Welcome Mr. Cake to Crystal Lake!

Mario Escobar, aka. "Mr. Cake," is still getting organized at his new bakery at 5 Crystal Lake Plaza, along Route 14.

His store sign was only hung Tuesday. And while Escobar is getting the business side of Mr. Cake organized, the baking side of the venture is, well, a piece of cake for the Cary resident.

Escobar has been baking for 23 years in the Chicagoland area under the name Mr. Cake, and now he's bringing his delicious handiwork to Crystal Lake.

"I make birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cakes for all occasions," Escobar said. "My speciality is strawberry shortcake. We use fresh-picked strawberries and whipped cream. We also do fondant cakes."

Bakeries and cupcake shops are rising all over the place. So how do you know if Mr. Cake is worth the stop? For starters, he's been giving out samples, even to reporters who happen to stop by (yes!).  

The cake slice I sampled was a light and moist chocolate layer cake with an airy center of chocolate mousse. Topped off with the perfect covering of whipped cream (not too much, not too little), a drizzle of chocolate and a big chocolate-covered strawberry on top...it was devine!

Mr. Cake's cupcakes are equally fresh and moist. Escobar also makes pound cake, carrot cake, tiramisu, and cheesecake. He also offers several variety of cupcakes including red velvet and chocolate-vanilla. 

For those who feel compelled to judge for themselves, stop by the Mr. Cake store Thursday through Sunday, July 19-22, during the plaza sidewalk sales, where Escobar will selling his delacacies.