Re-thinking The Cupcake

Fig & Olive Chicago

Recently I meet Melissa, founder of The CEOffice and Creative Chics, at Fig & Olive. Right on Oak Street – it’s my favorite designed restaurant. I want my someday house to look exactly like it. Bright, airy and modern but homey. How do they do that? I have no idea.

Anyways…back to the story. It happened to be Melissa’s birthday and the waitress surprised us with a treat. As much as I love 1.) a surprise 2.) free dessert and 3.) chocolate cake – it was the the candle presentation that really got my goat. Call me crazy, but it’s the little things in life.

Fig & Olive Chicago

They just stuck a candle right into a raspberry and lit that bad boy up! I thought “well shoot! I can do this!”

You know when you are celebrating a friend’s birthday (just the two of you) and you don’t want to buy a whole cake? Yes, I know. There are cupcakes. But they are way overdone. (Shhhh…don’t tell Sprinkles.) Why not buy dessert by the slice?

Fig & Olive

You could do a lemon square, a cheesecake slice or even a cookie! Corner Bakery anyone? Serve it on a plate and your friend won’t know the difference.

And in case you want to see the rest of the meal…here ya go!

fig and olive chicago_0703

The Red Quinoa Salad.

Fig & Olive Chicago

Three Crostinis:

1. Shrimp, Avocado, Cilantro, Tomato
2. Mushroom, Artichoke, Truffle, Scallion, Parmesan
3. Manchego, Fig, Marcona Almond

Have you ever been to Fig & Olive? I personally love their secret happy hour!