The Chocolate Moose...

As my regular readers are aware, we celebrated a special family birthday recently, and I was stumped for an idea for a truly gorgeous cake which would not only be a feast for the eye, but also for the many young guests who were invited to celebrate with us. For this major milestone birthday my previous amateur attempts with sponges covered in icing and dotted liberally with smarties and 100's and 1000's simply wouldn't do, but I really didn't know which way to turn. Charly's bakery seems to have the monopoly on Big Event cakes, but my sources tell me that whilst they look great, the cakes themselves aren't that good to eat. I can't vouch for this as I've never tried one myself, but I didn't want to take the chance.

A little gourmet bird whispered in my ear that The Chocolate Moose, which has branches in Noordhoek and Steenberg Village might be a good place to try. Fearing the worst, as I've heard horrendous stories about prices for these designer cakes, we popped in to the new Steenberg branch, there to meet the friendly and helpful Natasha. If the dummy cakes on display aren't enough to blow your mind, the catalogues of to-die-for cakes most definitely will!  Oh to have those baby birthdays all over again (with a bit more disposable income) but guess I'll have to wait for the grand parenting days. To be honest, curse the expense, we were sold instantly on the innovative ideas and fun element to the cakes, but would they live up to our expectations?

Our order was placed in good time, no deposit required (must be looking trustworthy in my old age) and we waited in eager anticipation. Bang on cue, I received an sms the morning of the big day, and we went to collect quite the most magnificent work of cake art imaginable, and promptly burst into tears. (Such is the emotion associated with family milestones and celebrations, or is it just me!?) Everything was perfect and beyond, spellings, candles, decorations and design, spot on. Only one problem, how could anybody cut such a work of creation?

Lara Woodburn, a classically trained pastry chef with notable credentials, started her business when demand for children's party cakes became more than a regular favour for friends. She successfully juggles motherhood, cake creation and management of a growing entourage of staff as her business expands, and always delivers the cake on the day ("can't ever be a day late with a great cake," she says) even if it means working through the night. We have since returned with a special request for our wonderful dentist, and at this challenging request for a toothy cake, she further exceeded our expectations. Pricy but nicy for special occasions and people, but well worth the expense. Oh, nearly forgot the bottom line, they taste moist and delicious too!

And on that celebratory note, wishing you all a wonderful weekend. If you're not in the market for a celebration cake at the moment, why not pop in to one of the stores to titivate your senses just looking at the cakes, and pick up some of their breads, rolls or croissants just to sample some of The Chocolate Moose's wares.

Love,

Suzy Q
www.chocolatemoose.co.za