Looking for something different for your next birthday party? Ditch the homemade Duncan Heinz, and pick up a dozen delights from The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery, 104 Glenwood Ave., in Raleigh.

With a variety of specialty flavors, The Cupcake Shoppe offers serveral flavors and opportunities for personalization. If you have a picky eater, the "Plain Jane" vanilla may be right for you. We enjoyed the southern classic "Red Velvet." the key to The Cupcake Shoppes version is the level of moisture. Individual cakes can dry out quickly, but the mouth-slappin' sweet red velvet cupcake is perfection. A cupcake menu is available on the Shoppe's website, and there are also cookies, brownies, and muffins for sale. Cupcakes are $2.75 each, and one is plenty to satisfy your craving. A dozen is $30.

While the kids will love the looks and tastes of The Cupcake Shoppe's selections, the store itself is better suited for the out-of-highchair crowd. Little ladies looking for the perfect place for a tea party will enjoy the pink decor and cafe tables.  Parents will enjoy the house coffee provided by Raleigh's own Larry's Beans.  The Shoppe is within the Glenwood South shopping and dining cooridor and on the new downtown R-Line.