Sylvia Weinstock, The Queen of Cakes
For the very first issue of THE CREATOR, I turned to the woman that inspired the series, my muse and friend, the great cake artist, SYLVIA WEINSTOCK. Sylvia is the most famous wedding cake artist in the world. Her cakes have graced the most elegant weddings of the past three and half decades, including my own wedding to Leslie Tishman in New York in 1988. The very first decision we made, like so many young couples, was to have our cake made by Sylvia Weinstock. While I admire her artistry and her longevity in pursuing her craft, it is her spirit of unlimited possibilities that most impresses me.
Weinstock was nearly 50 when she found her professional path in life. A former teacher, mother of three daughters, and aspiring chef, she confronted and won her battle with breast cancer. She has remained a generous advocate of research and patient support ever since. It was during her recovery that she began making romantic floral cakes for William Greenberg, Jr. Every New York holiday party featured "Greenberg cookies" and Sylvia distinguished herself with this introduction and the rest as they say is history. She would become the cake maker for society weddings in New York and then around the world. Sylvia would never name drop but I will. Her cakes have graced weddings for Kennedys, Trumps, and Tischs, the Clinton Whitehouse, Oprah and Robert De Niro parties, and events by her frequent collaborators, Carolyne Roehm and Preston Bailey. Sylvia Weinstock's cakes have become a part of the culture of weddings globally. They signify the very best in this culinary art. In my opinion Sylvia Weinstock is to cakes what Coco Chanel is to high fashion. A true artist!! She is also a woman I love and admire. She inspires me in the pursuit of my own design work. Thank you Sylvia Honey!
Sylvia Weinstock, the Queen of Cakes in her Kitchen
Sylvia's First Book. She is planning a second book on cooking that will feature some of her favorite young chefs.
When my wife, Leslie Tishman, tracked Sylvia down 25 years after she made our wedding cake she could not have been more gracious. Not only did she sign our book but she took the time to hand write a lovely letter......a true Class Act!
When I asked Mrs. Weinstock if I could call her Sylvia she replied, "No, You must call me Sylvia Honey!" She then proceeded to introduce me to Tito Vodka. I've had the pleasure of doing two in person interviews with Sylvia Honey!
Sylvia was kind enough to share her home with me and I had a chance to meet Ben, her husband, and admire all the family photos she keeps in her bedroom.
You can tell so much about a person by the books and art they collect and the way they decorate their home. Spending time in Sylvia's private home revealed a woman who is passionate about art and design, well traveled, and youthful. As she says age is just a number, it is all about attitude and staying passionate about your craft.
A collection that is used frequently to entertain friends and family!
An artist at work
A glimpse inside the work room, my favorite flower, the Peony, in sugar simply heaven!
Hot Pink in multiple tiers, imagine the hours required to craft this beautiful confection.
The cake is a work of architecture as well as the culinary arts.
Every element is edible, and the blue and white color scheme is tremendously popular.
Another look at the process.
I think these may be my personal favorite.
Sylvia's work can meet the visual fantasy of a wide range of clients.
Some cakes have fruit and leaves instead of flowers.
A sketch by Sylvia and her signature glasses captured on her business card.
Even a mini Sylvia Weinstock cake can marvel, and they're delicious!
Artistry and devotion to craft.