After three amazing days, Pastry Live Weekend 2011 has come to an end. Pastry Chefs from all over the country joined together to celebrate the art of pastry sculpture. While we’re preparing photos and videos of the event, it is our pleasure to announce the winners of the competitions:

Showpiece Championship

We proudly announce The National Showpiece Champions,

Andy Chlebana and Nancy Carey

(click the image for a better view)

Name of Showpiece: Theobroma Cacao ‘Geastrum’
“Given the innovative format and criterion set forth for the competition we approached our piece’s conception in an unconventional manner; beginning without a narrative theme but rather, focusing on the development of formal and structural strengths. (more…) To accomplish this we sought to employ and activate the space by paying close attention to the negative, working in the round, implying movement in the static and redistributing the layout of showpiece by employing both the vertical and horizontal.
 
Our theme’s evolution was informed by Frank O. Gehry architecture, Ernst Haeckel’s scientific drawings and the sculptures of both Lee Bontecou and Louise Bourgeois. Conceptually we set out to imply growth and poised beauty to create a biomorphic-futuristic form growing out of an unlikely medium; rocks. As if we were to unearth this organic form and it was yet unnamed, an earth star of sorts.”
-Andy Chlebana and Nancy Carey close

Best Chocolate Showpiece
Team Chlebana/Carey
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Best Sugar Showpiece
Team Hurlbert/Capper
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“The Abyss” was inspired by the last unexplored frontier, the ocean deep…(more) We too are exploring a new frontier with the tripod design. Jelly fish, anemones and lovely corals play in a sea of bubbles and waves. These playful creatures are exploring their ocean limits like we are exploring new design possibilities.
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Competitor’s Choice Award
Team DeWitt/Smoake
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The inspiration for our Showpiece, Smoake on the Water began 60 days ago…(more) during the exciting white water adventure we took through the Grand Canyon. Our showpiece depicts a typical day on The Grand! We wanted to capture the thrill of the white water, the beautiful unique layers of the canyon walls and the majestic wildlife all in one showpiece. We hope you have as much fun looking at our showpiece as we did finding our inspiration!
 
Paddle on!
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Audience Choice Award:
Team Mullaney/Ramirez
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“Playing in the Fountain”: A chocolate centerpiece that was designed to be… (more) different from the traditional abstract showpiece that is so common in competition today. The piece represents a fountain with a water source, water flowing from tower to tower, oxidized bronze statues, flowers, rocks and organic components. The towers are spheres of chocolate that receive and release “water” showing continuity throughout the piece.
 
A spigot introduces the water into the first tower, while the tops of the towers shoot water from one to another. The two statues (one female and one male) are set as if playfully running through the fountain. Flowers and green organic accents represent the foliage that would be found in a fountain. close
 

 
Team Mora/Rueda
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“Thor” – Man has always been dominated since… (more) the beginning of the heavens and earth by one demi-god – Thor. He is the beginning and the end. He symbolizes the inexorable flow of time in both its destructive and constructive effects in all realms. He personifies an era in time.
 
In its ascension, we employ a unit of measure called time by which we live our lives. We live it in chaos, harmony and suspension. The very fabric of our being is mechanical yet spiritual in nature. Is THOR really myth? Why has he been worshipped for centuries and known as an action Hero…an Avenger to many.
 
My showpiece incorporates the philosophical side of man inter-reacting with the demigod of mans quest to be ruled throughout time. As the centuries pass, we will always be under his guiding vision. Almighty Thor’s gift of serenity and wisdom are attainable only through the progression of life, which is enrolled in time. I chose the spiritual world of Thor …. Called ASGARD. A futuristic world where magic, science, and religion are all in the same as one; THOR. Come and see the power of the GOD of THUNDER in his realm.
 
From when we enter our first moments on earth thru birth we are all subject to time’s progression. The loss of vitality in the body is balanced by the increasing spiritualization of the mind. The body becomes less filled with earthly matters and ever more balanced with matters of the spirit. Many cultures throughout the century have maintained the legends of Thor by way of worship.
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Chocolatier of the Year (Bon Bon Competition)

1st: Lionel Clement of Nuubia Chocolat
2nd: Frederic Loraschi of Chocolat Frederic Loraschi
3rd: David Ramirez of Cocoa Latte
Audience Choice: David Ramirez of Cocoa Latte
(photos on the competition’s page)

Art of Cake Challenge

1st: Katharina Craine of Sugarplum Visions
2nd: Ramona Oskirka
3rd: Shelley DeLisle of Bliss
(photos on the competition’s page)

Student Chocolate Challenge

1st: Elizabeth Rollor
2nd: Breanna Kinkead
3rd: Jennifer Tyler
(photos on the competition’s page)

Congratulations competitors!