The husband-and-wife team of Nick and Bethany Soures have unveiled their sweet new venture, Goodness Cakes (720 University Avenue). The Soures previously worked as chefs/bakers at The Little Bakery and The Ravioli Shop (Nick continues on at the latter), so foodies should expect great things from their new bakery.

The Neighborhood of the Arts location basically fell into the couple's laps, as they weren't actively searching at the time. They had been discussing opening a business of their own, and when the owners of the space mentioned that it was becoming available, they snapped it up. The shop officially opened February 19.

The cozy space is nice and bright, thanks to the large University Avenue-facing window. The single counter is home to many bakery favorites - Nick says that since Starry Nites is literally a few doors down for coffee and sandwiches, Goodness wants to focus on the bakery niche, and not step on other businesses' toes. The shop is strictly take-out, except for one table with two chairs if you can't wait.

Choices include cupcakes, brownies, and, of course, cakes. The carrot cake was moist, and thankfully included a carefully placed candied nut instead of the blasé carrot frosting garnish. The cappuccino brownie delighted with artful dots of frosting and a dense texture. But when a decision couldn't be made between a few of the available tarts, I let Nick decide. The almond raspberry tart was worth the leap of faith. The crust was flaky and moist at the same time, the raspberry filling the perfect tartness, and the whole thing was topped with toasted almonds. These goodies are worth spoiling dinner for.

Beyond the confections that inhabit the display case, the Soures' passion is wedding cakes. The couple has been creating wedding cakes for some time, and even baked their own. Goodness isn't the type of place where you're limited by standard choices of cakes and frostings. Rather, the Soures want to give brides (and grooms) free reign to create the dessert of their dreams. They encourage clients to browse online to get ideas, and then come in to discuss whether or not they're feasible. As an example, for an autumn wedding they created a cake in the shape of trees covered in leaves. The Soures also try to use fresh fruit in their cakes rather than jams or other fillings, which has gone over well with clients.

Nick says that the couple wants the business to stay small, at least at first. "We want to do what we do well, and enjoy doing it. We're not looking to be millionaires," he says. Goodness Cakes is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 271-1890 for more information.

Quick bites

Abundance Food Market (62 Marshall St) is celebrating seven successful years of business throughout the month of April, with a variety of contests and performances. Scheduled performers include Confluence, and the Flower City Wind Trio; visit myspace.com/abundancecoop for a schedule or more information. To conclude the birthday celebration, there will be a $50 Gift Certificate Drawing on April 30.

Abundance is also participating in the Earth Day 2008 "Cache In Trash Out Event" at Cobb's Hill Park Saturday, April 19. The event includes an introduction to geocaching, and encourages the concept of Cache in, Trash Out - the idea that, while exploring nature, you make sure to pick up trash before heading home. The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m., and food will be provided by Foodlink at 11:30 a.m.

Lento (274 N Goodman St, inside Village Gate) is hosting a special event Tuesday, April 29, for the Pluta Cancer Center. According to Lento General Manager Stephen Rees, Ron and Mary Pluta are regular patrons of the restaurant, and will be guest bartenders. Come order a glass of wine, or have your favorite drink mixed, and remember to tip these bartenders generously, as all tips generated at the bar will be donated to Pluta.

This month Lento also started serving on Sundays, with the bar opening at 5 p.m. and the kitchen ready to serve at 5:30 p.m. There are new regular specials offered during the week; Tuesdays gets you 30 percent off bottles of wine, Wednesdays are $1 oyster days, and Thursdays feature an extended vegetarian menu. And we're not talking the standard meatless lasagna, or tofu-and-vegetables route; think dishes like sweet potato latkes or local red potato/crispy onion fromage blanc tarts.

Spring is here, and the Cayuga Wine Trail will toast to that! On Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27 and May 3-4, wineries surrounding that Finger Lake will host a Wine & Herb Festival. Each participating winery will serve an herb-prepared delicacy, hand out herb plants, and of course pour fine New York state wines. Tickets cost $35-$40 per person, $50-$55 per couple, or $30-$45 for designated drivers. Reservations can be made through Wegmans, or online at cayugawinetrail.com.