This week’s “Friendor Friday” brings some sweetness to the ADP blog! We are thrilled to have Alla, bakery chef extraordinaire of The Cake Zone and owner of the new, beautiful wedding and event venue, Baker’s Ranch, take over our blog to talk about her businesses!
How and when did you decide to become a pastry chef?
My Dad was a pastry chef in Europe. It was mandatory for me to help him running his business, when I was a young adult., I learned the trade at very young age and I learned it from the Best pastry Chef I’ve ever known. All of my recipes are based on my Dad’s recipes.
How did you become “The Cake Zone”?
I was in the “happy zone” when I was designing and decorating cakes all my life ..
Who are some of your inspirations?
I love Ron Ben Israel style of cake decorating.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
It is not boring for sure and I have no limitations for creativity. All of our cakes are highly customized and no 2 cakes alike.
What are your favorite kitchen gadgets?
A Mixer.
Favorite ingredient?
Raspberry , chocolate and espresso.
Favorite trends?
Over – the – top.
Your favorite dessert to eat yourself?
Little Tipsy cakes.
See more of these St. Petersburg weddings at the Don Cesar HERE and HERE.
When did Baker’s Ranch first open? Tell us about it!
On March 8 , 2015we officially opened our doors for the first time welcoming friends, family and Preferred Vendors to an evening of fantastic food, music and ambiance. The night couldn’t have been more perfect yet it was a whirlwind of activity. Jonathan Cortez sang beautifully from the balcony, serenading us all night with wonderful music including Phantom of the Opera (an ode to our masquerade theme.) The seemingly never-ending assortment of gourmet treats were a wonderful success. Unbelievable dishes like the Cabernet Braised Beef Short Ribs over Mascarpone Grits and the Pan Seared Crab Cakes with Homemade Marmalade were just two of the extraordinary offerings by our wonderful preferred catering groups. From the flowers, to the décor, to the photography, to the outdoor lighting and more…the night was magical. This was a group effort and there are so many to thank.
How many guests can you accommodate?
Bakers Ranch air conditioned building can accommodate up to 200 guests for a sit down dinner.
The best feature of BR?
A Combination of rustic elegance of ancient oaks and amazing outdoor ceremony sites with comfort of air-conditioned indoor reception area.
Any required vendors that a couple must use if they book your venue?
The only exclusive vendor we have is The cake Zone – Award winning custom cakes bakery.
What is included when a couple books your venue for a wedding?
The following items are available to you at no additional charge with any reception purchase: • Any ceremony site • Ballroom area , +/- 4000 sq.ft of air conditioned open space with high vaulted ceiling, maximum sitting capacity of 200 guests for sit-down dinner • Bridal Suite – make up station, chairs, mirrors, and a couch with separate AC unit and private security lock • Grooms Cave (2nd floor) – pool table, lounging area, TV, balcony with separate AC unit • 2 nd floor balcony – perfect for DJ’s deck, First Dance, Tossing Bouquets, Pictures • Handicap accessible bathrooms • Catering Room with a separate entrance, separate AC, sink with hot water and stainless steel tables for staging • Outdoor Patio under roof (18’x80’) with general lighting • Pergola – A smaller outdoor lounge area. Features hard surface patio and electrical outlets for twinkle lights or café lights (if needed) • The Green- Lavish lawn area adjacent to the outdoor patio – can be utilized for cocktail receptions or any dinner/lunch receptions with light “dinner” music. • Guest accessible WIFI • Security cameras in all public areas • Indoor/Reception are up-lighting/down lighting- Complimentary ($1500 value) (Note: customer may furnish their own up/down lighting for outdoor areas if needed) • Outdoor up lighting by the trees + dripping down twinkle lights by “Love lock Bridge” – Complementary ($900.00 value) • Self-Parking for up to 90 cars + handicap parking by the Ranch house • Mahogany vintage bar with (1) – 6ft table • 120 mahogany color folding chairs • (16) – 60” round tables • (2) – 6ft tables for the gift table and place cards • (1) – 6ft table for the DJ • (2) – 8ft banquet table for the buffet • (1) – 48” round table for the cake • (4) – 36” round high top tables for the cocktail area.
How far in advance should a couple book BR for their venue?
It is on First come- First serve bases and it is based on availability. We have only one event per day.
What makes your services different from the rest?
We highly encourage all couple to hire a planner. We do not provide a planning or coordination of the event.
How do you help couples customize their big day?
We have an amazing gallery of pictures.
Do you target any particular niche?
We are a blank canvas for any theme.
How is BR different from other wedding venues?
You don’t need a plan B with our venue. You can have your rustic outdoor themed ceremony and cocktail reception and move to the comfort of the AC space for the reception and dancing. We are in Florida, event when it rains the ceremony can be held on a spacious patio with ancient oaks as a background.
How/When did you start working for BR?
We have been in wedding industry for more than 11 years. We built the venue from the ground up last year.
