The District Chronicles

Issue date: 11/15/09 Section: Business

Media Credit: cakelove Brown says CakeLove has received lots of love from customers during the recession.

Alex Gallien took a bite of a rich, chocolaty sweet treat.? She smiled. "Does Heaven count?"? She asked, searching for the words to describe the taste of the brownie. "It's exactly what a brownie should taste like."

The Howard University nursing student was more than satisfied with her selection from CakeLove located at 1506 U Street NW.

The staff makes about 150 cakes and 800 cupcakes daily from scratch.? They also make brownies, cookies, éclairs, mini scones, cheesecakes, pound cakes, bedrolls and chocolate-covered strawberries.

CakeLove is the creation of Warren Brown, a lawyer turned chef, who has poured his heart and soul into every aspect of the business - hence the name CakeLove.? His career change was drastic, and he admitted that when he left his position as a federal government litigator and opened the store in 2002, he was apprehensive.?

Brown has since been featured in several publications and shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, and had his own show called "Sugar Rush" on the Food Network. "I definitely like what I do on a daily basis," Brown, 39, said.? "I made the right choice for myself."

CakeLove has five other locations, three in Maryland, including one at the new National Harbor in Prince George's County, and two in Virginia.?Brown has ventured into writing cookbooks - his first: "CakeLove: How to Bake Cakes from Scratch." The second: "United Cakes of America: Recipes Celebrating Every State" is due in May 2010.

Employee Jorge Prueincao has been at CakeLove since it opened.? "Customers come because of the quality of what we sell," Prueincao said.? "We also try to do everything carefully."

Each item contains all natural ingredients.? Several of the moist cakes are topped with a signature butter cream and minimal decorations - focusing the experience on the taste rather than a grandiose presentation.

Pastries range from $1.50 for mini scones and $3.25 for cupcakes to $25.00 for a two-layer, six-inch cake and $125.00 for a three layer, 12-inch cake.

Even during the recession, the bakery is receiving love. "People are still buying," Brown said.? "I am very thankful that customers are still coming and celebrating, and choosing Cake Love."

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