Foodie Finds: Mad About Maddiebird's Goodies!
By John DiGilio in Food on Aug 27, 2012 9:00PM
You just never know when you are going to come across something tasty and awesome in this city. For foodies, the mantra is "keep your eyes and your mouth open." We chalk our latest find to a sugar craving and serendipity—not to mention a pretty sweet looking treat in the bakery case of a local coffee shop. Maddiebird Bakery and their sugary delights are about to be one of Chicago's best kept secrets no more!
Maddiebird Bakery is the brainchild of (and labor of love by) Michele McAtee, a stay at home mom and proud resident of Edgewater. As a small business owner, she does what she loves and clearly loves what she does. Her cakes and cupcakes are homemade and hand-crafted with equal parts detail and deliciousness. From the formal to the whimsical, McAtee can bake up something beautiful for any occasion. The thought she puts into her confections is what sets her work apart from that of bigger, commercial bakeries.
Maddiebird's creations are unique and made with the customer in mind. In her own words, "When I make a cake for someone, that person is constantly in my mind as I'm working. I am always aware of the fact that I am creating a special memory for someone in my kitchen. I feel like that awareness is the biggest ingredient in what I do . . . "
We were on a weekend quest for coffee and a sweet treat when Maddiebird flew into our lives. We just happened to pop into Metropolis Coffee for a cup of joe when something different caught our eyes from the bakery counter below. A familiar image from video games gone by was staring back up at us from atop a tantalizing mound of frosting. This mountain of sugary goodness capped a cupcake that was calling out to us to be eaten, for under $4. Several bites of smooth, rich chocolate and hazelnut later, we were in love. It was not long before a certain dot-eating game character was himself sitting in the pit of our tummies. Poor, tasty Pac-Man!
After raving about the cupcake to one of the employees, we were introduced to McAtee, who was in the café. It turns out that Maddiebird Bakery is currently operating out of Metropolis' on-site kitchen—convenient for them, fortuitous for us. For the time being, you can sample their treats at Metropolis' café (1039 W. Granville Ave.). Cakes and special orders must be placed online or called in. However, if your sweet tooth is as discerning as ours, we are certain you will be hooked. McAtee is fun to talk to, enthusiastic about her craft, and just aching to make something sweet for your next occasion. Prices depend on the ingredients and amount of work involved. Check them out today!