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'Next Great Baker' competitor bringing crazy custom cakes to Chula Vista

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CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) — Chef Jose Barajas' wild confection creations have made mouths water on episodes of TLC's "Next Great Baker," and soon, South Bay residents will get their own taste of his baked goods.

Barajas, also seen on Food Network, is bringing his custom cake skills to downtown Chula Vista with Mmm...Cakes, a cafe-style bakery offering cake by the slice, custom cakes, beer and wine to compliment desserts, and more.

Barajas, who grew up in San Diego, says the 2,300-square-foot bakery will aim to bring a "sexy Golden Girls" vibe to Third Avenue, with neon lights, tropical leaves, and more Miami-themed decor.

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While the bakery will feature Barajas' knack for creating outlandish cakes, he says it also gives him the chance to go "back to my roots of pastries" and team up with his brother and sister-in-law in the new venture.

Breakfast pastries, muffins, cookies, and a Sunday brunch menu are being planned. Cafe-style foods like paninis, crepes, and fancier plated dishes fit for date nights in the evenings are also on the docket, Barajas says.

A storefront is being planned at 310 Third Avenue for a summer 2020 opening.

Barajas will be seen next on Food Network's "Food Network Challenge" on Monday, Jan. 27, where he'll be competing in a Monopoly cake competition for $10,000.

Take a look at some of Barajas' work below: