Owners of Frosting Bakeshop Launch a Super Sweet Reality Book



Todd Bracken and Michelle Snow Bracken
Dani Leigh Photography



The only things sweeter than the cupcakes at Frosting are the shop’s owners, Michelle Snow Bracken and Todd Bracken. Their boy meets girl on Match.com love story is the stuff of novels, literally. Last Wednesday, the pair celebrated the release of “The Icing on the Cake” a novel based on their romance. By Allison Kent and True Vows Publishers, the book details their one year courtship, fairytale New Year’s Eve wedding, and shared dream of opening a boutique bakeshop.

The launch event, “A Cupid + Cupcakes Affair”, took place at the couple’s cupcakery and coffee shop, Frosting. Surrounded by cupcakes and sipping on champagne, a crowd of familiar DC faces gabbed about life, love, and their favorite flavors. Although the seating is limited, the shop is much more than just a grab and go establishment. Opened in April 2010, the space is fresh, light, and inviting. The powder blue walls are adorned with snowflakes, photographs, and shabby chic picture frames.


One of many delicious cupcakes sampled
 at The Icing on the Cake book launch
Dani Leigh Photography



Their cupcakes are baked from scratched daily and served up along side Illy Coffee and espresso. Featuring unique varieties, quality ingredients, and intense flavors, the smell alone is intoxicating. For those with a super sweet tooth, the ratio of frosting to cake should be right up your alley. Each mini cake is crowned with a dollop of frosting high enough to make a dentist weep. In a word...Decadent. In a sentence...Some of the best cupcakes in the metro area.

After only being open a few months, Frosting already has a growing list of loyal customers and received raves reviews from local cupcake enthusiasts. Located just steps from the Friendship Heights Metro Station and the very vibrant downtown Chevy Chase, this whimsical little shop is sure to be a sweet success.

Go here to learn more about Frosting and "The Icing on the Cake".

A Piratz lunch for me

A friend and I stopped by the Piratz Tavern in downtown Silver Spring for lunch today. If you've never been, it's worth a trip if you have kids or are still a kid at heart. It's so yucky out today, it was kinda fun to disappear into what just might be any little 5 year old boy's dream. The food is not the best I've ever tasted, but I enjoyed the waitstaff's' accents and costumes, the noon to 7pm happy hour specials, and the pirate themed cocktails.

Here's a look at the tavern's entry way.

D enjoyed his fruity pirate worthy cocktail and...


I enjoyed my pirate worthy cocktail.



This fountain was actually pretty cool looking and help to mask the god awful pirate rap cd that was playing.
We got to dine with this well dressed fellow...


....and this little fellow who kept popping by due to a fascination with the fountain we were sitting next to.



He was even cuter in person! Guess I forgot to mention the fabulous eye patches they giveaway. He was nice enough to put his on for my picture.


Yes, Piratz Tavern hosts parties. They had actually just finished up one when we came in. Thank goodness we missed that. I love the children. But 20 of them hopped up on sugar pretending to be pirates may have put me over the edge. I did ask the waitress about their party offerings and she mentioned that they do an interactive presentation on the history of sword fighting. Good old educational fun! All the kids get plastic swords to take home and practice their skills. Completely non-violent, no. Harmless fun, yes.


Laters,
Guru

Cocktails at the Army Navy Club

Some of the most interesting things about DC are the historic buildings and the long standing traditions. That's why, when my alumni association hosted a cocktail reception at the exclusive Army and Navy Club, I slipped on a pair of heels, dressed up the BF, and headed over to Farragut Square to get acquainted with some of my fellow alums and take a close look at what the club has to offer.

The Army and Navy Club is a non-profit, members only institution which traces its roots back to 1885 with the formation of the United States Service Club. The club's mission is to offer professional development opportunities, education, and to support well-being and camaraderie amongst its members. The location offers 2000 Sq. feet of banquet space as well as event planning services and in-house catering.

The cocktail reception was held in the Iwo Jima Room on the upper level of the club at the top of a winding staircase. The decor is the definition of stately with a rich burgundy carpet, crown molding, cream colored walls, and gold accents. The catering was light featuring a selection of fresh fruit and cheeses, passed hors' devours, and a full bar. The president of my college worked the room as the rest of us mixed and mingled recounting stories of our college years and giving the usual career updates.

I ducked out a little early, but not before taking a peep into the club's main dining room. Absolutely beautiful! The space has high ceilings, chandeliers, a view of the park, and an elegant atmosphere. The Army and Navy Club is available for private events of any size. Check out their site for details and to submit an event request.

The Army and Navy Club

901 17th Street NW

Washington DC 20006

Tel: (202) 628-8400

fax: (202) 296-8787