LET THEM EAT CAKE: Recap from 2014 Wedding Cake Competition

by Le Anne Lindsay, Editor

Last Monday I cut out early from “the Daygig”, slogged through the rain to get to my primero el amor (1st Love) – CAKE!!!


If you read this blog frequently, you know I mention cake quite a lot. I’m a self-confessed cake-aholic, but I’m also a cake snob.  I don’t want just anything with icing on it, and in fact, it is crucial that the icing not be too sweet, too thick and preferably only on top. It’s difficult to put into words what constitutes good cake, it’s like describing a sunset or an orgasm, you just know it when you’re in the moment of it.

So when I got invited to the 10th Anniversary of the “Let Them Eat Cake” Fantasy Wedding Cake Competition to benefit City of Hope – I was in ecstasy…

Upon arriving at The Double Tree Hotel, I ran into the fab man about town Thom Cardwell, who I got to work with during my internship with Philadelphia Cinema Alliance during QFEST 2010. Turns out Thom is a cake judge. Among all the many endeavors he’s involved with, he’s also a strong supporter of City of Hope (leading research and treatment center for cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses).  
 

Thom Cardwell with is favorite of the evening “Piece a cake” by Colleen Laky

The rules for judging, while not as strenuous as some reality competition shows, are rather involved – in addition to artistry and taste; each criterion is further broken down into five sub-categories for a total of ten areas.

And the Winners are…

Best of Show: Sweet T’s Bakeshop

Best Taste: Classic Cake

Masha Lipkovsky (Art Institute) Hunger Games Themed Cake

Best Theme: Whipped Bakeshop

Most Artistic: The Merion www.themerion.com

Sometimes when your anticipation is so great, it just can’t live up to the real thing.  Case in point, not only did the cake samples go fast! but the few I had time to try were not what my palate was looking for – no offense to any of these fine bakers, but I wanted a traditional cross between a pound cake and birthday cake white on white wedding cake. No fillings, nothing chocolate, not even lemon.

Chef John Moeller w/ Tinsel & Tine Editor Le Anne Lindsay (me)

The highlight of my night was getting a picture with celebrity judge – Chef John Moeller:  a member of an elite corps of chefs, who have served in the White House preparing très soigné cuisine for Presidents, First Families, and visiting Heads of State. Moeller served under 2 Bush Administrations and President Clinton.  I asked the Chef what was Bill Clinton’s favorite dessert?  He said he really wasn’t much on chocolate, but that once he made an apple, almond paste tart with a glaze that really got The President’s attention.  (It kinda figures Clinton would be partial to a tart 😉

Post Update 11/22/20: Sorry No Slideshow, used a 3rd Party App that no longer exists.

P.S. – FOOD AND FILM TIE-IN: in preparation for the event I watched Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” the day before 🙂

ORIGINAL POST FEBRUARY 21, 2021

CITY OF HOPE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF FONDANT FUN 

WITH LET THEM EAT CAKE: FANTASY WEDDINGS 

40+ bakers, pastry chefs and students compete in the 

 

Northeast’s largest wedding cake competition

 

Photo: Philly Loves Fun

“What began ten years ago as an intimate evening organized by three friends has now become the Northeast’s premiere wedding cake competition – and Philadelphia’s sweetest event of the year,” said City of Hope’s Amy Tieman. “Our fantasy wedding theme takes us back to our roots. Brides-to-be can find inspiration as bakers let their imaginations run wild.”

Whether you are a bride or groom, or simply have a huge sweet tooth, this is the perfect opportunity to sample 40 scrumptious cakes from the most talented bakers in the tri-state area.
Each Fantasy Weddings masterpiece will be judged by celebrity judges, wedding experts and local VIPs in two levels (professional and college) in six categories (Most Artistic, Best Tasting, Best Theme, Best of Show, more). Guests can also vote in the “People’s Choice” category.

City of Hope’s mission is to cut out cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses.City of Hope’s Philadelphia Office hosts events throughout the year to support the life-saving work of City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute. Signature events include Let Them Eat Cake, HopeCuts, Fitness for Hope and Women’s Cancer Walk (formerly called the Walk for Hope). For more information, call 800-344-8169 toll free (or 215-985-0869), follow @CityofHopePhila on Twitter.

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