Business Update: You can have your cake and drink it too

The Bakery Bar in downtown Orlando is a must if you enjoy desserts and cocktails. The difference with this bar is that the dessert is the cocktail. From the Crème Brulee Cake Martini (my favorite) to the Apple Pie Old Fashioned (this drink has that wonderful cinnamon flavor and an apple slice garnishes the glass rather than a cherry), it is the perfect place to go to after dinner at a local restaurant or to satisfy a sweet tooth after a show at the Dr. Phillips Center or the Amway-both within walking distance.

The Bakery Bar opened last January to great reviews and is owned by Adam Zaintz, son of Richard and Alison Zaintz formerly of Oviedo, and his girlfriend, Victoria Tanzi. Located at 41 W. Church St., it is down an ally between Church and Pine and up one flight.

A totally family affair, Zaintz and Tanzi got the idea for this bar from a similar place in Savannah after a trip there with his parents. Tanzi's mom, Wendy Tanzi, former manager of The Club at Firestone, runs the bar because both Zaintz and Tanzi have full-time jobs-Zaintz, a graduate of Oviedo High School is an online car salesman and Tanzi, a graduate of Hagerty High, is the assistant general manager of Burberry at Premier Outlets.

The tastefully delicious drinks are the creation of mixologist Amanda Dixon, best friends with Tanzi since kindergarten. She broke down what made each flavor using various liquors and then figured out the right portions. Tanzi and Dixon learned bartending under the guidance of Wendy while working at Firestone.

In addition to the cocktails, The Bakery Bar also serves craft beers-again, all sweet, like Orange Blossom Pilsner, Wells Banana Bread and Terapin Liquid Bliss. I'm not a beer drinker, but I think I'd try the Terapin as it is chocolate peanut butter beer! All of the beers are known bottled brands.

And if you only want a taste of sweet, there are the candy bar shots. The Snickers shot is the most requested, but there is also Butterfingers, Twix and other popular candies. These are like the small desserts offered at various upscale restaurants-just enough to satisfy the sugar craving. And you have to lick the rim!

The atmosphere is relaxed chic with cow-print covered tub chairs arranged for conversation as well as a few high tables. The walls are simply decorated with kitchen items and the two televisions are tuned in to the food network. It really is the perfect place to relax, talk with friends without shouting over loud music and enjoy a scrumptious cocktail.

The Bakery Bar is open from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Happy hour is from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays with $3 off signature cocktails and $3 craft beers.

For more information about The Bakery Bar, visit their site on Facebook.