After months of waiting, Sweet Lady Jane finally arrived at the Encino Marketplace (Ventura and Hayvenhurst). This is the third location for the bake shop that first opened on Melrose 27 years ago. 

All kinds of baked goods are found here: custom cakes, pies, cupcakes, cheesecakes, tarts and cookies. Sweet Lady Jane is known for beautiful designs as well as taste. I have a particular penchant for the coconut cake, princess cake and triple-berry shortcake—each of which have four layers of cake and three layers of filling. 

In addition to sweets, Sweet Lady Jane serves a surprisingly broad menu selection for breakfast and lunch, including egg variations, waffles, challah French toast, salads, sandwiches, turkey meatloaf, soups and two grilled cheese choices. There are also different types of coffee, tea and single desserts, of course.

Sweet Lady Jane baked goods are sold at Ralphs; however, it is not quite the same as going to the bakery/café for a fresh and custom-made taste.

Breakfast served daily until 11 a.m.; lunch, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; brunch, Saturday and Sunday until 2 p.m.

Sweet Lady Jane, 16403 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818-783-8188

Pancakes with all the trimmings

Layer cakes made Sweet Lady Jane famous.

Chocolate-raspberry tarts