The Chicago Area Retail Bakers Association (CARBA) held its annual cake decorating contest at Café Bauer in Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo on Sunday, April 27. The event, appropriately themed “On the Wild Side” to celebrate the zoological location, was open to the public.
“It's really an educational event,” says Dennis Stanton, Swedish Bakery. “We were pleased with the turnout.” Featured guest Bronwen Weber, a Dallas pastry chef and Food Network personality, assisted with the judging. She also demonstrated several sculpted cakes and answered questions.
The tiered cake competition entries were decorated in the zoo theme prior to the event. Bob Brougham and Deborah Ryan came in first and second place, respectively, while Chris Andrews and Tammy Montesinos tied for third.
The individual winners for the on-site competition included Eurico (Jing) Palasigue, Rolf's Bakery, rolled fondant and flower catagories; Gustavo Juarez, Cortez Bakery, custom cakes catagory; and Chris Andrews, Kristen's Danish Bakery, sculpted cakes category. Andrews also won the overall on-site competition.