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"!
Yummy!!! But I couldn't bare to slice one.
Posted by: Janelle | April 09, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Oh my goodness her cakes are works of art! I can't believe the wine bottle is a cake! How fun.
Posted by: Heidi @ Zenadia Design | April 09, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Wow thats incredible! I thought you were doing a segment on purses when I saw the first picture! Awesome work!! Thanks for posting!
Posted by: Celeste | April 09, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I am speechless! These cakes are truly a work of art. What an incredible talent Elisa has!
Posted by: Rocio | April 09, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Oh my god, her creations are extraordinary!
Posted by: bainbridge island florist | April 09, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Soooo sorry guests.....you would NOT be able to have ANY of that purse cake!!!!! I would be wearing that!!!! Those cakes are AMAZING!!!!! Great interview Miss Janie!! Fabulous talent Elisa!
Posted by: Cyn | April 11, 2008 at 04:50 AM
OMG!! These cakes are unbelievable!!! I thought the purse was real! Such talent!!
Posted by: Karen Captured Moments | April 13, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Wow! I was amazed with those cakes. I really really love cakes and your creation was so amazing. I love them all so much. you have a unique and artistic design. Wish to meet you in person. thanks for the post.
-missey
Posted by: Red Ribbon Bakeshop | October 27, 2009 at 07:00 PM