cake time…sweet decisions.

15th March, 2012 - Posted by Lia - No Comments

Last week I finally got to attend my first cake tasting. I’ve emailed various bakers back and forth, had a couple phone conferences and exchanged business cards with a few bakeries at bridal shows. With so many different vendors to pick from, it’s hard to hone in on just one! Here’s some tips when choosing your baker:

 

1.Price. Know your cake budget before going into the meeting– find out the price difference between fondant and buttercream, edible flowers and decorations, and cake vs. cupcakes, etc. What are you willing to spend, and what can you do without?

2. Cleanliness. It’s important to see the facility of a bakery– I encourage you to go to the actual location of where the cakes are made so you can get a good idea of how clean and neat this particular baker is.

3. Reputation. It’s a wise idea to go with a baker that has built a reputation with other brides in the area. Ask to see previous wedding cakes and cupcakes, ask to be referred to their review Facebook page or feedback, know your baker and how they operate their business before you sign any contract or put down a deposit.

4. Ask Questions. You are paying your baker to give you what on your special day– so make sure that they are professional, give you what you’re looking for and will be able to create and deliver it within the time frame you need. Regardless if it’s just a matter of wanting a different shape flower, a different colored ribbon, or a food allergy– speak up and ask questions, give specifics of what you’re looking for.

 

Two of my possible cupcake designs from my chosen baker here in Grand Rapids.

the casbah tea house- dazzle your guests with exotic sweet offerings!

9th August, 2010 - Posted by Lia - No Comments

 

Freshly brewed mint tea with fresh mint leaves...

New to the  Montreal Wedding Scene is the Casbah Tea House. Started by two North African women, the Casbah Tea House promises to bring the flair and elegance of Moroccan style tea and service to your wedding!

I must say, it’s definitely an exotic and original way to end a meal.  Your wedding guests will be expecting the usual such as ordinary coffee, maybe a cup of Earl Grey, but no, you’ve got something else up you sleeve! Freshly prepared mint tea poured into dainty oriental cups, served with an assortment of intricately prepared oriental sweets.

According to Layla, co-owner of the Casbah Tea House, the secret to brewing good mint tea is in the ingredients. High quality Chinese green tea is added to boiling water followed by an abundance of fresh mint leaves brought in from Morocco daily. The brew is then sweetened to taste and poured while still hot from a certain height into glass tea cups. Pouring from a certain height is key as this allows the concoction to aerate thus improving the flavour! Turkish coffee is also offered for those that insist on a cup of java after their meal!

Sweet offerings are also provided. I sampled several pastries and fell in love with all of them. My favourite though was the “Griywsha”, a tangled mass of fried pastry dipped in honey and sesame seeds. It was sweet, sticky, crumbly and melt-in your mouth all at the same time!

Griywsha, fried pastry dipped in honey & sesame seeds!

If you’re a lover of tea and the orient and want something different for your wedding reception here in Montreal, a Moroccan tea stand is the element to have. Visit the  Casbah Tea House profile  should you need more details.