Alberton cake maker wins at Good Food & Wine Show
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That is my life motto that I rely on every day."
ON August 2, the RECORD interviewed the owner of the Alberton-based cake business Cake Boys, Pravesh Mithal. At the recent Good Food & Wine Show that took place over the weekend of July 28 to 30, Pravesh won first place in the advanced category of the cake decorating competition with a beautiful triple-tiered celebration cake.
Pravesh (30) is from Lenasia but his business is based in Raceview, Alberton. Pravesh had represented Alberton’s talent at the Good Food & Wine Show a few times before, but this time he really felt like a challenge when he entered the advanced category. It took him many hours of deep focus, concentration and patience, but he managed to take the first prize, R3 000, home.
About the competition
The theme of his winner celebration cake was “abandoned theatre” – but it’s not at all what one would expect. The cake itself was actually just polystyrene layers, consisting of three tiers – only the decorations were edible. The element of abandonment can only be seen in the sugar “floorboards” of the cake, which Pravesh gave a rickety, aged effect.
Also Read: Another year of Good Food and Wine at the dome
The rest of the cake, however, reminds one of an aristocratic, Renaissance-inspired opera theatre with delicate flowers, soft colours, floral paintings and gilded embellishment. Looking at such a masterpiece, it’s not at all a surprise that it was crowned the winning cake.
However, Pravesh says there was some strong competition that kept him on his toes.
“There were four other beautiful entries – it definitely wasn’t an easy win,” he says. “I am just so proud about winning despite the other talent that surrounded me. It’s like coming out with a chart-topping album on the radio that amazes everyone.”
His advice to readers and similar cake-decorating enthusiasts: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That is my life motto that I rely on every day. Anyone can decorate a cake if they put their mind to it – all it takes is lots of practice. Don’t be terrified of trying it – it’s very achievable!”
On a personal note
Pravesh is in a happy relationship and has no children, although he considers his Siamese rescue cat, Tina, his little feline child. On a daily basis, his job entails designing and combining ideas with clients for custom cakes, and then making and intensively decorating them by hand. He says he spends hours on the fine details alone.
Making cakes isn’t the only way Pravesh spends his time. He is an avid movie-watcher and pop music dabbler, too. He is also busy developing edible lace and nougat recipes (he gave out samples which tasted rather amazing) and is studying marketing through Unisa. But, above all, creating cakes and becoming better at it every day is his ultimate passion.
Let them show you how
Cake Boys will be having a macaron class on Tuesday, August 29, from 10am to 1pm. Here you can release your inner unicorn and learn how to make your very own macarons in any colour imaginable! The cost is R650 per person, all ingredients and facilities included. It will be a practical, hands-on workshop at their premises at 6 Lenin Street, Raceview.
For more information on Cake Boys or their macaron class, feel free to visit their website, www.cakeboys.co.za, pop an email to info@cakeboys.co.za or call 011 869 4187 or 076 873 2877.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
