When I first started writing for Phillygaycalender.com I was asked to keep my articles focused on gay owned food joints or gay friendly business in the gayborhood. At first, I was on board with that line of thinking. More than anything, I want to see a strong gay community.

But I realized that a "gay community" is no longer defined by a geographic area. As society begins to afford gays and lesbians the same protection under the law as our hetero counter parts, we expand the boundaries of the "gay community", to include areas that were once off limits. Now a bakery/cafe in the Chestnut Hill section of Philly that is owned by one of the most liberal, accepting, gay friendly couples, that I know. That, coupled with Chestnut Hill’s proximity to Mt Airy, which is rumored to be a hot LGBT enclave of Philly. While not scientific evidence, I personally know a few gay couples that are raising their children in the Chestnut Hill/ Mt Airy section of Philly. So I pitched The Night Kitchen Bakery & Café to phillygaycalendar and was met with a wince and shrug. Ok, I get it they want to keep their food posts limited to the gayborhood. Phillygaycalendar promotes events in the city. [EDITORS NOTE: We don’t keep our food posts, or any articles limited to the gayborhood in center city Philadelphia….but we will let Barry have his soap box moment]

Here’s where I’d like to hop up on my soap box.

Are we really going to limit our definition of "gay community" to a few city blocks? I may sound like my father, but we gotta start thinking about the kids! I’d like to redefine the term "gay community". I’d like to think of the 14 y/o gay teenage boy who finds phillygaycalendar on line for the first time. I’d like to show him that being gay is no big deal. I want to show him that being gay is becoming more and more accepted by society. I want to show him that there are businesses and business owners outside of the gayborhood who value him. I’d like to think of the two fathers in Mt Airy who both attend school functions, parent teacher conferences, and sporting events as openly gay fathers. These men who are pushing the boundaries of socially acceptable gay roles – just by living their lives deserve representation in the "gay community". Why can’t I offer these parents information on where to go for their son’s birthday cake?

There, now, that I got that out.

Let me introduce you to Night Kitchen Bakery. Owned by Chef Amy and Johnny Cakes. This dynamic duo, husband/wife team just love the gayz! But enough about them, let’s talk about their cakes, their brownies, their cookies, their endless list of awards, and their TLC Fabulous Cakes tv spot (airing November 1, 2010 at 10 pm). The Night Kitchen has two cakes that are eye rolling back in your head good. Mocha Mousse Cake & Lemon Curd Cake. I’ve served both for various special events! All to rave reviews!!

I tried their chocolate brownie once, Oh My God!! I described the flavor of the chocolate as, "a culinary masterpiece that melted across my tongue, while little chocolate fairies did a Viennese Waltz!" – yes, you can say I enjoyed the brownie!!!

The Night Kitchen recently expanded to a full service café. I was lucky enough to be invited in for lunch on their grand opening. I had their Veggie Sandwich on focaccia bread followed by their chocolate chip/banana bread pudding. The sandwich was bangin’, I promise you! The bread pudding – Oy Vey! I don’t know which was more amazing, the warm rich chocolate, the sweet banana flavor in the pudding or the fresh and delicious banana puree’ that they serve it with.

Need a great cake for a special event? Need some cupcakes for snack day at school? Need cookies for a hostess gift? If you’re in Chestnut Hill or Mt Airy, drop by The Night Kitchen, say hi to Chef Amy and Johnny Cakes, have lunch, have a cookie, have a cupcake! While you’re eating it, just remember, a "gay community" is defined by our lives as gay men and lesbians, not by a section of city blocks.

Night Kitchen Bakery
7725 Germantown Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19118-3525
(215) 248-9235