Jennivee's Bakery, owned by Filipina transgender baker, is a must try
Mon. April 10, 2017 9:38 AM by Jan Bernabe
jenne vailoces
photo credit // jan bernabe
Chicago, IL -
There's a sugary buzz buzzing about in Boystown and Wrigleyville, all thanks to the delightful Jennivee's Bakery at 3301 N. Sheffield Ave, which opened in early February of this year. The bakery is a first for Chicago in many ways, as it is owned by a transgender baker Jenne Vailoces, who hails from the Philippines.
When Vailoces heard the news of bakeries denying services to LGBT folks for weddings and special events, the idea struck her that she could start her own bakery that would cater to all.
Vailoces told DNAInfo that she wanted "this to be the bakery that the LGBT people in Chicago can proudly call their own. My No. 1 passion is baking, and I'm a transgender woman who is also very passionate about trans and LGBT issues. So I wanted to share a part of (both) my passions."
I had to experience the bakery and the sweets for myself, so I spent a warm Sunday afternoon trying a deliciously moist slice of the purple velvet cake as well as a slice of the mango cream cake, both highly recommended by the staff. I wasn't disappointed at all. While I was there, the bakery was busy fulfilling orders from patrons from Lakeview and the surrounding neighborhoods. Vailoces and her business partners have plans for the bakery to partner with local LGBT organizations for catering services.
While the interior of the bakery, reminiscent of a French patisserie, can fit about 12 people, the space also offers a lovely outdoor patio, which will be prime real estate to sit during warmer and sunnier days to come. In addition to cakes (which can also be made to order), the bakery offers a variety of themed cupcakes and brownies. Enjoy the sweets with in-house brewed coffee. Jennivee's Bakery also offers free WIFI.
Vailoces told ChicagoPride.com that patrons can BYOB during the late night hours. While the bakery is closed on Monday, from Tuesday thru Thursday it is open from 4 p.m. to midnight, and from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday. Over the weekend, the bakery is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.
I loved all the treats that I tried. And as the opening season starts for the Cubs, fans will want to get their hands on the riding the "W" cupcakes from the bakery. I also had my eyes on the unicorn-themed cake. I'm already planning my next visit back!
When Vailoces heard the news of bakeries denying services to LGBT folks for weddings and special events, the idea struck her that she could start her own bakery that would cater to all.
Vailoces told DNAInfo that she wanted "this to be the bakery that the LGBT people in Chicago can proudly call their own. My No. 1 passion is baking, and I'm a transgender woman who is also very passionate about trans and LGBT issues. So I wanted to share a part of (both) my passions."
I had to experience the bakery and the sweets for myself, so I spent a warm Sunday afternoon trying a deliciously moist slice of the purple velvet cake as well as a slice of the mango cream cake, both highly recommended by the staff. I wasn't disappointed at all. While I was there, the bakery was busy fulfilling orders from patrons from Lakeview and the surrounding neighborhoods. Vailoces and her business partners have plans for the bakery to partner with local LGBT organizations for catering services.
While the interior of the bakery, reminiscent of a French patisserie, can fit about 12 people, the space also offers a lovely outdoor patio, which will be prime real estate to sit during warmer and sunnier days to come. In addition to cakes (which can also be made to order), the bakery offers a variety of themed cupcakes and brownies. Enjoy the sweets with in-house brewed coffee. Jennivee's Bakery also offers free WIFI.
Vailoces told ChicagoPride.com that patrons can BYOB during the late night hours. While the bakery is closed on Monday, from Tuesday thru Thursday it is open from 4 p.m. to midnight, and from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday. Over the weekend, the bakery is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.
I loved all the treats that I tried. And as the opening season starts for the Cubs, fans will want to get their hands on the riding the "W" cupcakes from the bakery. I also had my eyes on the unicorn-themed cake. I'm already planning my next visit back!