On April 1, Baker Sonia George and husband Robert opened Cake Studio Cafe along the Glendale Boulevard corridor near the 101 freeway in southern Echo Park. Up until now, the street was probably best known for TiGeorges’ Chicken and as a possible shortcut when driving between Echo Park and downtown Los Angeles. Could this business be a new sign for an emerging neighborhood?

Sonia George attended Epicurean culinary school and specializes in custom specialty cakes, which she described as “high-end fondant cakes for special occasions and weddings.” George also bakes cakes for engagement or bridal showers, baby showers, and birthday parties. Her custom creations have been known to get pretty elaborate, though you don’t need to dial the fancy dial all the way up to 11. Of course, not every cake needs a celebration. Sometimes, the cake is celebration enough.

The couple also runs a casual café, selling salads, wraps, paninis and baked goods that pair well with coffee. Chef George’s baked goods selection currently includes scones, biscotti, muffins, jumbo triple-chocolate cookies, chocolate croissants and almond bear claws. This is the Cake Studio Cafe, so you’ll find cake by the slice. Think carrot, chocolate mousse, New York cheesecake, Boston cream tortes and tiramisu.