"I had a feeling it wasn't going to be sports," says Darius Williams of his choice to get into a chef's apron instead of athletic shorts. Still, if it weren't for the fact that the man makes a mean cupcake, maybe he should have given it a shot. It's hard to believe so something so dainty, pretty and delicate can be produced by such a giant tower of a man.

In the clean, bright space along a revitalized stretch of Wilson avenue, The Cupcake Gallery brings a bit of sweet to Uptown. Flash is in short supply here, as the artistry is saved for the treats. It's a refreshing take, helping to set the Gallery apart from tawnier pastry shops in the more upscale neighborhoods like Lakeview and Lincoln Park, and the glitz isn't at all missed: These cupcakes mean business, and there's no need to dress them up.

With these flavors, there's no need to get any fancier than the cakes themselves anyway. Williams offers a rotating list of specials that change daily, but looks for stalwarts like chocolate and vanilla mixed in among fancier takes like a red velvet and caramel, or hazelnut vanilla.

Individual cupcakes are $2.50, with a dozen cupcakes available for $28. Call ahead or check their Facebook page for the specials of the day.

Follow The Cupcake Gallery on Twitter.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Bill Burman