I'll Have Me Some Magnolia's ANYDAY

Since the move back to Chicago, I've been spending a lot of time with my dear mother. Whether it's a coffee date or doing random or fun errands in between classes, it is always a treat to be in her company. Today must have been my day for treats, then! After completing a couple errands and feeling relatively productive, we began to roam aimlessly around the city (we had some time to kill before my next class). We ended up on State. St at Block 37. Not only is this the location of the CBS newsroom and the gigantic Picasso baboon-like sculpture, but apparently the location of a brand new  MAGNOLIA'S BAKERY! Not going to lie, this enthusiasm was only manifested AFTER I tasted a couple of their cupcakes. I had no idea that this place even existed before this afternoon. Or that it was particularly famous. Whoops? But of course, my mother did. She squeezed my arm so tight, smiled, and giggled when she saw the cute vintage sign in the distance.

Magnolia's On State St.

She exclaimed in a high-pitch voice:

"OOOHH RACHIE! THERE'S A MAGNOLIA'S HERE! IN CHICAGO. OH MY GOD!...I have their cookbook....RACHIE, I HAVE THEIR COOKBOOK!!...SEE!!??"

At this point we were inside the cozy little bakery eyeing the merchandise wall, with yes, their assortment of cookbooks. As soon as I turned around and saw the displays of cookies, muffins, cheesecakes, pies, cakes, cupcakes, and whoopie pies....I knew why my mother had shown such enthusiasm toward the bakery. Everything looked absolutely spectacular...and particularly mouth-watering. Still not taking my eyes off the display cases I asked my mom, "How did you even know of this place??"

I will never forget her response. If the rest of my immediate family could have heard her, I'm pretty sure we would all chime in, "That's SO Tree-SA! (My mom's name is Teresa...)." Anyways, she turned to me, making me look in her excited green eyes and said: "Well Rach, I know a little about everything." For all those who know my mother, this is so incredibly true. My mother  is the guru of fashion, cooking, hot new restaurants in and around Chicago, news updates, general advice, and well, the Kardashian sisters.

She then explained to me that the original Magnolia's Bakery is located in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York City. Its old-fashioned environment known for its vintage accessories, decor, and desserts really started to attract "sugar deprived" consumers of all sorts. The bakery really took off after being mentioned in "Lazy Sunday," (a SNL digital short video), and television shows such as Sex in the City, 30 Rock, E!, The Martha Stewart Show, Regis & Kelly, Weeds, CNN, and Fox Business News. Needless to say, I'm sure the lines at Magnolia's in Greenwich Village were wrapped around the corner shortly thereafter.  The expansion to multiple cities nationwide was inevitable.

Take a look for yourself. Here's the SNL Digital Short "Lazy Sunday."

The Assortment of Cheesecakes 

The Red Velvet Cheesecake captured my particular interest...

Cupcakes at Magnolia's

 Magnolia's has over 120 menu items. All fresh, made daily. If you don't believe me, check out the menu for yourself!! CLICK HERE

....Unbelievable, right?

My mom and I ended up ordering two cupcakes from the menu: the traditional Red Velvet Cupcake and one of the  "special of the day" cupcakes called the Hummingbird Cupcake. It was a banana, pineapple, and pecan cake with sweet cream cheese icing topped with toasted pecans. Both were beyond delicious. Not too sweet,  light, extremely flavorful,  and the ratio between icing and cake was perfect. Those treats, along with my cappuccino and company, was a perfect afternoon treat.

Block 37, I'll be seeing you again shortly! I'm thinking Apple Crumb Pie or Snickerdoodle Cupcake next time?

Check out to see if there is a Magnolia's by you! MAGNOLIA BAKERY LOCATION TRACKER :)

Magnolia's Bakers Hard At Work!

Me & the Red Velvet & Hummingbird Cupcakes...YUM!