The first day of Cake International is jam-packed with cake-related stuff, there’s just so much to take in; incredible cake’s for as far as the eye can see, and so many wonderful people to meet. This year was the best yet, and featured some of the most impressive displays of sugar-art in the history of the show. One such installation was created by Master Sugar-Artist and cake maker to the Royals, Michael Lewis Anderson. His “Flame of Peace” was both extraordinarily exquisite and incredibly moving. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael, seeing the stunning cake for myself and, of course, getting an ACD ‘scoop’ on the 10 foot high masterpiece.
The Flame of Peace
By Vicky Turner
There was not a dry eye in the house, OK, I’m exaggerating just a little, but I have never seen a cake have such a profound impact on so many people. It took me 20 minutes to battle my way through the crowds just to see it. I couldn’t wait to catch a glimpse of the incredible design, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The Flame of Peace cake created by Michael Lewis Anderson
Michael and Patrick at Cake International with the impressive cake.
The crowds at Cake International were in awe; overcome with raw emotion. I simply had to find out why this cake was eliciting such a response from those who saw it , so I spoke to Emily Calvo and asked her what this cake signified for her. “A flame to spark inspiration in all cake lovers. I saw it on Facebook and it looked so beautiful that I had to share it in my Universo Tartaria Facebook page. I just fell in love with this cake. I’m spell bound. And seeing it live was really overwhelming, as I had not quite realized how big it really was.”
Emily Calvo, who traveled from Santander, Spain is overcome with emotion upon seeing the cake.
For more information about the Flame of Peace, be sure to visit their website.
The “Flame of Peace” cake is the most important and meaningful cake of Michael’s careerThe cake was made to commemorate the Flame of Peace award presented to the Peace Palace in The Hague (International Court of Justice of the United Nations) and it’s president, Dr. Bernard Bot of the Carnegie Foundation. The Flame of Peace is an international initiative of the Austrian Royalty; and an international symbol for peace. Affected by the emotion of the crowd, Michael said, “This was a very big honor for me, this cake really had extra meaning.” The cake is an impressive reminder of our duty to be active for peace, in our thoughts, words and deeds. In a world increasingly surrounded by, and engaged in conflict. In light of so many surprising political events, the cake serves as a shining beacon of hope, lighting the way through the darkness. At the show It was a visual metaphor for something that so many in the crowds were feeling.
Michael receiving the gold medal; the highest possible award for creating the Flame of Peace.
“We’re in such a situation now with the world; its peace with a piece of cake” noted Michael. A clever play on words for such an emotive topic. Cake is a universal symbol of celebration, it marks the passing of a year, it marks the joining of two people in matrimony, it marks our greatest life achievements, and now it is a symbol of international peace and harmony. This cake marks an incredible achievement for Michael and the response from the community is truly deserved.
The spectacular cake also took center stage at the Austria Imperialis Soiree, at the Schönbrunn palace, Vienna.
The cake itself is other worldly; truly a masterpiece. Every detail is thoughtfully considered with Michael conducting extensive research of the palace to create the design, incorporating the pale pastel yellows and golds from the palatial architecture to form the color palette.
Austrian influences, as you might expect, are prevalent in the design. The cake truly honors the country for which it was made, with Austrian wildflowers, inspired by the flora of the mountain areas, and Edelweiss, which were created using cold porcelain. The flowers alone took over two weeks of continuous work. Cake lace adds a regal touch to the design, as well as custom molds, which were created exclusively by Michael. Completing the regal design, myriads of fine string-work showcase Michael’s extensive skills as a cake designer.
In addition to the stunning 10 foot cake, 400 miniature cakes were created for the 200 guests at the event. Each cake was decorated with a delicate wrap of marzipan and its very own miniature Flame of Peace, created by forming marzipan into a flame, which was then dipped into melted sugar and finally adorned with 24 carat edible gold leaf.
So what’s next for Michael?
“I’m writing a book. It’s going to be about all my adventures and everything that I’ve had. It’ll be a cake decorating book, and biography, with recipes. It’s going to be more than a cake decorating book. I’ve got big dreams. And its going to take a lot of energy and a lot of travelling.“
As well as the book, Michael also wants to teach and has plans for a TV show. He currently donates his time to local charitable causes, and in December will be going to a Belgian hospital, along with a member of the Belgian Royal family, to create decorations and cakes with the young patients. The aim of the project is to help spread some Christmas cheer. Michael truly is one of the kindest cake decorators I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
“Last year, to get through to the children I had a little mouse. And I would talk to them through the mouse”
Michael also has a range of molds that he’s been busy creating; designed to be modular, allowing the user to pick and choose the elements from the mold to use. Eager fans will be happy to hear that the molds will be available soon. (NYCAKE has been confirmed as a stockist).
And finally, a little tidbit for you. Michael always hides a little Easter egg (An Easter egg is a hidden message or feature) on his cakes, and this one features a Guardian Angel of St. Michael. You’ll have to look really hard though. This one was featured on the top tier, nestled inside a glorious posy of wildflowers. Unfortunately at 5’3″ I’m far too short to catch a glimpse of this hidden treasure, so you’ll have to take my word for it.
