Jennivee's Bakery has found a following in Lake View. Offering a selection of Philippine- and American-influenced cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies and other sweets, this bakery is unique in that it is opened during the late afternoon and evenings.
"People love sweets late at night," bakery owner and founder Jenne Vailoces, who is transgender.
Located at the corner of Sheffield Avenue and School Street between Wrigleyville and Boystown, the bakery has experienced a large amount of foot traffic since opening in early February, Vailoces said.
Some of the most popular items on the menu are the mango cream cake and the purple velvet cake, made with ubea purple yam imported from the Philippines. Smooth and not too sweet, the cake's distinctive color has been popular among customers familiar with this South Asian staple and those willing to try something new.
Classic American-style chocolate and vanilla cakes, cookies and brownies are also popular items, and Vailoces said she plans to add Chicago-style cheesecake and Atomic Cake ( a towering affair with bananas, strawberries, cream and chocolate originating in Chicago's South Side ) to the menu.
"I love cakes that bring nostalgia," Vailoces said.
The bakery has an outdoor patio space, and the floor-to-ceiling south- and east-facing windows give it an open feel inside, complete with an exposed brick wall and minimal but tasteful decor.
Jennivee's Bakery is open from 4 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.
See "Jennivee's Bakery, LLC" on Facebook.