What a tease - the cupcake has landed

Portugal, and please note that I say this with great affection, is about five years behind the US and UK in terms of culinary trends. Sushi, Dim Sum, they all landed in Portugal about five years after making a huge splash elsewhere. Personally I think that a large part of the reason why that happens is that Portuguese food, whilst simple, is some of the best in the world. Grilled fish so fresh you practically have to smack it onto your plate, free-range meat from the mountains and the best pastries in the world (pasteis de nata, obviously). And that's before we've even gotten to the cheese course. I've served Queijo da Serra to friends from all over the world and the general consensus seems to be that the stuff must be filled with crack cocaine to make it that addictive. However, another large trend has just made a debut on the Portuguese stage. Yes, the cupcake has landed. The Tease bakery has recently opened in Bairro Alto, the trendiest part of Lisbon, which is well known for being stuffed with tiny shops run by young entrepeneurs. The owners have gone for a rock 'n roll vibe, decorating with very traditional Portuguese furniture that is offset with modern skull wallpaper. If I were going to open a Portuguese cupcake bakery, this is exactly how I would do it. And the cupcakes are something else - pretty and original. No doubt they'll start the trend for gifting cupcakes in boxes in place of chocolates. If this place isn't a well-known Iberian chain within three years, I'll eat my hat. The next time I'm in town, this is definitely the first place I'm visiting. Here at London Lisbonite, we're very fond of a good cupcake, especially when the frosting is taller than the cake! Design as food. What a great combination!