After tasting half a dozen cupcakes from around town, we are most enthralled by the softball-size cupcakes from Ooh La La Dessert Boutique. What sets pastry chef extraordinaire Vanessa O’Donnell's cupcakes apart from the pack is the exceptionally moist batter. The frosting tastes real – with honest to goodness butter cream - and the flavors ring true. The strawberry cream tastes like fresh, ripe strawberries. The lemon smells of sunshine. The chocolate is deep, as moving as Etta James’ rendition of “At Last.” And at last, we found a great cupcake place.

So far, our favorites are the marble cupcakes, available only on Thursdays, followed closely by the s’mores cupcakes on Tuesdays. The best part? The coffee-and-dessert emporium has a drive-thru for days when you really need a quick fix of her dessert bars, pies or cookies.

Vanessa Newbill was previously the pastry chef at the Houston Country Club and Brennan’s.