Cake Talk: Fresh Picked
This week, we’re checking with Sonal Pardeshi, owner of Chocolaz Artisan Cakes in Seattle, Washington. Pardeshi has been making
cakes since she was a young girl—she grew up helping out at her neighbor’s bakery. After traveling the world to learn from famous bakers and pastry chefs
and garner inspiration from architecture, cultures and art, Pardeshi opened her own bakery.
How does your bakery differ from the rest of the pack?
I view cakes as an art form that’s not only about taste, but beauty,
creativity and harmony. I use inspirations from the world around me—my
travels to various countries and exposure to their art and culture has
totally inspired me. For example, Europe is a hub for fashion. Their designs
and the quality of craftsmanship is phenomenal. I always want to bring a taste of Europe and
their love of couture to my clients through my art form—cakes!
Why do you enjoy working on wedding cakes?
A beautiful wedding cake can be the center of attention and desire at a
wedding. It's a reflection of the couple's sense of style and taste that's harmonious with the decor and other aesthetic elements. I thoroughly enjoy
being able to bring the couples artistic aspirations and their story to life
through my wedding cakes, making it a significant part of their memories.
What’s been your absolute favorite wedding cake you’ve designed so far?
I love each and every design that we have made, but sugar flowers are our
speciality and we incorporate them with modern, pop-art designs for
a fresh look that's personally very appealing to me.
What’s the most unique wedding cake you’ve ever designed?
It's great when clients challenge us to do new, adventurous designs for
cakes. I have been asked to do animated 3D sugar models of a couple as a
cake topper recently and several designer shoes for wedding showers—I really
enjoyed making those cakes. I also like handpainting and was asked to create
a replica of one of Picasso's paintings on cake!
Any advice for couples choosing their wedding cake?
Even a very simple wedding cake can make a real statement if executed with
precision and quality worksmanship. I encourage couples that go in for a
cake consultation to evaluate the taste and quality of the cakes. Ask to see not
only albums of past creations, but also observe display cakes for attention
to detail and handiwork on the cakes.
For more information about Chocolaz Artisan Cakes, visit chocolaz.com.
—Rachel Jacoby, Assistant Editor
