THE BRIDE'S CAFE

Cake Opera Co.

I'm so excited to introduce you to our featured guest today...the beautiful and incredibly talented Alexandria Pellegrino of Cake Opera Co.   Alexandria is a wedding cake artist with an extensive background in Fine Arts and Pastry....her designs are STUNNING......truly works of arts and I'm so honored to have her stop by the cafe today and share a little of her beautiful designs with us and a little "411" on her....Enjoy!!

 

TBC:  What 3 adjectives describe Cake Opera Co.?

AP:  Boldly Original...Sweetly Excessive.....An Opulent Feast for the Eyes!

 

 

 

TBC:  How did you come up with the name...Cake Opera Co.?

AP: The name Cake Opera Co. came to me in two ways...Opera, the Italian word for "life work" or opus seemed fitting at the time I was developing my company.  Designing and creating exquisite cakes was the perfect marriage of my life long passion for the art and baking.  Also, the word "cake" is so unpretentious and lovely while the word "Opera" is so theatrical and vibrant.  Together they seem to conjure up a beautiful synthesis of magic and enchantment.

TBC:  What inspires you?

AP:  I am often inspired by the simplest things...a pile of twinkling vintage buttons and scrap fabrics in an antique shop....a bundle of cabbage roses tied easy with a  crushed ribbon....an intricate brocade detailed with faded glass beads....anything romantic.

 

 

TBC:  What are some of the questions you ask a bride during the initial interview that helps you decide on the design of her wedding cake?

AP:  Of course establishing colors, flowers and if there is a running theme through the event but the most important thing is understanding what the mood should be.  How does she wish her guests to feel at the reception?  Is she imagining a warm gathering, a swanky bash or an opulent affair.

 

 

 

TBC:  What should a bride look for when choosing her cake designer?

AP:  I believe a bride should look for someone who really listens to her.  It is our job as cake designers to pull details that will allow the cake to render her extraordinary story.  I think it is important that a bride feels her cake designer is truly investing their complete creative attention and willing to take time to understand her unique needs.

 

 

 

 

 

Alexandria....thanks SO much for stopping by the cafe today....your cakes are AMAZING....as I said before...they are truly works of art!  Guys make sure you check out Alexandria's site to learn more about Cake Opera Co.!

Sedona Cake Couture

I'm so excited to introduce you to the beautiful and talented, Andrea Carusetta-Blaut...Founder and Cake Artist of Sedona Cake Couture.  Earlier this week one of Andrea's gorgeous cakes was feature in Mary & Jim's wedding and I wanted to share with you more of Andrea's beautiful works of arts!  Her cakes are all simply beautiful....elegant...and so full of "style"!  Earlier this year, Andrea had the honor of taking home the "Silver Medal" on Food Network's Challenge...congrats Andrea and Jay!  Andrea stopped by today to share a little of her world with us...let's get started....Enjoy!

Our featured guest...Andrea! (Andrea' s image courtesy of Cameron Clark Photography)

TBC:  What inspires you?

Andrea:  Many things....the design of the invitation, the lace in a dress, the flowers in nature...the beauty and aesthetics that surround us inspire me to create this beauty in my cakes.

TBC:  What is the best part about your job?

Andrea:  I can be creative.  I never get bored.  I am always challenging myself to get better at what I do.

TBC:  What 3 adjectives describe Sedona Cake Couture?

Andrea:  Outrageous...Glamorous...Couture.

Oh My Gosh...how gorgeous is this and the cake below..so elegant!

 

TBC:  Please tell us a little about being on the Food Network's Challenge.

Andrea:  It was a great experience.  All the staff at Food Network are awesome to work with!  I loved it and want to go back for a Gold Medal!!

TBC:  What are the most popular flavors among your clients?

Andrea:  Chocolate cake with a very strong espresso butter cream filing, vanilla cake filled with Italian Meringue with Almond Praline bits (a very old French recipe).

 

TBC:  What are some of the questions that you ask a bride during the initial interview that helps you decide on the design of her wedding cake?

Andrea:  What's her "style"...is she modern, romantic, does she like clean lines or lace.  What flowers are being used in the wedding?  What does her dress look like?  What colors are the bridesmaid's dresses, linens, etc.

TBC:  What time line should a bride give herself when looking for her cake designer?

Andrea:  Six months minimum...one year is best....especially during busy wedding season.

TBC:  What details of the wedding play an important part of the design of the cake?

Andrea:  I think all of them do...the venue, the flowers, the linens, her dress, the invitations.  A beautiful cake weaves all of these elements together much like a tapestry.

TBC:  There are so many beautiful cakes to choose from, what advice would you give to a bride when trying to decide on one.

Andrea:  Don't decide on one....pick out all the cakes you like...then have your designer take what it is you like about each one and try to incorporate that into your cake.

TBC:  What should a bride look for when choosing her cake designer?

Andrea:  Look at lots of photos of cakes he or she has done...taste cakes and get referrals from other vendors.

Thanks Andrea for stopping by the cafe today.....your work is SO beautiful and I only wish that I was there for a "tasting"!  Images 1-3 and 7 - 12 are courtesy of Katrina & Andrew of Sedona Bride.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Cake Love Winner

And the winner is....Neil...he said"I WANT THIS BOOK...I'M FROM SUNNY CALIFORNIA"!  Congrats Neil...I hope that you enjoy Warren's new book....I get the feeling that you will...please email me at janie @ jmflora dot com and leave your mailing information and thanks for stopping by TBC and Thanks to all of the wonderful TBC readers....you guys ROCK!  Stay tuned for another wonderful TBC contest soon!

Cake Love with Warren Brown

Happy Friday Guys...I hope you are ready for the weekend and I want to help start your weekend off  with a fun and delicious feature....Meet Warren Brown, owner of Cake Love and host of Sugar Rush on The Food Network.  I'm sure you all know Warren's story....in 2000 he left his career as an attorney to pursue his dream and started his own business....fast forward to 2006, he received the Small Business Person of the Year award for Washington, DC. 

Warren has been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, People Magazine, Black Enterprise, The Washington Post and Southern Living Magazine........AND he has a wonderful new book, appropriately titled..."Cake Love...How to Bake Cakes from Scratch".  Guys...I love it and you will to....and in true TBC fashion...Warren sent me a copy to share with one lucky TBC reader.  So I'll make this contest really easy for you....simply leave a comment letting me know where you're from...now how easy is that...I'll randomly pick a winner to be announced on Friday, 9/5....now let's check out some "Cake Love" from Warren....Enjoy!

The cover of Warren's new book...Cake Love!

And who doesn't love chocolate and the raspberries make it extra special!

They all look so rich and moist...and I truly wish I had a slice as I am writing this...Oh My Gosh!

For the coconut lovers...check out this beautiful Coconut Cake!

Heavenly Hazy with Coffee Butter Cream...WOW!

Oh how cute are the cupcakes!

And if you love lemon and coconut.....you will want to try this beautiful Lemon Coconut Cake!

Susie's a Pink Lady....yes, this is the name of the cake...too cute!

Thanks Warren for stopping by the cafe today and I want to give a HUGE Thank You to Kim LaMore....Kim is an amazingly talented baker at Cake Love and a super sweet lady!  Please visit Warren's wonderful site to learn more about Cake Love and if you live in the area....you can take baking classes...how fun!  Have a great holiday weekend guys!

Irene's Cakes by Design

Happy Friday Guys...I want to introduce you to Irene Maston of  Irene's Cakes by Design located in the beautiful state of Vermont.  Irene's cakes are SO beautiful...her attention to the details and the designs are simply amazing.  I am excited to have her as our featured guest today...I only wish we could have a few slices of her gorgeous cakes to sample (while I'm having my tea)!  Irene so graciously has taken time out of her busy schedule to chat with us...let's check out what she has to say about the wonderful world of Irene's Cakes....Enjoy!

Our featured guest...Irene Maston!

TBC: Where do you "pull" your inspiration from when designing?

Irene:  My inspiration for a cake design comes from the bride and the style or theme of her wedding.  Has she chosen formal or informal, structured or a bit wild?  Then I use particulars from her dress, invitations, linens, floral design or life style.

TBC:  What is the best part about your job?

Irene:  I love to hear from the bride and groom that the cake was a "perfect fit" for their wedding and how much the guests also enjoyed it.  I also love cake batter!

 

TBC:  What has been the highlight of your career to date?

Irene: WOW, every "baking" day is a highlight, I just love making cakes that makes people happy and I'm happy that they chose me.  But earning first place at  The Mid Atlantic Cake Show in my first cake competition last year was really exciting and being chosen by People Magazine for their 1st Wedding Issue as the best designer in Vermont was great too!

TBC:  What are the most popular flavors among your clients?

Irene:   Chocolate takes the cake!  Actually, White Chocolate with Raspberries and Lemon Ginger Butter Cream is a big favorite.

TBC:  What are some of the questions that you ask a bride during the initial interview that helps you decide on the design of her wedding cake?

Irene:  I ask if there are any details that she has already thought about incorporating into the design of her cake...i.e. the dress details, invitation details, colors.  Does she want the same design on each tier or different?  Shape of cake she is attracted to?  Style and theme of the reception...traditional, contemporary, country or whimsical?

TBC:  What time-line should a bride give herself when looking for the cake designer?

Irene:  Brides should plan on booking their wedding cake 6 months before her wedding or as soon as she has chosen the designer.

TBC:   What details of the wedding play an important part of the design of the cake?

Irene:  The theme and season of the wedding and all of those personal touches that can be brought into the design....the dress...invitation details....colors....and flowers.

TBC:  There are so many beautiful cakes to choose from, what advice would you give to a bride when trying to decide on "her cake"?

Irene:  When a bride starts searching for a cake, she needs to think about why she likes one cake over another.  Is it the design?  Shape?  Flowers?  Or does it have the same colors she plans on using?  The closer she can pinpoint why she is attracted to a particular design then the clearer it becomes for the designer as to the direction in which to go.

TBC:  Please share some "tips" for our brides when choosing their cake designer.

Irene:  As a starting point, many wedding reception sites will recommend local designers that they know and have worked with, she can also check localized wedding publications to find a designer they may have missed.  Then the bride should look at the designer's portfolio on-line to see if their style will match up and if the craftsmanship is what she is looking for.  Next she needs to set up an appointment for a consultation and tasting to make sure she loves their menu.  The wedding cake is a focal point of the reception and will be remembered by a bride and her guest long after the days event comes to a close.  She should put as much thought and planning into her cake as she does all aspects of her celebration.

Now these two cakes are perfect for the groom......

Irene, thanks SO much for stopping by the cafe today...your cakes are all so beautiful...I wish I could be there to do a "sample tasting".....I look forward to your next visit at the cafe!

Meet Anne Heap of Pink Cake Box

I'm excited about our featured guest today...the beautiful and oh-so-talented Anne Heap of Pink Cake Box.  Anne's specializes in custom wedding cakes...cookies.... and cupcakes....her work has been featured in countless wedding publications AND she has been featured on Food Network Cake Challenge....Way To Go Anne!  Anne also has a fabulous blog...make sure you check it out!!

Anne took a little time out of her busy schedule to stop by the cafe and share a little "411" with us on Pink Cake Box and I'm so glad she did...so without further ado...I give you Anne....Enjoy!

The beautiful Anne Heap!

TBC:  What is the best part about your job?

AH:  Seeing the customers faces light up when they see their cake for the first time!

TBC:  What has been the highlight of your career to date?

AH:  Participating in the Food Network Challenge....(both the good and bad parts of it!)

TBC:  What are the most popular flavors among your clients?

AH:  Chocolate with Raspberry Chambord and Red Velvet/Pink Velvet with lemon cream cheese.

TBC:  What are some of the questions that you ask a bride during the initial interview that help decide on the design of her wedding cake?

AH:

1. What colors will be used?
2. What types and colors of flowers are you using?
3. Is there a theme for the wedding?
4. Is it an informal or formal event, (indoor or outdoor)?
5. What does your dress look like?
6. Do you have something specific in mind?
7. Will there be other desserts, and where will the cake be displayed?

TBC:  What time-line should a bride give herself when looking for the cake designer?

AH:  The time-line depends on the size of the wedding and the design of the cake.  If the couple has a large wedding or are looking for an intricately designed cake, then they should ensure they start their search early.  Generally speaking, I would recommend a few months - ideally at least 6 months before the big day.

TBC:  What details of the wedding play an important part of  the design of the cake?

AH:  The flowers, colors, location of wedding (indoor versus outdoor), the couple's personalities and preferences, and of course the budget.

TBC:  There are so many beautiful cakes to choose from, what advice would you give to a bride when trying to decide on one.

AH:  Usually I'll tell brides to choose elements from cakes and then I'll work to incorporate those design elements into the cake.  We also get inspiration from the couple's invitations, i.e . monogram, colors, decorations.

TBC:  What should a bride look for when choosing her cake designer?  I have had some of my clients tell me that the cake was beautiful but the cake wasn't good or that it tasted great but it wasn't a pretty cake.

AH:  They should look for a designer with a large portfolio, testimonials from customers and of course tasting samples of cake.  The designer should listen to the client's needs and be willing to work with them.

Now let's check out some of Anne's beautiful designs......

The "Blooming Wedding Cake" was featured in Elegant Bride magazine...So beautiful....simply charming Anne...I love it!

Now how cute is this..........

Yes...it's a cake...this is so amazing guys!!!

 

Anne...thank you for stopping by the cafe today...your work is truly stunning.....my only wish is to be able to taste them all!!  We look forward to your next visit at TBC...have a wonderful wedding season!

Confetti Cakes

I am so excited about TBC's guest today....the beautiful and oh-so-talented Elisa Strauss of Confetti Cakes.  Elisa is an amazing cake artist...her cakes are truly one-of-a-kind!  Elisa's sculptured designs have been featured in top publications and Confetti Cakes won the Food Network's Extreme Cake Challenge....way to go Elisa!!  And more exciting news from Elisa...she just launched a new blog...so please make sure you check it out to see all the "yummy inspirations" that are sure to come!  Now guys, check out my interview with Elisa and her incredible cakes....Enjoy!! 

Elisa.....our featured guest!

TBC:  What inspires you?

ES:  Everything!  From textile design (that was my old career) to architecture, the lace on a bride's dress or even the couple's wedding invitation.  To me, the most important aspect of the wedding cake is that it fits with the individual couple.  That is why we make all of the cakes custom designed.

TBC:  What has been the highlight of your career to date?

ES:  I would be lying if I didn't say winning the Food Network's EXTREME cake challenge last April!  That was huge!  But I was just named one of America's Top Ten Pastry Chefs by Pastry Art and Design Magazine (it comes out this August).  So that is a huge honor to be considered with so many great chefs.  Launching my first book last May was great too!

TBC:  What is the best part about your job?

ES:  Monday mornings when we hear from the clients how happy the cake made their event.  Sometimes I will even get an email on Sunday morning!

TBC:  How are you changing the wedding cake industry?

ES:  I hope that after doing this for almost a decade, I have helped people understand that wedding cakes do not just look good but they taste great!  There is a horrible misconception that an incredibly decorated cake can not taste good!  That is why we make everything from scratch.

TBC:  What is the most popular flavor among your clients?

ES: It varies based on season and the type of feel the clients are going for.  We have done delicious coconut and banana wedding cakes, more recently we have done a ton of red velvet and chocolate always remains one of our most popular flavors!  I love that couples are willing to take a risk and steer away from just a white on white wedding cake, (of course that can still be very beautiful and delicious too).

TBC:  What advice can you share with our brides when selecting their cake vendor?

ES: The most important advice is to taste the cake and look through their portfolio.  Baking, building and delivering a wedding cake is no small task.  So you need to make sure they have a great tasting cake and a great reception.  Talk to other clients who have used them, word of mouth is the best resource.

TBC:  Tell us a little about your personal life, we want to get to know you a little.

ES: I was just a bride myself...my husband Marc and I had an amazing wedding this past October....and yes....Confetti Cakes was responsible for all the desserts!  We made three wedding cakes, cookies, cupcakes and brownies for all our guests!

Elisa's first publication...I love the cover with the handbag cake....truly a work of art!

Yes Guys....this is a cake...Elisa you are AWESOME!

Elisa's sushi cake....AMAZING!

Thanks Elisa for stopping by the cafe today....your work is simply beautiful...I only wish I was there to do a "tasting"!

Meet Ron Ben-Israel

I am so excited to feature the amazingly beautiful cakes by "The Master Cake-Maker", Ron Ben-Israel. Ron designs the most amazing "sugar flowers" for his cakes and they are truly perfection!  His amazingly one-of-a-kind cakes have been published in countless wedding publications and has been featured on many TV and movie specials....his worked has been described as the "Manolo Blahnik" of wedding cakes.  I had the pleasure to interview Ron and guys....he is oh-so-nice.......so let's get started as he shares a little 411 with us......Enjoy!!!

"Master Cake-Maker"......Ron Ben-Israel!

TBC:  Who or what do you attribute your success?

RBI:  The style-conscious brides who trust me with creating their wedding cake.  Also, the challenges and encouragement of magazine editors.

TBC:  Please talk about current trends in the cake design industry.

RBI:  It seems that there is a huge emphasis on artistic interpretation and the individual expression of cake designers.  This worries me, as I'm a baker first. I will not attempt flights-of-fancy in icing, unless I had the technical dexterity first.

TBC:  What are you doing to change or influence the trends in the designs of wedding cakes?

RBI:  I've been teaching the career students at The French Culinary Institute in New York, and also conducting Master Classes around the country.  It's exciting to see some of my ideas and visions being carried by new interpreters of the pastry arts.

TBC:  What do you consider the most memorable event of your career to date?

RBI:  Providing The Plaza Hotel's 100 year old birthday cake.  It was 12" high, and fed over 1,500 celebrants.  We worked with the architects and restorers to produce an accurate confectionery replica of this famous landmark building in New York City.  I'm looking forward to many stylish weddings in the Glamour's Ballroom when it opens this Spring.

TBC:  What inspires you as a designer?

RBI:  Nature...I love making sugar flowers, Fashion...the bridal gown is always something I ask about, Architecture...the location and surrounding and the season!

TBC:  What is your favorite cake and filing?

RBI:  My current favorite is our white cake infused with Ginger Syrup and layered with Apple Butter Cream and Candied Hazelnuts.

Now let's check out some of Ron's beautiful creations!!!!

I think this one maybe my favorite....so beautiful and oh-so-elegant..and the sugar flowers are perfect....hard to believe that they are made of sugar!

I love all the detail work and the sugar flowers are amazing!

WOW...simply beautiful!

 

Thanks Ron for stopping by the cake today...your cakes are oh-so-beautiful...I only wish I was there to taste them!!

I Dream of Cake

I am so excited about TBC's featured guest, the incredible and amazingly talented, Shinmin Li, Creator of I Dream of Cake.  Shinmin is truly an artist and her designs are just that....a work of art!  I had the pleasure of speaking with her and not only is she fabulous at what she does, she is also super nice!  Please visit her site to see some of the most beautiful cakes that you could ever dream of.......Enjoy!

TBC: What inspires you as a designer?

SL:  Like many other artists, I'm inspired by everything I see.  I see the world through cake eyes.  When I see a gown, I think cake.  When I see paper stationary, I think cake.  When I see the snowy caps of a mountain, I think cake. So I'm inspired by all the subtle nuisances in life.

TBC:  What do you consider the most memorable event of your career to date?

SL:  We created a 4' tall winter wonderland birthday cake for Gordon Getty, complete with snowy hills, a frozen lake, winter doves, snow mounds and hundreds of thousands of winter berries.  Their cake, along with 800 mini mounds served 800 guests.

TBC:  Please talk about the current trends in the cake design industry.

SL:  I do think that we are the leaders in setting cake trends.  In fact, Modern Bride presented us with a Trend Setter award.  I encourage Brides to pull in various designs that are important to their personal wedding style.  And invariably one of those inspirations is their invitation, which makes me happy because I was trained as a graphic designer. I simply love applying graphic art to my cakes.

TBC:  What are you doing to change or influence the trends in the design of wedding cakes?

SL:  Each team member of I Dream of Cake is an accomplished artist.  We use my signature methods to create not just yummy cake, but a piece of art.  We apply classic art techniques to our cakes the way an artist would approach a painting or sculpture.  We in other words, we are bringing a much higher level of artwork to cake making.

TBC: What is your favorite cake and filing and what is your most requested flavor?

SL:  Asking which flavor I like best is like asking which one of my children do I love most.  I love them all, almost equally.  The most popular flavor for weddings is Vanilla Cake with Caramel Swirl.  Our Toasted Almond Cake with Aromatic Almond Cream comes in close second.  But Chocolate Fudge Cake with Organic Raspberries is hands down the most popular birthday cake.

TBC:  Who or what do you attribute your success?

SL:  Well, it's hard to speak of one's own success.  I'm not sure if I dare call it success, however, I do attribute my passion to my art and patisserie education.  Also my parents named me Shinmin, which literally means the heart leading the mind.  So I guess I was born to be passionate and creative.

Okay Guys......let's Dream of Cake!

"Bridal Heel"...isn't this the coolest!

"Prada" Handbag!  Yes guys, it is a cake....amazing!

"True Religion Jeans"

"Kelly"...I am loving the handbags!

Simply Beautiful......."Green Spring"

Oh my gosh....how lovely is this...."Peony"

"Art Deco Hexagon"

"Beethoven"....check out the details, Shinmin you are amazing!

"Buddha"

"Chinese Fan"

"Eiffel"

"Kala"

Shinmin, thanks so much for stopping by the cafe today....your designs are amazing and this has truly been a wonderful treat....I only wish that I could be there to taste them!!!

Sugarbelle Cakes

I am so excited about today's feature.  I received an e-mail from Kristen & Jen, the oh-so-lovely and talented ladies of Sugarbelle Cakes, and immediately made a visit to their site and OH MY GOSH.....how beautiful are their designs.  I only wish I could have been there to sample all the "sweets"!!!!!  They have been so kind to share a little "Sugarbelle Style" with us!!!

TBC:  Where do you find your inspiration when designing?

K&J: Everywhere!  We can find inspiration walking down the street.  Anything from a china pattern to wallpaper, wrapping paper to ribbon, fabrics to invitations - it's all inspiring!  Mostly what inspires us are the people we have the opportunity to work with.  To get to know them and what they are all about is at the heart of every cake we design.

TBC:  What time line should a bride give herself when looking for her cake designer?

K&J:  The sooner the better!  You'll hear 2 to 4 months a lot, but we are a boutique cake studio and only take on a certain amount of cakes per weekend in order to give our clients the personal attention that they deserve and that we want to offer them.  So, for us we would say at least 6 months.  We have people booking sometimes an entire year in advance.

TBC:  What advice would you give a bride when trying to decide on the perfect cake?

K&J:  Brides and grooms should choose a cake that reflects their personality and style.  After we meet with a couple and they decide they would like to work with us, we do several sketches for them to choose from.  This gives them an opportunity to select a cake design that was created specifically for them.

TBC:  What should a bride look for when choosing her cake designer?

K&J:  First, definitely book a tasting and consultation.  Any reputable cake designer is going to be happy to provide you with samples to taste.  Also, be sure that the designer has some examples of their work, not just photographs.  Usually these are in the form of dummy cakes.

Now check out some of Sugarbelle's wonderful creations!!!!!!!!!!!

How beautiful......Daisy Wedding Cake!!!!!!!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, the Tulip Cake!!!!!!!  How charming is this!!!!!!!

The Cup-Cake Tower.........simply beautiful!!!!!!!!  How fun this will be at your wedding!!!!!!!

Bridal Shower petit fours.....to cute!!!!!!!!

Cherry Blossom petit fours........love these!!!!!!!

"Daisy Wedding Cookie"

"Kate Spade Cake Cookie"

"Polka-dot Heart Favor Cookie"

Thanks ladies for stopping by, what a wonderful and "sweet" way to end the week!!!  Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!!!