san francisco | cake walk.

girls with short skirts and long jackets? leave those to cake. girls with sharp wit and a longing for sweets? leave them to susiecakes, the la bakery gone bay.

until now, norcal sweeties experienced a "good luck finding whoopie pies and homemade pudding" sort of sitch. just in time for you to give your new year's resolution some serious side-eye, susie's sig seafoam-green walls, vintage lady crocker's posters and sleek chrome furnishings make their way to marin. owner susie sarich, who's already got a handle on socal posh spots, decided the greenbrae set needed some sugar, too. and because bay area babes love to be in the know, the space is outfitted with oversized windows so you can take a peek at the bake shop magic. catch a glimpse as the bakery's famous southern red velvet cake gets all dolled up in rich cream cheese frosting, and watch as cute little cupcakes get their do's. sure you can get buried in a strawberry white chocolate wonderland or nosh on fluffy coconut, luscious lemon and peanut butter, but the cupcake thing kinda left you with a cavity last year. find a new vintage dessert that'll suit your fancy. rich and creamy banana goodness is perf for this decade. as for other offerings, sink your teeth into seasonal pies. what's the 2010 collection showing? blueberry crumble and lemon meringue. remember to save room for susie's famous whoopie pies (eat your heart out, ice cream sammy) and frosted sugar cookies in whatever shape you might like. show up on opening day and you might find a golden ticket tucked inside of your treat. no visits to a topsy turvy funhouse, but a chance at a baking or cake decorating class or five dozen mini cupcakes.

success is oh so sweet. susiecakes. 310 bon air center. greenbrae. 415.461.2253. opening january 23rd. www.susiecakesla.com