Ken Lee and Robert Plante are the co-owners of Simplement D Liche, a scrumptious cupcake boutique on the Plateau. Driven by a passion for offering something sweet and fun to enrich people’s lives, Ken and Robert left their careers in the corporate world several years ago and began to create their delectable cupcake recipes. I had the opportunity to ask Ken some questions about the store, their cakes and the cupcake business. Check out his answers and pictures below.
Anna Stuber for HC McGill: How did you get into the bakery business and what made you decide to change your careers?
Ken Lee: Both Robert and I had successful careers in the corporate world. However, we felt that doing the regular 9-to-5 was not very fulfilling. We wanted to challenge ourselves and do something fun at the same time.
AS: What is your favorite cupcake and why?
KL: My favorite cupcake is Key Lime. We usually have this during the summer months. It’s the sweet mix of cream cheese and the sourness of the fresh limes that leave me satisfied. It’s perfectly balanced.
AS: How does your shop create recipes and how do you decide which flavours to create?
KL: [Robert and I developed] the recipes that we started with over a three-year-process at home. New flavors that we have developed since the shop has been open have been created from various sources. We often have clients or staff coming up with new ideas. Once a flavor is decided upon it’s up to us to determine how to source the ingredients. This is not as straightforward as it may seem. We strive to use the best ingredients available. That’s what sets us apart from the competition. After finding the right ingredients, we start by putting together a recipe that we think would work. After several tastings, the recipe is slowly adjusted to meet the D Liche standard – a cupcake that is moist, flavorful, not too sweet and very well balanced.
AS: What is the most popular flavor?
KL: Our most popular flavor is Dulce de Leche.
AS: How do you decide what the Flavors of the Week are?
KL: We keep several classics [available] at all times. The ones that change are usually seasonal in nature. For example, in February we do an amazing bacon/maple cupcake to celebrate sugar shack season.
AS: What is the most elaborate cupcake or cake you’ve had to design for a customer?
KL: We once did an Indian-themed cake for an elaborate wedding complete with henna and lace. It took over 40 hours to put together! A replica can be found in our store window for those who want to see how it turned out.
AS: What aspect of running D Liche do you enjoy most?
KL: Seeing the smiles on our customers’ faces and seeing how our products make them happy. I’ll never get tired of it.
I cannot thank Ken enough for taking the time to answer my questions. D Liche is located at 3964 St. Denis St. above Sherbrooke Station. Be sure to stop by and sample one of their delicious cupcakes! I can already tell you that the red velvet cupcake is delectable.
Find more pictures of D Liche’s irresistable cupcakes and cakes on their Flickr photo-stream, web gallery and 3D store tour.
Photos retrieved from:
http://fr.yelp.ca/biz_photos/d…éal-2?select=3rnYv-ldHVjl8-NeTLseKQ#3rnYv-ldHVjl8-NeTLseKQ