O'Rourke's Cinnamon Raspberry Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

I have a pretty serious obsession with quick breads. Seriously, any word of muffins, scones, banana bread, or pretty much any dough containing fruit, chocolate, and/or nuts, and I’ll come running.

There are many places to fulfill a quick bread craving in Middletown. BUT, today, I tried a quick bread that truly took the cake (no pun intended lolz)

CINNAMON RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE POUND CAKE FROM O’ROURKE’S!

O’Rourke’s is an absolutely phenomenal place, and you don’t have to take my word for it.  Check out the bucket loads of media coverage that rave about the exceptional quality, variety, and service this little diner offers. (Like this clip from Food Network program “Diners Drive-Ins and Dives”) One of the main perks, for me at least, is the little plate of freshly baked bread samples that is served to you when you first sit down. The selection is always different. It depends on what owner/chef Brian decides to concoct that way. I’ve tried a wide variety of creations, from sweet potato bread to walnut bread, to poppy seed bread. All of them have been beyond amazing; but today’s pound cake was a real winner. The somewhat crisp exterior dissolves into a soft, melt in your mouth dough, with just enough cinnamon flavor to be warm and autumn-y, without being overwhelming. The chocolate and raspberry blend to create a taste that does not shout the presence of either ingredient. In fact, on first bite I didn’t even realize what was in the cake; however, that seems to be its charm. It’s fruity, chocolaty, and is light while still feeling like a dessert, with a SUPERB texture to boot. After asking for several sample plates, I finally inquired whether it might be possible to take some to go. The response? An enormous chunk, at least a foot long! You can imagine my excitement as I carried it back to campus. 

So… You won’t be seeing me at the dining hall anytime soon. I’ll be living off of cinnamon raspberry chocolate chip pound cake from O’Rourke’s. One of the most delicious quick breads, and for that matter, edible items, I’ve ever encountered

-Ari Rudess