I am cupcake crazy and always on the hunt for the tasty morsels. So, when I discovered The Kupcake Factory, that has locations in Kenner, New Orleans and Metairie, I wanted to try them.
Let me start by saying that the shop was nice, the staff was friendly and the cupcakes are baked fresh daily. However, the packing was horrible (they put the cupcakes in the box without a divider) and the flavor of the cupcakes were lacking.
Not that the were dry, but they all could have been a little more moist and I didn't understand why a Birthday Cake Cupcake would have cream cheese frosting and not buttercream. In fact, I ordered 4 different types and they all had the same type of frosting.
One thing I did like is that the cupcakes have an appropriate amount of frosting.
The cupcakes were satisfactory but surely could have been better.
The Kupcake Factory
Portland is known as the "City of Roses" so while in the city, I really wanted to visit the International Rose Test Garden which exemplifies it name.
Its free, it relaxing and satisfying to the senses (the rose smell lovely), just don't come on a rainy day. The rain cut my time short and kept me from exploring the beautiful garden in its entirety.
International Rose Test Garden
When I saw a line, I wanted to turn back and I did. The lure of the famous doughnuts couldn't stop me though and I returned about an hour later. It was now or never; I would probably never come back to Portland ever again and this was my chance.
Despite how the line looked, it actually moved pretty quickly. Once inside the brick restaurant, I was treated to eclectic, funky and fun!
Cash is the only form of payment accepted at this shop that features over 100 doughnut varieties and coffee beverages so be prepared.
On a first visit, I had to try their namesake Voodoo Doughnut that is shaped like a voodoo doll and oozes blood red jelly when you bite into it.
If you are a candy or cereal freak, you will probably find your favorite covering one of the doughnuts. With that said, I had to get a M&M Doughnut and Oreo Doughnut.
While in Portland, you can't go wrong with the "Official City Doughnut", the Portland Creme, a take on a Boston Creme.
And, unless you have mental issues (or don't eat pork), a Bacon Maple Bar is a must.
WOW is all I have to say!!
Voodoo Doughnut
Less than a 3 hour drive from Seattle, I had to spend at least one day in Portland on my trip. The drive was worth it and I had a delightful time into Portland, but that was not without a stop at Little Bird for lunch.
As soon as we walked into Little Bird, we were greeted by the gentleman behind the bar. Right after that, two ladies came out and after a bit of confusion amongst themselves, we were finally seated. I won't say service was bad, but throughout the meal, I didn't get that warm feeling and I could have sworn I was being served by a drone. I don't think she ever cracked a smile, a blink, anything.
The restaurant is pretty small. There is not much room for seating and I felt like I was sitting on top of the table next to me. When you have to pull out tables (not chairs) for people to be seated, tables are clearly too close for comfort.
Once I was able to settle in, I looked over the menu and ended up ordering the Steamed Clams. The broth was Parmesan based with bacon, breadcrumbs and peppers. It had rich flavor without being overpowering. It didn't come with anything nor was I given any heads up or options so I had to request more of the complimentary bread to eat it with.
My burger obsessed boyfriend ordered the ‘Le Pigeon’ Burger with fries (you also have the choice of lettuce instead). He was very impressed with the burger.
The food was simply delicious (no complaints there), but I felt a bit distracted by the service and atmosphere.
Little Bird Bistro
The Kupcake Factory
