In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, egg and 1/8 tsp salt. Stir in chocolate chips.
In larger bowl, put soda, 1/2 tsp. salt, sugar, cocoa and flour. Measure water, oil, vinegar and vanilla together. Stir and mix with flour mixture. Divide chocolate mixture evenly in cupcake pans (for 18 cupcakes). Then spoon cream mixture on top. Top with candied cherry if desired. (Since these cupcakes are not frosted, makes them more attractive.