Yes, it’s true. We have a major sweet tooth. That’s “we,” the diner, the consumer, the purchaser. I always get a good LOL when someone comes East and discovers the bounty of sweet shops, and I’m not talking ice cream or gelato. The fact that we can support free-standing cupcake shops says a lot about the current state of the economy or maybe tells us about how dentists are faring.

Many would say that Magnolia Bakery in New York’s West Village is the industry leader. OK, many would say other places, but I think the trend to cupcake heaven may parallel this NYC business as it expanded out of the West Village and moved throughout Manhattan. Sure they sell cakes and other sweets, but they are a cupcake haven or is that heaven!

Another New York enterprise has sprinkled itself throughout the city and even opened stores in Los Angeles. The humble bakery has become a cupcake destination with more attention on this circular dream than on the once popular chocolate chip cookies. Do you see free-standing cookie shops, no, the attention is on the cupcake.

In Washington DC there have been so-called cupcake wars–whose is better? Which frosting really takes the cake. You know the drill. Cities each have their favorites. Why not!

I’ve been to weddings without wedding cake but large, elaborate delicious cupcake trees. Birthday parties without sheet cakes, but colorful, large sprinkle-laden cupcakes. Not just caterers and professional bakers, but the home cook is out scouring for larger cupcake pans. The mini seems to have vanished in favor of the calorie-laden object of food desire.

Personal preference always wins out, but no matter what, we are the winners in finding a delicious haven from bad news. If you want to study human behavior, get in line, and yes, there are lines at all these shops as the sweet smell of success floats around the corner or engages those in the anticipatory line.

Frosting, baby, that’s the key.