Lakeview Late-Night Bakery Plans To Serve Fancy Cakes Until 2 a.m.

How does a place that serves cakes, cookies and other desserts until 2 a.m. on most every day sound? It’s not a sweet dream, but soon to be a delicious reality in Lakeview where Jennivee’s Bakery could open this week at 3301 N. Sheffield Ave. Owner Jen Vailoces has worked for the past year on raising money for her project, a late-night bakery that would also embrace members of the LGBT community.

While it’s not the case with Chicago bakeries, Vailoces said some suburban bakeries continue to discriminate against LGBT members. Vailoces, a physical therapist by day, wants to counter that bigotry.

“Sadly there are still bakeries in the U.S., in particular the Midwest, that refuse to make wedding cakes for same-sex couples,” she said.

Tentatively, Vailoces is shooting for a Saturday opening, but she’s waiting for inspections so the opening could be delayed until next week. They’ll have room for about 12 people inside. A small front patio at the former Real Kitchen space will also provide sidewalk seating blocks from Wrigley Field.

Vailoces isn’t afraid of baseball rowdies, even late night. She’s aiming for a “chic, yet cozy and relaxed ambiance; a perfect destination for dessert and conversation after dinner or a show.” The native of the Philippines has operated her bakery business for six years, supplying cakes to baby showers, weddings and other events.

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Her brick and mortar’s signature items include Ferrero Roche and Snickers mousse cakes, along with lemon pistachio cannoli cream cakes. There’s cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies and brownies, as well. Vailoces wants to focus on classic American layer cakes that need to be savored with a fork or spoon.

Vailoces will also celebrate her roots. Filipino desserts, including mango and ube cream cakes, will be available. There’s also sans rival cakes and sylvana cookies. Those two Filipino frozen treats are made with buttercream and wafers. Red Ribbon, the popular Filipino bakeshop, should open its first Chicago location this week. The opening’s slated for Saturday inside Seafood City. Vailoces said her bakery will offer much more upscale options. Those unfamiliar with Filipino baked goods shouldn’t lump Red Ribbons items with the items she plans on offering.

They won’t serve liquor, but they’ll be BYO and encourage customers to bring dessert wines or champagne. They’ll pour Dark Matter coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

The late-night hours stick out, as the bakery would give those under 21 and straight age members a nocturnal option versus hanging out a bar. Jennievee’s plans on being open until midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Vailoces was inspired to open a late-night shop by her visits to New York. She wants to bring a touch of the Big Apple to Chicago.

Check back for updates on this unique bakery project.