Baked Goods
Dlish
Dlish cupcakes, the new West Queen West bakery dedicated solely to the creation of the ubiquitous, individually-sized treat, is offering up these ever-loved confections with a striking amount of care and detail. Sourcing high quality ingredients and using simple, preservative and trans-fat free recipes, the proof is truly in the pudding... or rather, the cupcake.
With 16 different flavours available, rotating any 9 on a given day, there is plenty to choose from, and none disappoint. Look for classics like good old vanilla on vanilla, as well as the less traditional, like dulce de leche or cookies & cream. Dlish offers a fair-trade brewed coffee, but welcomes those passing by, outside-purchased coffee in hand, to come in and enjoy a cupcake in the window seat without so much as a sideways glance.
Owner Verge Manuel, baker and true cupcake enthusiast, explains that the concept of Dlish is to give the cupcake the kind of exalted status it enjoys in other major cities like L.A., New York and Chicago. Manuel saw a hole in the area's baking options, and ventured to bring what he refers to as an 'affordable indulgence' to one of Toronto's trendiest neighborhoods.
An avid baker myself, I was happy that Manuel offers all kinds of interesting tidbits that help give his cupcakes their lovely moistness and excellent flavour. He recommends the coconut macaroon cupcake, a coconut cake base with almond frosting, sprinkled with toasted coconut and melted chocolate, which is immediately my favourite. When I inquire about what gives the cake such pure coconut flavour, he reveals that he actually uses coconut milk in the cake batter rather than dairy, a tip I immediately put in my back pocket.
While devouring one of the best red velvet cupcakes I've had in a long time, my friend makes an interesting observation; these little cakes, though rich in flavour and slathered with silky smooth icing, are not overly sweet, a factor the baker attributes to the use of butter rather than a trans-fat. Butter rather than a generic fat like lard or oil means more flavour; more flavour from the butter means less need for additional sugar to compensate for blandness.
Manuel and his assistants come in early each day, and he explains that making only cupcakes allows for extra attention and detail to go into that specific creation as it's the only thing they offer. There's time to make the batter and frosting fresh each morning, and not rush past important steps like allowing the ingredients to sit until they're at room temperature so that the concoction comes together just right, creating a better product and making small batches with careful attention to quality.
Though the red velvet and coconut strike a specific cord with me, every cake we try, from the nutella or salty caramel to the simple vanilla, is expertly prepared and a pleasure to eat. Little details like the colour-coded garnishes referring to a menu card that explains each item make the experience all the more special. Whether it's to pick up a gift-wrapped treat for a friend or event, or just to get a quick fix to go with a coffee, this is one bakery not to walk by.
Cupcakes $3 each, $17 for a half dozen and $33 for a dozen.
Writing by Meaghan Binstock. Photos by Taralyn Marshall
Discussion
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$33 for a dozen is not "affordable indulgence," it's an astonishing scam. I'm sure the ingredients are very high quality and all, but that's still an insane markup.
But since this place does replace a store that sold $100 toilet brushes (wonder why they went out of business), I guess it's an improvement.
commenter Matt has a great point. BlogTO: maybe you should hire him as your food critic.
While Verge seemed to be a really nice person and very passionate about cupcakes, if he wants his shop to be successful he might want to diversify his options and considered selling cakes, cookies, macarons, etc. But wouldn't that just make Dlish the new version of his neighbours Nadege and Dufflet?
I liked the fact that the cupcakes were overly sweet but moist. I find some cupcakes rely too much on the icing and have a dry cake but Dlish seems to get the balance right.
I bet the cupcakes are good though, not taking anything away from that.
I am a cupcake freak, I have had them all.. including sprinkles. Guess what? They taste just like the cupcakes I had at D'Lish. The cupcakes aren't bad. That is not the point. I think this is in such bad taste it leaves a bad taste in my mouth that no amount of D'Lish water can wash away.
And in regards to the price comments .. $3.00 a cupcakes is steep. Esp when you consider how SMALL these
I have also been to Sprinkles and that's the first thing I said when I walked into Dlish. The look is exactly the same, even the postcard with the little sugar decorations is the same. There are so many cupcake places in the city, I think Dlish has a lot of competition and they should be trying something different and original. I support local business but I also like to support original ideas.
Good luck Dlish.
Anyway, went into Dlish to just split a cupcake with a friend (we were already super full) and was disappointed. Yes, the cupcakes are small for the price. The salted caramel didn't have much of a caramel flavour. The cupcake was moist, but the buttercream was grainy.
Far from the worst, but definitely not the best. Still need to try the Wedding Cake Shoppe.
i wish them well, but i won't become a regular.
I also tried Dark Horse. $3 for an Americano? Give me a freakin' break. It was nothing special either. I'll stick to Crafted by Te Aro, Luna and my all-time favourite cafe, El Almacen.
wow.
Haven't you all heard that Toronto is one of the must expensive cities to live in?
$3 for a cupcake = suck it up, thats the price for living in this city.
I don't mind. Its a REAL guilty pleasure.
Pricey cupcakes are yummy too.
No.. getting in my car or on TTC for 1/2 to 3/4 an hr, burning gas and my time, doesn't equate to saving a few cents on a cupcake (no mention of inferior quality).
Whom do you reckon pays higher rent? Queen St business or Etobicoke? Who pays more tax?
People who expect quality goods/services understand there is a price. The difference in that price and that of a cupcake @ the Whitby Whole Foods is the VALUE I put on convinence and quality.
If you don't like the price that's fine, but you're also going be on Westjet and not likely flying Business Class on a full service carrier. Or grab a hotdog on the street instead of eating lunch at Mr.Greenjeans @ the Eaton Centre.
We all have our price points. If you feel Dlish's is high, then frequent your local Rabba Foods. But don't knock Dlish for having a quality product in a premium location. There is a cost to that, and its a cost that I and others are willing to pay.
I give it ***** stars.
I think anyone looking for a $0.50 cupcake can go to the supermarket and buy one with tons of sugar and processing. As a result, every flavour kind of tastes the same..... like processed white sugar! bon apetite!
I'll stick to a quality product, these are mm mm Deeeee Lish!
I would rather spend money on a high quality cupcake that leaves me feeling completely satisfied, than spend any money on a cupcake that tastes and makes me feel terrible - which I think most of you agree with.
Seeing as they just opened and have a prime location on Queen street West, I don't think it is fair to complain about the prices. If you don't feel comfortable with the price, then don't buy one, it is as simple as that. I understand that many of us feel great when we pay less money for something of great value, but Toronto is a demanding and expensive city. It is not as expensive as others. In many ways, it is good that these cupcakes are not under three dollars. It discourages one from buying so many cupcakes to gorge on therefore making yourself sick. It also implies to customers that these cupcakes are gourmet, and are worth it, because YOU are worth it. We live in Toronto - one of the best cities to live in, which has done remarkably well since the inflation, etc.
I do not see Dlish as an "imposing trend" like one of you has suggested - bakeries and specifically a cupcake bakery is a great business for our little city, for any city! People love to indulge in this sort of thing.
These cupcakes are so rich in layers of flavor and soft moist decadence, and I always leave feeling full. They are a great treat and a great pick-me-up. Instead of discouraging this new business, I choose to welcome it as a wonderful addition to the city that I love.
I think that it is time to support one another as humans instead of bringing each other down, and recognize this company as an excellent way to bring delight to each other in special doses. And when you meet the hardworking, pleasant people of Dlish, how can you say no? Give them some time and I am sure we will see them to do many great things! I understand critical analysis when it comes to food - and I believe that each cupcake from Dlish deserves golden stars.
Thank you! Why hasn't anyone else noticed that Dlish has taken everything from Sprinkles? From website and branding, to cupcake design and packaging. Carbon copy. I'm beginning to think this is the same owner as Sprinkles opening up under a different name?
If not this is just terrible to steal another business model and call it your own. The store looks the exact same as the Sprinkles locations I've been to in Newport and LA. Identical.
What is the deal?
Tell me about it!!! it is RIDICULOUS how they have totally stolen everything from Sprinkles. I contacted Sprinkles to find out if they were affiliated and they are not in anyway - and it had already been brought to their attention of the clear carbon copy of their store. I hope they take legal action - what kills me is the lengths they went to, the details - to even copy the logo, the "madagascar bourbon" etc.etc, menu cards / legend, store design etc. I thought maybe they were testing to see how the brand would do in Toronto, but they assured me no affiliation.
It is truly infuriating that a. the blogger here clearly didn't do their research and gave them undeserved credit and b. that people actually think this is an original idea. So Annoying!!!
Sprinkles did let me know they are coming to Toronto so that should be interesting.
DLISH chocolate marshmallow: "Belgian dark chocolate cake & marshmallow cream with bittersweet chocolate ganache"
SPRINKLES chocolate marshmallow: "belgian dark chocolate cake & marshmallow cream with bittersweet chocolate ganache"
DLISH lemon: "Fragrant lemon cake with refreshing lemon-vanilla zest frosting"
SPRINKLES lemon: "fragrant lemon cake with lemon-vanilla frosting flecked with zest"
DLISH mocha: "Belgian dark chocolate cake with rich mocha frosting and pure chocolate java flakes"
SPRINKLES mocha: "belgian dark chocolate cake with rich mocha frosting"
DLISH peanut butter chocolate: "Peanut butter and chocolate chip cake with peanut butter frosting"
SPRINKLES peanut butter chip: "chocolate chip-studded peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting"
DLISH red velvet: "Traditional southern red cocoa cake with sweet cream cheese frosting"
SPRINKLES red velvet: "southern style light chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting"
DLISH strawberry: "Pure strawberry cake with refreshingly sweet strawberry frosting"
SPRINKLES strawberry: "pure strawberry cake with sweet strawberry frosting"
DLISH vanilla: "Madagascar bourbon vanilla cake with creamy vanilla frosting"
SPRINKLES vanilla: "madagascar bourbon vanilla cake with creamy vanilla frosting"
the idea of starting a cupcake shop might not be original, but this is just embarrassing.
Dlish cupcakes are fantastic! You can taste the quality ingredients they are made with. I personally don't mind paying for them once in a while as a treat or for special celebrations. :)
Instead of becoming an entrepreneur myself, and providing a service that clearly people want, I'm just gonna sit on my couch and complain about everyone else that isn't a LAZY ASS like me!
Come on people, get real!
There are a few cupcake shops in Toronto that have their own take on cupcakes...and taste better than Dlish.
These cupcakes are gourmet, I loved the friendly
staff and the cupcakes!! You must try the Salty Caramel & Chocolate Marshmallow,
OMG!!! Get there early as they sell out towards the end
of the day. Best in Toronto by far.
overall best cupcake store in Tdot for sure.
Chocolate is incredible.
1. Cupcakes are moist.
2. Red Velvet and Coconut ones were excellent
3. They are overpriced for what they are.
4. People who work there need to be more pleasant. The guy behind the counter (shorter, light blond hair) wasn't friendly. He wasn't mean, but he was just serious.. does that even make sense.
5. If i had to impress people by bringing cupcakes, i would bring these, regretfully, the price is just too high.
I go back because they have the yummiest cupcakes. If you want top quality cupcakes this place is the best the city has to offer.
I agree, they do have the best cupcakes by far and I love Magnolia in NYC too. But the Red Velvet at Dlish is so much better.
1) Excellent flavor selection (10 types that Saturday)
2) Store is very clean, modern and simple
3) Service was friendly, staff took time to answer questions
Note; they used gloves when handling the cupcakes.. BIG +
4) all my 6 cupcakes were incredible, from the texture of the cake to the swirl of the icing. The red velvet and caramel with salt were outstanding.
This place is a real gem. I dream of that red velvet, oh so good.
This shop can't last with the recession and all and the high cost of rent on queen st. $3/cupcake..get real. This isn't nyc.
and people 3$ is not bad for the effort that goes into it.
a choc bar is over a 1$
Oh boy, the peanut butter filled chocolate one is so good you'll do a back flip. Would like to take some home with me, although I don't know if customs will allow it. I guess I'll be eating cupcakes at the airport prior to my flight :)
Where I live you're not going to get one for under 8 dollars, and those are pretty gross and mass produced. I was in canada and toronto during summer and visited dlish and thought the red velvet, and what I remember as an apple/caramel cupcake, were great!
1) Dlish Cupcakes (Toronto)
2) George Town Cupcakes (Washington)
3) Magnolia (New York)
4) Kara's Cupcakes (San Francisco)
5) Sprinkles (Los Angeles)
I buy their cupcakes all the time and I think I've tried every flavour. No other cupcake shop in Toronto compares. You truly can taste the difference vs. the other's.
Worth the "steep" price in my books. Some might say underpriced!