Jenny Grayson welcomes you to Casa de Glaze (Credit: Casa de Glaze)
Whenever you’re rambling around downtown Austin, you’re guaranteed to see something new. Be it a local artist selling paintings, a brand new food truck or a spellbinding street performer, there’s no shortage of cool things to discover. It’s how we roll.
So, when I discovered a bakery selling cupcakes from the back of a bike last week, I shouldn’t have been surprised. But Casa de Glaze is more than a quirky experiment. Built on rock solid recipes and fueled by the energy of its charismatic owner, this mobile eatery is quickly making a name for itself in the Austin baked goods scene.
Casa de Glaze’s New Adventure
The Casa de Glaze bike is delivering treats all around Austin (Credit: Casa de Glaze)
Casa de Glaze is a brand new operation, born from the passions of owner and head chef Jenny Grayson. Nine months ago, she traded in her eight-year career in the world of advertising for a catering business based out of her home. Specializing in classic deserts, Grayson quickly found herself providing treats for every setting, from corporate events to hotel gift bags.
But her fledgling business needed more exposure. So when she had the opportunity to purchase an adult tricycle from a Portland-based bike company, the idea to incorporate a mobile side into her catering business was born. Only three weeks ago, after giving the trike a colorful paint job, Grayson’s “bikery” was ready to roll.
Since then, she’s been cruising around town providing sweet treats for people on the go. While she doesn’t have a regular route yet, she can be found in the downtown area during lunchtime on Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturdays, you’ll see her riding around South Congress. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are the best places to see where Casa de Glaze is heading next.
Classic and Delicious Treats
Casa de Glaze’s red velvet cupcakes are authentic and delicious (Credit: Casa de Glaze)
Casa de Glaze desserts combine old-fashioned flavors and a spirit of experimentation. Rather than limit herself to a set menu, Grayson prefers to indulge in her own creativity. Her mobile menu changes on an almost daily basis. One day, she could be offering freshly-made strawberry cupcakes and the next, mini cheesecakes. Every visit to her mobile bakery could reveal a new favorite.
Her main “for order” catering menu consists of bakery standards like cupcakes, croissants and cookies. But she’s not afraid of special orders. In fact, she encourages them:
“The people I bake for on the catering side really test the limits of what I can make. The possibilities are limitless. If you ask me for it, I’ll figure out how to make the best recipe for you.”
So far, Casa de Glaze’s carrot ginger and red velvet cupcakes have been the biggest hits. The red velvet in particular is from an old family recipe dating back to the 1960’s. Topped with a flour-based frosting, as opposed to the more modern cream cheese variety, the cupcake has a lighter, fluffier texture than you’d normally expect.
Quirky Twist on Classic Flavors
Casa de Glaze red cheesecake cookies (Credit: Casa de Glaze)
The best part about the “bikery” for Grayson has been getting out and opening her craft to the public. Often the world of catering can be an insulated, closed business of mass quantities. By contrast, Grayson’s bikery has allowed her to see reactions to her food firsthand. At the beginning, it was extremely awkward.
“Standing on a street corner and asking people to buy your baked goods is really putting yourself out there. It’s the complete opposite of being introverted. But as the day goes on and you see people’s reaction to your product, it becomes a little less intimidating,” Grayson shared.
She’s on the right track. Casa De Glaze already has big things planned for the future. Vegan and gluten-free options are being added to the menu, and she’s already made appearances at large festivals like Fun Fun Fun Fest. Grayson even has a “secret project” she was hesitant to chat about. If her energy is an indicator of success, there’s no doubt it’ll be a hit.
And that’s the beauty of Grayson and Casa De Glaze. Simply made, delicious deserts created by someone who closed her eyes and jumped for a dream. The result is a delightfully fun and quirky concept that delivers in every possible way.
So the next time you’re out and about and feel the need for something sweet, be on the lookout for a decked-out tricycle with a basket of treats strapped to the back. Casa de Glaze offers a simple way to make your day a bit more delicious.
Casa de Glaze’s menu can be found at casadeglaze.com. Check Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for up to date information on where the bike can be found next.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What do you reach for when you’re craving something sweet?
