Chaos Theory Cakes, located off Lincoln Avenue in the heart of Lakeview, is not your mother's bakery. It's a culinary entity that most have never dared exploring before.
Take, for example, the Oaxacan cake: it's a simple, moist chocolate almond cake with a spicy Oaxacan chocolate ganache; however, it has enough surprising kick that you might even search the room for a tall glass of milk. This is perhaps one of the milder of the wild concoctions created inside Chaos.
Chaos Theory is the brainchild of Michelle Garcia, owner and pastry chef of the celebrated Bleeding Heart Bakery. Garcia opened this second bakery as a creative culinary outlet for all the recipes and creations that were swimming around her head while she baked more "kid-friendly" treats for Bleeding Heart. Chaos Theory incorporates "more adult and sophisticated flavors," says Garcia, who wants to open people eyes and palates to new flavor combinations.
One such attempt is the savory-sweet chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter and smoked applewood bacon frosting. Bacon is actually baked into the cake as well as used as a garnish for the top of the frosting. If you can get over the fact that there's meat in your dessert, then you might just love the salty-sweet flavors mixing in your mouth. Another inspiring option is the vanilla and cracked pepper cake with avocado frosting. There are plenty of other options for the less adventurous. Chaos Theory offers a whole menu of choices, including cream puffs, mousse cakes ($14 individual, $24 small, $36 large), tarts ($6) and an entire case of cupcakes ($3.75), including tasty gluten-free and vegan options. While you sit in the brightly-decorated room, enjoying your sweet treats and admiring the tattoo-clad staff, you can also enjoy organic coffee ($1.60), tea ($1.80), lemonade ($4), or order your favorite drink off the espresso bar menu (drinks average $3).
The moist cake and perfectly whipped frosting will melt your worries and cares with every delectable bite. The eco-friendly business practices, including 100 percent organic and sustainable ingredients, recycled paper ware and biodegradable plastic ware, will melt your heart.
Centerstage Reviewer: Katie Chelminski
