National Trust Day –
Part of the National Trust Heritage Festival 2009

Shangri-La wins inaugural bake off

Observatory Hill
Sunday 19 April 2009
11am - 5pm

There was an air of great anticipation prior to the announcement of the winners of the National Trust’s inaugural cake bake-off the theme of which was “Our Place in Space”. The event was part of National Trust Day held at Observatory Hill on Sunday, April 19.

The professional category was hotly contested between the pastry chefs from Quay, Tetsuyas, Shangri la Hotel, La Renaissance, Pony Lounge and Dining, Blackstar Pastry. At stake was the chance to become the inaugural winner of the Trust’s first bake-off.

Joanna Savill, co-editor of the SMH’s Good Food Guide and co-creator and co-presenter of SBS Television’s Food Lovers’ Guide to Australia, and Leona Watson from the Cheeky Food Group agreed to judge the creations.

After critically assessing each entry on colour, size, shape and creativity, they announced not just one winner, but two special mentions – which went to Pony Lounge and Dining and Quay. The winning entry – a cake triptych (banana cake with an apricot glaze, chocolate ganach, white chocolate and marzipan) – came from Shangri la Hotel’s executive pastry chef Lee Turford. The level of work was extraordinary and, it was revealed created just 24 hours prior to delivery to the Annie Watts room on Sunday morning.
The many entries from the Trust’s staff and volunteers were also subjected to the same criteria as the professional creations. At stake was the chance to win two tickets to individual cooking classes with the Cheeky Food Group.

Once again there was a special mention – to Kathy Scott, the Trust’s Media and Communications Manager. However, it was the announcement of the winning entry that elicited the biggest response from the audience. Wendy Hills, a newly minted Trust member and self-confessed non-cook had entered Chocolate with rocket(s), a whimsical creation of a chocolate ring cake surrounded by fresh baby rocket.

As well as the highly anticipated ‘cake bake-off’, the day, despite the weather, was enjoyed by all who attended. Whether you enjoyed the wine tasting, the sausage sizzle, the special joint ticket with the S.H. Ervin Gallery and the Sydney Observatory, or let your creativity run wild with the badge making, there were plenty of activities to choose from, and fun to be had by all.

Winners:

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_________Shangri-La Hotel_________________________________ Wendy Hills

Professional cakes supplied by:

________________________
___Tetsuya’s__________________Pony Lounge and Dining_________________Quay

___________________________
_La Renaissance___________________Shangri-La Hotel___________________Blackstar Pastry