Is conducting research in the field of evolutionary computing/genetic algorithms considered inferior within the CS community?
When applying to a school you should be aware of the faculty at that school and the research they perform. Take a look at their research papers. If nobody at the school does work in genetic algorithms, then it probably isn't going to help you to mention your interest in the area.

If you have a sincere interest in genetic algorithms, then you need to find a school with researchers that are doing work in that area. If there is a prominent researcher at a school working on genetic algorithms, then you really want to mention your interest. If the researcher is accepting new students it might improve your chances of acceptance.

There are always hot areas in a field, and machine learning is currently hot, and genetic algorithms aren't as hot. But, there is good work being done in both fields. (There is also bad work being done in both fields.) I would advise you to find someone doing excellent work, and then the field that you are in will not matter as much.