12th Annual Plate by Plate “PbP” Tasting Benefit

This glamourous event was hosted by Project by Project in partnership with Hamilton-Madison House. Project by Project (PbP) is a 501(c)3 national volunteer organization of social entrepreneurs focusing on issues relating to the Asian American community by raising public awareness, volunteerism and capital. Each year PbP selects a partner organization serving the Asian American community. With this year’s theme of “Healthcare” – Project by Project-NY (PbP-NY) was very excited to announce Hamilton-Madison House as their 2010 partner.

When the PbP-NY restaurant team first contacted me to create a cake for the 12th Annual Tasting Benefit, I was very excited to be a part of a night of fundraising and delicious food provided by many talented NY Chefs.

Ideas were flowing immediately on how to best represent the glamour of the night and the hopes for a successful night in silent auctions and donations. I also wanted to create an originally designed cake that will showcase Numily’s life-like sugar flowers. In the Asian community, a phoenix and peony flower has great meaning. The Phoenix “Fenghuang” is regarded as high virtue and grace, therefore chosen as the main focal point of the PbP event cake. The white sugar flower peonies symbolize good fortune and were great accents for the PbP event cake. The cake itself was two-tiers of moist carrot cake layers filled with tangy cream cheese frosting. See more detailed pictures of the “White Phoenix” cake.

I’m thankful to PbP for the opportunity to be a part of such a great cause. In addition to the fundraising, I was able to promote Numily and received much accolade for the unique and detailed work I do by fellow chefs and guests. It was a great surprise to see Chef Nils Noren, Vice President of Culinary and Pastry Arts at the French Culinary Institue (my alma mater). I had interned several months with Chef Nils and Dave Arnold while I attended the FCI. It was like coming full circle to see him at this event where we were both participating; he represented L’Ecole and I, Numily Creations. It was even better when we finally cut the cake and everyone praised how delicious it was, including Chef Nils. It was a testament to my work.

I look forward to participating in many more PbP events! More pics to come as they become available!