I decided to revisit Sweet Pea during my lunch hour. I'd been there once two years ago. Luckily, the prices haven't changed. I wish they'd have more choices for lunch salad plates but pastries is more their specialty.
If you are feeling like a big hearty lunch, you should go somewhere else and come here for dessert. I wanted something lighter so their white bean artichoke spread with fresh vegetables was just right. The spread has a hummus texture but without the oil. The lemon and garlic give it a healthy zest. I thought the plate which also includes salad mix that looks like it might have come from one of those bags at the store should cost just a little bit less. But I realize this is a local business and they need to make money for the effort.
But the regular food isn't why I come. I knew I had to try their olive oil carrot cupcake with marscapone frosting. I'm officially a fan for that alone. The frosting, which I'm dying to try making myself, is seriously a whipped incarnation of heaven. It was just the right amount of sweet and the texture was like whip cream frosting. I prefer this for now on with carrot rather than cream cheese. The cake was moist and had walnuts and cinnamon.
I've had Sweet Pea's PB & J cookies and rosemary shortbread at local business events. All yummy. I definitely plan to go back again to sample some more confections.
The place also has a lot of character. Pictures of cakes are hanging everywhere. It's got a homey, down to earth feel with the simple chairs and tables and all the kitchen equipment out to see. I wish this place was a little more visible and not stuck behind the Maricopa County Jail. Oh well. Sweet Pea, which has some of the sweetest sweets.