Former Videri confectioner opening bake shop in Five Points this month

The bake shop, named for an anise-flavored liqueur found in many Mediterranean countries, is the first venture for former Videri Chocolate Factory head confectioner Nicole Evans Groth and her husband, Jason.

The two former musicians spent years touring the country and found that they most enjoyed finding great food in each city. That love of great local treats was amplified when the two visited Europe, where cookie and sweet shops were on in abundance.

When they moved in Raleigh, Nicole Evans Groth settled into a role at Videri Chocolate Factory that yielded a Good Food Award for her Strawberry Anise Ganache.

"That gave us the confidence to try something else," Nicole Evans Groth said during an interview Tuesday.

And for two performers, the art of creating confections is just another form of expression.

The rotating seasonal menu will include cookies, cakes, candies and tarts. For fall and winter, look for chestnut and maple flavored items. There will also be an Earl Grey Cake that Evans Groth describes as "very flavorful and warm."

"We think we will be a welcome addition to the thriving food scene around here," Nicole Evans Groth said.

Anisette is in the midst of inspections. A mechanical inspector was on-site Tuesday. Although they wanted to complete inspections before announcing an opening date, the Evans Groths said they were tired of waiting and wanted to give people a definitive time the doors would be open.

The grand opening celebration is set for Nov. 19 at 11 a.m.