let them eat (good) cake

It's no secret that Miss Morag loves good cake. She recently took part in an ABC radio segment with John Birmingham and Courier Mail Food Editor Natascha Mirosch about the sad state of cake affairs in Brisbane.

While MM agrees that there are many poor excuses for cakes lurking in chiller cabinets in cafes and bakeries around town, she firmly believes that there are some delightful options in Brisbane for the discerning cake eater. ABC editorial policy forbids endorsement of businesses or products on air, and the following letter from Margaret prompted this post about MM's favourite spots for cake.

Dear Miss Morag, Following your interview on Friday with the ABC, may I be rude enough to ask if you would kindly point me in the direction of where to actually buy edible cakes in Brisbane as I am very tired of the rubbish sold. I very much look forward to your help.

 Chouquette in New Farm has long been MM's favourite for French-style goodies and bread. Their gateau, pastries, macarons and bread are truly exceptional. And although they're worth the wait, Margaret, I'd suggest timing your visit to avoid the lengthy queues that form on weekend mornings from about 8am until 11am. If you're an early bird, pop in before 7am (they open at 6.30am). Nab one of the four small tables inside and enjoy some great people-watching for free!




For beautiful, old-fashioned, cakes in the Anglo-Saxon tradition, visit Gillian's Garden Cafe in Wolloongabba - enjoy a pot of tea and cake amid the lush tranquility of a plant nursery.



 Head into Sisco at Spring Hill and you'll find the front counter laden with trays of banana bread, muffins, brownies and a small range of cakes, which have all been whipped up in house, and quite obviously made with love.

Brewbakers in Albion and La Vosh in Red Hill are two bakery-cafes that take the time to bake proper, boiled-then-baked bagels, as well as numerous other goodies such as decadant jam-filled European-style donuts.

Also worth a mention are: Cakes by Judy C, Waterworks Road Ashgrove, Leavain Bakery, Junction Road Morningside, Welsh Lady, Fernberg Road Rosalie, Queen of Cakes, Wardell Street Ashgrove, and Jocelyn's Provisions, James Street New Farm, which are take-away only, with the exception of Judy C, which has a small cafe.

Margaret, I hope this helps you avoid those inferior cakes from now on,  for there is nothing more disappointing than being served a dried-up old piece of rubbish masquerading as cake.

Life is definitely too short to eat bad cake.
What are your favourite cakes around town, dear readers? MM would love to know.