Eat Like Cake Queens Ashley and Jenna Ilchuk in River Heights, Winnipeg

Posted by Devon Scoble on June 20, 2016

Self-taught cake designer Jenna Ilchuk and her sister, photo stylist and graphic designer Ashley Ilchuk are the duo behind the popular Winnipeg bakery, Jenna Rae Cakes , and they can’t get enough of the good eats in their home neighbourhood of River Heights, Winnipeg. Explore with them as they lead us to their favourite places to grab coffee, pizza, and – of course – a slice of cake.

Brittany Mahood

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Meet Ashley and Jenna Ilchuk of Jenna Rae Cakes

Says Ashley: “Jenna is a self-taught cake designer, and I am a photo stylist and graphic designer. About two years ago, we opened <a href="https://jennaraecakes.com" target="_blank">Jenna Rae Cakes</a>, a boutique bakery located on Academy Road in River Heights. We both live in River Heights now, and we love the area for the beautiful tree-lined streets and the delicious food.”
Grajewski Fotograph Inc

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Fusion Grill

“We order lunch from here quite regularly at the shop, and we love their <a href="http://www.fusiongrill.mb.ca" target="_blank">Fusion Grill</a> club with crispy yam frites. Ashley and her husband like heading here for date nights because of the intimate atmosphere, delicious food and plentiful drink menu. They typically start off with the dumplings and the perogies, and for main courses they love the local grass-fed beef [pictured].”
Courtesy MAKE Coffee + Stuff

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MAKE Coffee + Stuff

“<a href="http://stuffgroup.net/makecoffee/wp/" target="_blank">MAKE Coffee + Stuff</a> is a hybrid coffee shop that also doubles as a venue for design exhibitions and retail. They support the artistic community, and serve great coffee. What’s not to love?”
Instagram, @pizzeriagusto

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Pizzeria Gusto

“<a href="https://www.instagram.com/pizzeriagusto/" target="_blank">Pizzeria Gusto</a> quickly became one of our favourite spots on Academy Avenue, shortly after we opened the shop. They specialize in wood-fired pizzas and Italian cuisine. You have to try their Waterloo pizza, and their truffle risotto. So, so good. They also have an amazing patio in the summer, which is so important to any Winnipegger looking to soak up the nice weather while we can.”
Courtesy Teo's & Mano A Mano

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Teo's & Mano A Mano

“Jenna and I just went here for dinner for the first time a few weeks ago, and we absolutely loved the food! <a href="http://www.teosandmanoamano.com" target="_blank">Teo’s</a> specializes in Italian, and their arancini is definitely a must-try appetizer. Other favourite dishes include acero pizza (drizzled with maple syrup!), and the rose conchiglie (large pasta shells stuffed with basil and ricotta salata). They also have a large patio that is perfect for enjoying summer nights and the ambiance of Corydon Avenue.”
Courtesy Nucci's Gelati

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Nucci's Gelati

“Nucci’s is a Corydon staple, and was one of the first to introduce homemade gelato to Winnipeg. Their flavours are fresh and delicious, and they have lots to choose from. Our favourites are lemon, peanut butter and raspberry.”
Brittany Mahood

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Jenna Rae Cakes

“We may be slightly biased, but <a href="https://jennaraecakes.com" target="_blank">Jenna Rae Cakes</a> is a great stop for dessert after visiting any of the restaurants on Academy Avenue for lunch! The daily menu consists of macarons, cupcakes, cookie sandwiches, chocolate covered cake gems, truffles, mini cheesecakes and more, which fly out of the door for the daily lineup.”
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