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Cupcakes

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sol y lunaI wasn’t super hungry when I stopped by the new Sol y Luna Taquería, so I just ordered 2 tacos  (chicken and carne asada, $4.95). Although I cleaned my plate, the slightly tough and under seasoned meat had me daydreaming about my favorite taco truck.  But, there are a few dishes on the menu that look interesting, like the Luna Burrito ($5.95) which has French Fries inside, and the Mexican Burger ($6.95) with pepper jack cheese, guacamole, tomato, onion and sour cream on a bun.  There are several amenities Sol & Luna offers that my favorite taco truck doesn’t: a nice place to sit, free water and wi-fi.

lali tasty times vegan cupcakes2The taquería also sells Tasty Times cupcakes, which are not your typical vegan cupcakes.   I tasted the Spicy Chocolate, which was oh so tender and had the unmistakable intensity of expensive chocolate.  I happened to meet Lali, the owner and baker, who has spent a lot of time developing her recipes.  She plans to expand production and offer her cupcakes in cafes in the area.
1926 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
510-540-8880

photos: Christina Mitchell

I first saw the Sweet Treat Stop when it was parked in front of Home Depot in Emeryville.  The menu lists whoopie pies and pies in a jar, but I tasted the larger than average cupcakes ($3.50).  The Carmel By the Sea (chocolate cake, caramel filling, Swiss chocolate frosting, caramel drizzle, sea salt) has a great name, but even though I usually love the flavor combo, it had way too much going on.  I must have been in the mood for a classic because the Chocolate Explosion (devils food cake, Swiss chocolate frosting) was everything I had hoped for and perfectly executed.  The cake was sturdy but the crumb was tender, and the velvety frosting was thick and not too sweet.  According to the website, the truck has ovens on board and actually bakes on site.  Can you imagine a routine trip to Home Depot interrupted by that intoxicating aroma of freshly baked cupcakes?  The Sweet Treat Stop can be found at the Alameda Antique Fair and also made its first appearance in Oakland last week.

photo: Christina Mitchell

Christina Mitchell

Christina Mitchell

Christina is the founder of East Bay Dish. Her writing has also been featured in East Bay Express, Berkeleyside, Oakland Magazine and Edible East Bay.
Christina Mitchell

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