In brief
Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden recently hosted a vibrant Cake Picnic that attracted over 500 cake enthusiasts and home bakers, showcasing a diverse array of cakes and fostering community connections amidst a backdrop of deliciousness. Founder Elisa Sunga reflects on the whimsical nature of cake baking and sharing, encouraging people to gather and celebrate in real life.
Welcome to Cake Picnic, Sydney edition.
It's the viral event that's already sold out dates in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. Tickets in Dubai, London and Mexico City were harder to come by than a double-yolk egg.
And now it's landed on Australian shores, with a Melbourne event earlier this month boasting 1,600 cakes in one sitting.
I had no idea that I could ever go on tour for cake, laughs Cake Picnic founder Elisa Sunga, part-time hobby baker and full-time Google employee. People go on tour for music and whatnot, but for cake? It just seems so whimsical and delightful to be able to do that.
The concept is simple. Two years ago, Sunga posted an online invitation for a small gathering with the request that everyone must bring a cake. She expected maybe a dozen people to turn up but was shocked when close to 200 showed up with more than 180 cakes devoured.
Now, with excitement swirling among the 500-plus crowd gathering at Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden, bakers are lining up to have their cakes inspected. Cakes should measure at least 20cm (8 inches) wide and 7.5cm (3 inches) high. It's nice to do something like this, says participant Hilary Lindgren, who baked a carrot cake with her daughter amidst flour and sugar mess the night before.
The event showcases not only home bakers but also professional creations, featuring designs that vary from minimalist to extravagant. With cakes ranging from a life-sized swan to unique flavors like pandan, ube, and a focaccia cake with roasted tomato icing, attendees reveled in the sweetness of community and creativity.
Sunga emphasizes the unique experience of sharing a cake, which promotes social gatherings across all demographics. When you go to a concert, it's pretty much the same age group, she observes, while Cake Picnic attracts a variety of participants from all generations. It's just fun to see everyone coming together, she adds.
