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Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Let's Eat Cake Competition
Gainesville, FL. Feb. 17th, 2009
I just returned from
the "Let's Eat Cake" competition, held yesterday, at the Paramount Plaza Hotel in Gainesville, Florida. The
event was organized by Melissa Di Stefano and was well-attended. It had
many competitors in both the Professional and Amateur divisions. This was the 1st year for this event and proceeds went to
benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital. This was, also, my first entry in a big cake competition, though I have entered smaller
ones before.
The original rules stated the cake for the Professional division was to be at least
3 feet tall, which was what I designed. Then they changed the rules to say the cake should be at least 4 tiers. This
was the largest cake I had designed, 8 tiers measuring around 34 inches tall , not including separators or sugar flowers on
the top.
Kerry Vincent, from Food Network's "Cake Challenge", was one of the judges. I enjoyed
seeing her again after meeting her at the ICES convention in Orlando last summer. She is a very kind woman. I asked her suggestions
for my next competition and she gave me lots of advice. Thank You, Kerry!
I enjoyed meeting other designers from the surrounding area, as well as, friends
from Cake Central and YouTube. It was a pleasure meeting you in person!
I did have an eventful day traveling to
Gainesville, as I had to hit the SUV's brakes unexpectedly, and the top 4 tiers of the cake tumbled over in the rear. I had separated
the cake into two sections for transporting, as it was to tall for the SUV. I didn't have the foresight to have my friend
hold it until I saw it lying broken.
 
We got to the venue and I repaired the cake in a kitchen area that the hotel
management so kindly provided me. While moving the cake on the long walk to the display table, my friend, Damian, and
I each carried a section. He had the lower section, which was heavy, and when he arrived at the display table he sat the cake
down too hard and the lower-tier-lace broke in three areas.
After having a heart attack at
these episodes, I did manage to repair the cake, again, to it's somewhat original condition. I added a few roses on the
broken areas and fixed some bows that were broken. It was still a little crooked, but then, so was I!
What can I say? I learned a lot!
No, that's not all that happened!!! After the event, we took the cake in
two sections to the SUV for the trip back to Orlando. Guess what? He did it again! This time the lower 4 tiers
hit the pavement! OMG! This was his first time helping me with a heavy cake and wasn't his fault. It was a long walk and a
long day.
The winning cake in the Professional division was very beautiful. The Designer, Neil
from Heavenly Cakes by Neil, and I shared tips and techniques before and after the judging.
All
said, I enjoyed the experience, feedback, conversations, and friendships developed with those there.
So what happened to the cake? I dropped it off (not literally, this time) at work so as to not have to look at my
shattered art at home. But, eventually, I will bring it back to life.
And,
as for Damian....well, he is still my best buddy, and I still appreciate the fact that he was there helping
me. Thanks for your help, Damian.
Edna
7:38 pm est
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