Life is Short so Eat Dessert First at Let Them Eat Cake 2015
Once a year there is a time where cake artists create wedding cake-themed masterpieces – all for a good cause. Let Them Eat Cake is not only a phrase that the doomed Marie Antoinette may or may not have uttered, but it is actually the biggest event where ticket holders can eat delicious cake from area bakeries, restaurants, caterers and culinary students (and why other people don’t write about this amazing event is beyond us).
Held in the Crystal Tea Room in The Wanamaker Building, City of Hope, an organization that leads in the research and treatment for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, sponsors this yearly event to raise funds for this amazing cause.
This year’s artistic theme was: “Masterpieces of Cake” and bakers of all types – professionals, students, anyone who enjoys baking – came together to strut their stuff. And everyone certainly brought their “A” game this year.
Cakes were not only judged by appearance, but also by creativity, taste and of course, “overall” appearance. Celebrity Judge Buddy Valastro from Cake Boss and the other VIP panel of judges had their hands – and mouths full – in selecting the winner.
Ticket holders were much more fortunate to marvel at the fondant and butter cream works of art. No matter if you were a fan of butter pound or perhaps chocolate cake, each taster seemed to pick their personal favorite. Each contestant also stood proudly next to their works of art and happily described in great detail how they created their cake.
To take a break from tasting such luscious cakes, you could sip from an array of elixirs available (or if you were in the know, to the VIP lounge for some light nosh when doors opened). Nibble on your cake with champagne and wine from Korbel and WinesTilSoldOut, or perhaps Bluecoat gin cocktail. Afterwards heads over and feel like a celebrity with a simple, yet sweet makeover from Bella Angel Hair & Makeup and head shot photograph from Laura Eaton.
Soon the moment of truth arrived and Harry Giordano, Senior Director of Development at City of Hope, took the stage with the winners. After thanking everyone who came out to support City of Hope and the bakers for submitting such beautiful creations he announced the winners.
The Merion took home the prize with Best of Show and Most Creative. This pastry team’s cake is a recreation of famed artist and Father of American Art Norman Rockwell’s Triple Self Portrait.
Besides dazzling to the eye, the cake components were magical to the taste buds. They combined layers of chocolate devils food, hazelnut and banana cake filled with caramel, hazelnut cream and chocolate feuilletine crunch and frosted with vanilla butter cream.
The true winners were everyone fortunate enough to sample every single one of the lovely and delectable cakes and City of Hope has such a wonderful fundraiser that allows such generous and talented people to gather.
