Flowers and food

We also went to this little dessert food vendor I saw written up in the Austin-American Statesman last week, a small trailer operation called Holy Cacao. The Statesman had a great big photo of their 'cake balls' (I know...lol) and likened them to cupcakes. Screenshot of the Statesman photo by Addie Broyles below.

I'm not sure if you see the same thing I do, but when I saw this photo and read the comparison to 'cupcakes' I thought these would be approximately the same size as a cupcake and would actually be light, fluffy moist cake. So imagine my surprise when this is what we were handed.

They're about the size of a tootsie pop! And the consistency is more like a really fudgy brownie. The wedding cake ball was actually very close in taste and texture to cookie dough--which isn't bad in and of itself, but just not what we were expecting.


And for $1.50 each...well, it seemed a bit much. My favorite ended up being the 'grasshopper' which was a very tasty mint chocolate of course, but it was still kind of sad to see such a little box of goodies when I was expecting a big ball of cake on a stick.


Another unique Holy Cacao offering is the 'cake shake'. We ordered vanilla ice cream with chocolate cake mixed in and a quartered 'Holly's Favorite' cake ball on top.

It was tasty at first, but kind of heavy and thick, so was definitely slow going. After a few minutes the cake bits rose to the top and the consistency shifted toward the odd if not entirely unpleasant. I'd say it's something to share and eat quickly--and ONLY if you have a major sweet tooth.

I think they named these sweets 'cake balls' for lack of a better term because it just doesn't fit their reality--they are closer to confection than baked good. They really would be tasty on their own, but Holy Cacao would do well to set a realistic expectation. I'm sure the Statesman article was great press for them--hell, it brought me out--but the perspective on that photo is so odd--and with none of the balls on display when you walk up to the trailer--well, it's just kind of a let down.

On the other hand, Izzoz Tacos in the same lot--of which we had no expectations--offered very tasty soft tacos with fresh ingredients. Mom had The Bob Bowman--chicken asado with salsa fresca and spinach (though the menu says lettuce; the spinach was a great swap that I hope they intend to keep). Dad had The Slowrider--machaca beef with cilantro, onion, and goat cheese. I recommend them both.