This weekend marked the launch of the first annual New York Cake Convention at the Hotel Pennsylvania. The convention was split into many sections catering to anyone from beginners to professionals. There were classes for kids, demonstrations, vendors, live challenges, and a display room of all the contest entries. The general entry fee was $10, but most of the events required separate registration. Granted, there were a few kinks that still needed to be worked out, but time and experience will fix that.
We were particularly intrigued by the Cupcakes V.S. Cake "FACE OFF" event, with a grand prize of $2500. Three winners from each category would be picked and the first place winner from each would then be compared against the other to determine the final winner. Thus, this formal competition put the debate of cupcakes against cakes up to the test. What form would prevail? Needless to say, we're a tad biased.
This was the first place winner from the cupcakes division, a diorama of a Persian New Year "Nowrouz" incorporating cupcakes as the display for the feast ingredients. There was even a helpful sign on the side that explained every part of the celebration.
And the first place entry for the cake division was The Face Off Cake, a multi-tiered cake with cupcakes and faces playfully attacking each other.
The ultimate winner: The Face Off Cake!
Even though cupcakes didn't take the cake, so to speak, in a way they did. There were mini cupcakes on that cake, which to me seems like an equalizer. Both entries were extremely well executed, but the Face Off Cake fully integrated both types of cakes and the spirit of the contest in a creative way.
There were other cupcakes in the Taste categories, and lots of incredible cakes by people from all different skill sets. You can find photos of most of the entries, plus more by clicking here. I highly recommend taking a look through the set to admire these works of art.
At the end of the con, Zilly Rosen broke down her labor of love Marie Antoinette cupcake installation (which Nichelle posted about here) and passed them out to the convention-goers. Plans are already in development for the 2nd Annual NY Cake Convention in January 2011, so mark your calendars. May cupcakes emerge victorious next year!
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