By Wendy Moncada
wmoncada@reflejos.com
Sandy Herrera, owner of Panaderia Azucar, loves to tell her customers, “if you can imagine it, we can make it happen.”
Panaderia Azucar is a unique Mexican bakery with its very own cake line, “Sandy Cakes Couture Confections,” named after Herrera, a Chicagoland native.
“The thing you will find with my style of design is that I like to encompass all things glamourous and traditional,” said Herrera.
Now better known in the community as “Sandy Cakes,” Herrera was inspired to create a custom cake and cupcake brand based on her love of 1920’s-1950’s vintage pinup fashion.
When she is not tending shop at her Chicago-based bakery, or teaching her son frosting techniques, she can be found at different entertainment venues and community events providing free tastings of her themed cupcakes.
“If you are wanting a sophisticated look with just the right touch of whimsical, then you found your cake designer.”
“Sandy Cakes” gave us answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by customers planning to have a custom cake for their special occasion.
Q: How far ahead should I make my wedding cake appointment?
A: We suggest you call to book your appointment one to two weeks before you would like to come in. Plan to come in about two to three months before your special occasion.
Q: What should I expect from a cake consultation?
A: An hour is set aside for each client, which has proven to be ample time to both design and taste our cakes. Often, appointments are scheduled before and after your own, so plan to be on time to have a full hour.
Q:What do I need to bring?
A: It is helpful to have venue information, color and floral decisions prior to your appointment. Additionally, bring any element from your event that you feel we can draw an inspiration from to plan your cake. It is useful to bring pictures of your dress, venue, invitations, a monogram or color swatches.
Q: Do you offer tastings?
A: Yes, we offer a complementary tasting of three flavors (a wedding or quinceañera event must be 100 people or more) for you and one guest.
Q: How many people can I bring with me?
A: Although, cake tasting is an element of your event, that often times, the whole family is eager to be part of, we’ve found it’s a bit difficult to focus, with too much input. We accommodate two people per tasting.
Q: How much does a typical wedding or quinceañera cake cost?
A: We do not have a general price list because, each cake is one of a kind. Most custom cakes are priced per person. Smaller orders (typically, anything under 75 servings) are priced per project. Pricing starts at $3.00 per serving for a plain iced cake. Our prices tend to average from $5 to $7.50 per serving. Ultimately the price is based on the complexity of design and the number of people being served. Sheet cakes are available to supplement larger parties and are priced at $2.50 per serving.
Q:Do I have to make a deposit to reserve my cake date?
A: Yes, you will need to make a 30 percent deposit to reserve your cake date on our calendar. We will base your deposit on the total estimated amount at the time of the deposit. When you book in advance, we ask that you be absolutely certain that you would like to work with us, as all deposits are date specific and non refundable.
Q: Do you make other pastries or individual cakes?
A: Yes, we do custom designed cupcakes with stands, and price them starting at $4 per person. Custom mini cakes are priced starting at $6 per person. Contact us for additional information.
Q: If I want fresh flowers on my cake can that be arranged?
A: We typically coordinate directly with your florist, to ensure we are using the same varieties of flowers. We purchase the flowers and place them on the cake prior to delivery. If you prefer your florist to provide the flowers, they can arrange them on site after our delivery window, which is typically an hour prior to your event.
Q. How much does cake delivery cost?
A: Our delivery area ranges from Chicago land to the surrounding suburbs. We are willing to travel anywhere our cakes can safely be delivered, so please contact us to inquire about a specific location. Delivery and set up fees are additional and are calculated at an hourly rate for a round trip.
Panadería Azúcar
3415 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: 773-588-5780
Email : sandy@azucardelights.com