In a city bursting with laureled pastry chefs, only one baker on the South Side has received recognition from the James Beard Foundation as a semifinalist for the Outstanding Baker award. That’s Stephanie Hart, who opened her upscale dessert shop in 2004. What makes her version of the classic caramel cake so special? It’s decadently moist, for one thing, and its four layers are enrobed in a thick caramel frosting that’s a dessert unto itself. You can drop by the bakery for a slice anytime, but if you want to pick up a whole cake, you’ll need to order two days in advance. $5/slice; 328 E. 75th St., Greater Grand Crossing