffin, by the way). The selection varies depending on the day, with the happy!, 'nilla 'nilla, birthday! and Choc-a-lot cupcakes the only ones that are available every day. With such variety, you're sure to find something to cure that craving of yours.
