Art and the Event: Edible Art - Mike's Amazing Cakes

Do not attempt to adjust your monitor. You are not seeing things. Yes, that is indeed an "up-side-down" wedding cake... yes, that is a four tier "Alice in Wonderland" theme cake were each tier is shaped like a teacup... yes, that is a miniature "Formula Porsche" entirely made of cake. O.k., no, those are not real or even silk roses cascading down that elegant wedding cake - they are edible handmade flowers. And although that is not a "real lobster" on that silver platter it's a cake that looks good enough for drawn butter and a bib. These are definitely not your standard cakes.




For years we've seen the bar steadily rise for wedding and special occasion cakes. Although there will always be a place for the simple 3 tier white cake with matching plastic pillars, more and more Brides and party hosts are choosing to utilize the cakes as more of a design feature - adding to a noticeable element to the event design concept. The cake is not simply hidden away in a corner of the reception hall awaiting the Bride and Groom's cutting ceremony but instead it is used to add a focal point to the room. The cake could be designed to complement the centerpieces, match the fabric or design of the Bride's gown, reflecting the color or theme of the event, or (in the case of the long held southern tradition of the "Grooms cake") be a playful nod to couple's personality, hobbies, or an inside joke. In a time when smart Bridal Couples are insisting on getting best and most memorable bang for their buck, whimsical cakes has become a hot trend and talented pastry artists are still in demand.



The Artist: It's hard to believe what world famous cake artist Mike McCarey can do with baking ingredients but that's why his Redmond, Washington business, "Mike's Amazing Cakes", has been making sweet fantasies since 1995. Mike's Amazing Cakes creates incredible cakes (as seen in this post) for Clients who's imaginations just won't stay "inside the box". Winner of numerous pastry design competitions, Mike McCarey and his team can use fondant (a puddy-like sugar confection), modeling chocolate and other edible mediums to make "amazing cakes" the same way sculptors would use clay and other artistic mediums. With the laws of physics being the only restriction, each cake is custom designed for their clientele which includes corporations and Celebrities like Disney, The Smithsonian, Dustin Hoffman, and even the late Rodney Dangerfield and Julia Child.


The Art of Cakes: With realistic miniatures, 2 dimensional relief sculpture, free-standing figures, and gravity defying 3 dimensional forms Mike McCarey's confections seem to demonstrate techniques often seen in works of fine art. His award winning, artistic approach results in each cake being a unique, beautifully designed edible sculpture. The Pastry Chef's work is guided by the two key principals of around Concept and Structure. The Concept being presented should be as accurate and true to life or as animated as possible and should have as unique a perspective as can be conjured up. The Structural principals of architecture constantly influence Mike's work and he draws great inspiration from a wide range of illustrators such as Alphones Mucha, Norman Rockwell or James Christensen. These are certainly philosophy we can relate to.

Can you envision your guests being captivated by a work of edible art? Think a artistically designed cake would add the perfect decorative accent to your event? Wondering what you should know about hiring a Pastry Artist to create a masterpiece for your next celebration? Here are 3 Tips to keep in mind when searching for a Pastry Chef or bakery to create a custom designed cake.

1. Feeding the crowd: The cost of a quality custom baker is quite different from those of the average supermarket bakery. They require far more attention to detail than those of the flat rectangle or round cakes so give yourself (and the baker) plenty fo time. Give yourself enough time to research (and even taste) cakes and give your baker enough time to schedule, prepare, and create the cake. This can be as little as 2 weeks or as much a 2 months - check with them to find out their order requirements.

The cost of most special occasion cakes like wedding cakes are established by the slice. Each cake maker's price may very due to their experience, styles of cake, and level of service. Typically, they can range from $2 to $5 or more a slice. For example, the cakes a Mike's Amazing Cakes can start around $2.10 per slice (more or less depending on the number of slices and cake design). When you are estimating your cake budget you will want to start by determining how many guests you are expecting. Then research each bakers prices and multiply their "by the slice" cost by the number of guests. Also, ask about their deposits and when the balance is due. This may vary depending the baker's policies but they can start as little as $50 and may be non-refundable.

2. Theme and Design: Today's Bride or party host has more special occasion cake design options than ever before. You still have the your basic stacked round or square cakes but (as you can see) there are so many other choices. Some skilled bakers can create a wide range of shapes to complement the look and design of your event. New innovations and trends in the culinary industry have provided pastry professionals with mediums like edible paints in vibrant and metallic hues, gum paste (a moldable sugar paste), air brush techniques, and many others options to help them create a range of colors and texture.

Mike McCarey told us "Everything within the laws of gravity is possible and you shouldnt be limited by tradtion or conventional thinking. Let the cake be what you want. Let the cake make a statement." So, when ordering speical event or wedding cakes (especailly these works of edible art) please have some idea of what you'd like in mind but be open to suggestions. You many be introduced to something you never thought of after reviewing their portfolio or learning about their full range of skills and capabilities.

3. The Arrival: Special occasion cakes like these are large, custom-made confections designed to "wow" your guests. They are also more difficult to deliver than your typical grocery store sheet cake, you'll need to make sure your stunning cake arrives safely and is ready for your event without incident. Always verify what the delivery policies are. Check to see if the delivery fees are a seperate charge or if they are included in the cost of the cake. Also, if it is being delivered to a reception hall or hotel check with the catering staff to confirm when it can be delivered and if there will be a storage space (like a large cooler/freezer) available. Some venues will want to have the baker deliver and set-up the cake on-site in the reception room so be sure to have your event planner coordinate the delivery and placement of your cake. If you are having an outdoor wedding or an event on a very hot day you do not want to have the cake in a very hot room without air conditioning - the cake may melt. If the cake will be set-up in advance of the event check to make sure the temperature of the room will be suitable for the cake. Work with your event coordinator or consider asking the caterer can hold the cake in a cool area until just before the event starts.

Do you have your heart set on a cake from Mike McCarey but you're not located near Redmond, Washington? Good news! The team at Mike's Amazing Cakes would be more than happy to work with you over the phone (or even via email) and ship a custom cake creation directly to you. Give them a call at 425-869-2992 and tell them Janel Keen over at Vivid Expressions LLC sent you!