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Cheap Eats By Traci Vogel Q-Cup 10963 N. Wolfe Rd., Cupertino 408.255.6267 Daily 11am-10pm LIFE IS LITERALLY sweet at Q-Cup, in Cupertino Village--from the confectionery décor to the Pippi Longstocking braids of the counter person. Even the shop's bestselling Q-Pop Spicy Chicken ($3), a takeoff on the popcorn chicken idea, tastes like it's been breaded with brown sugar and taro. But what can you expect from a chain (there are several in Silicon Valley) that's built its reputation on boba and crepes? The boba menu at Q-Cup boasts flavors from almost every food group, from strawberry to peanut butter to mung bean. Q-Cuppers may also choose to add coconut jelly instead of, or alongside, their tapioca pearls. I ordered a Mango Milk Tea ($2.50) with tapioca (an extra 25 cents), which came tantalizingly shrink-wrapped. Once I'd punctured the top with a sharp-ended straw, the tea revealed itself to be refreshing and light, the tapioca pearls firm and, happily, smaller than typical pearls. Q-Cup only qualifies as an appropriate lunch spot if you're seeking snack-sized solace. Where Q-Cup really soars is in its Q-Crepes ($3). Dessert varieties are slathered in Nutella, shaped into a cone and filled with vanilla ice cream and your choice of fruit. Who needs lunch when dessert is so satisfying? Send a letter to the editor about this story via email . [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]