Baked goods are the downfall of many a healthy eater. There are few things as deliciously decadent as freshly baked cookies and cakes. Sadly, they are not often the healthiest of choices. Baked goods tend to be high in sugar, processed carbs, trans-fats, and even preservatives. Of course, this does not have to be the case. Thanks to the culinary artistry of the folks at B True Bakery, pastry lovers can now be true to themselves. more ›

Few things entice the senses the way fresh baked goods do. From the mouthwatering aroma of bread in the oven to the warm and satisfying sweetness of freshly baked pastries, most of us tend to have a love affair with flour confections that simply borders on lust. The phenomenon is global and is colored by regional tastes and traditions. If you love baked goods and have not visited one of Chicago’s many excellent panaderias, you are truly missing out. more ›

The French, it seems, can make an art out of almost anything. Perhaps it is the saccharine drawl of the language. Or maybe it’s the intoxicating effect of the wines. Whatever the reason, they seem to be able to infuse everything from their art to their food with an unmistakable joie de vivre. Nowhere is that love of life and the good things more evident than in the delicate art of French pastry. Anyone looking to savor a little of that art for themselves need look no further than Bonjour Bakery Cafe. Its is a little piece of Paris right in the heart of Hyde Park. more ›

We've been delinquent in visiting Floriole's new space, but during the summer we tend to visit Lincoln Park only on Saturdays for Green City Market. Since they have a booth at GCM, it seemed less important for us to visit the actual storefront to get our fix. Now that market season is winding down, and we needed a spot for a North Side lunch date, we stopped in to check things out. more ›

The Thursday before Fat Tuesday is Paczki Day. Bakeries throughout the area will be selling the proverbial shit ton of these stuffed Polish doughnuts. Heather Shouse has a nice list of bakeries that specialize in paczkis (pronounced "PONCH-kee") in Time Out Chicago. The Hound chimed in on Vocalo, asking, "How could you forget Oak Mill Bakery?" more ›

This week we encountered the heavenly concoctions of a humble West Town bakery known as La Farine. Owner Rida Shahin has been inconspicuously supplying some of Chicago’s most beloved restaurants for years. This October he finally opened up his modest Chicago Avenue storefront to the public. more ›

As the number of fancy cupcake bakeries in the city grows ever larger, it gets harder and harder for new places to distinguish themselves. Innovative flavors, eye-catching designs and unique (or controversial, if you prefer) ingredients go a long way towards setting More Cupcakes apart from the crowd, and some of their offerings are a smashing success. Unfortunately, an often mediocre quality, unpleasant staff and high prices give us pause. more ›