I was lucky enough to make a trip out to Austin, TX to do research for an upcoming story in the magazine. I love the oasis that is Austin and I was once fortunate enough to call the city my home. It had been awhile since I last visited so I was very excited to return. My friends Shelley and Brian, natives of the area, have been going on and on about how the city is changing so fast since I have left. "Lots of new development and lofts everywhere....very California," to quote them, so I was very curious.
I landed at the airport and high-tailed it to the hotel on South Congress, noticing along the way that the skyline is a bit different. Despite that, I am still in Austin so and I am a happy girl. Famished, mainly for refusing to waste any calories on airport food, I walk across the street. First stop, Home Slice for a $2.50 slice of pizza and a pint of Real Ale's Fireman #4. Sent from above (or at least above the Mason-Dixon Line) this is the best slice of pie I have had since leaving Philadelphia several years ago. Happy but not quite full I stumble down South Congress in the Texas heat. In front of me, just a few blocks ahead, a mirage of sprinkles and pretty pink confection is spinning in the sky. To my surprise it is a cup cake "grease truck"(called Hey Cupcake!) - my favorite urban grub on the road, literally. A vintage and oh-so-hip Airstream travel trailer is outfitted with a smiling face at the window.
For those not familiar with the term "grease truck," let me explain. Grease trucks, food trailers, "concession stand on wheels" or "a hot dog cart on steroids" is essentially a mobile kitchen predominately found in urban areas. They generally focus on one type of food or style of cooking. Many go beyond the typical hot dog, cup of coffee, or carnival food you may be suspecting. I have eaten cheese steaks, stuffed crepes, tacos, stir-fry, BBQ, and the best falafel I have ever had out of one of these beauties.
I pass a few bills through the window and order the Snowcap -- chocolate bottom with vanilla top. Moments later I sink my teeth into a whole bunch of sweet delight. Tons of super sweet frosting with a touch of sprinkles (not too many but just right....what are sprinkles anyway?) on a super dark chocolate cupcake. Remember it's 100 degrees out and the sun is a blazin', but I am loving it all the way back to my hotel room. There I finish it off in air-conditioned bliss.
Check it out the next time your in the area. Closed Mondays but open until 8 or 9 the rest of the week Hey Cupcake! is good for that late night sugar fix. I think next time I am going to pick up the Michael Jackson, chocolate bottom, cream cheese top, HA!
This was the perfect start to a great week of research. Shelley and Brian where right, Austin is changing but it's places like Hey Cupcake! that continue to give the city that special one of a kind Austin personality.
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