ICING ON THE CAKE?
On occasion I witness a grown woman cry because her design for a particular cake destined for a family member may not live up to her own expectations. The lady in focus takes her cake decorating seriously. By explanation this homemaker of renown (when time allows in her schedule) is none other than the esteemed Susie Reese (my wife).
Therefore, perfect sense dictates that the two of us visit the 35th ANNUAL SAN DIEGO CAKE SHOW holding forth at the DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS on March 17 & 18. It’s truly an adventure for an amateur decorating maven with Susie’s family reputation (although my girth should certainly indicate that I relish eating the resulting masterpieces).
What comprises the show’s offerings? Over 50 vendor displays (“Baker’s Bodega”, “The Dirty Cookie” or “Poppy Paint” anyone?), cake competition entry displays, a selection of mini-classes and half-day classes, a constant schedule of demos offered from the main stage plus a number of “make it, take it” tables operated by certain vendors – all of these contribute to the event’s attraction.
Some well-known cake artisans (many of them featured on Youtube) demonstrate their talents on the above referenced main stage. My master cake decorator follows the session of Natalie Sideserf who explains “Hand-painting and Finishing Realistic Animal Cakes” The process seems a bit ruff to me. (Sorry!)
Of course, the show’s attendees spend some time viewing the cake creations which are entered in the competition. Also, those goodie bags are at the ready, anxious for free samples and any purchases as well. Susie passes on the opportunity to purchase colors from the lady peddling non-FDA approved merchandise. Wuh!
Susie did play a little at one of the tables as she decorated and iced a shortbread cookie; later she needed to eat the creation because it takes 24 hours to dry. That’s the way the cookie crumbles.
The Reese contingent ends up spending a couple of hours at the show. Tickets to the event are available for $7. Then that Fairgrounds parking fee ($14) destroys any hopes of a bargain for the afternoon’s festivities.
Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House.
Fair warning, folks. The SAN DIEGO CAKE SHOW appears to be aimed at amateurs for the most part. Many of the studied professionals may be represented elsewhere. For example, friend Rudy Martinez (See MAN BAKES CAKE blog) seems not likely to benefit much from the experience. Amateur cake crafters, though, may have layers of fun.
Eventaholic…Stepping Out to Those Unique Adventures Ripe for Dabbling
