Sacramento Pastry Chef Speaks with Sacramento Chic

Carissa’s work is so charming and well detailed that if I were to define it, I would have to say that it’s nothing but “CHIC”!  While other artist use oil, plaster and marble to express themselves, she chose the medium of sugar, flour and fondant; thank goodness. I’m a sucker for a good art show however, Carissa’s work is not only pleasing to the eyes, but the taste buds as well. Thank you Lora for recommending Sugar & Spice.

• Who is Sugar and Spice? We are a custom order bakery that caters to those special events that make life sweet.
• A word that best describes Sugar and Spice? Tasty.
• What would you consider Sugar and Spice style to be? Modern or Classic with a twist.
• When did you know you wanted to be a Pastry Chef? When I couldn’t stand NOT being a pastry chef any more.
• Where do you draw your inspiration from? I love using modern art as inspiration, but it’s pretty common to get inspiration from stationary.
• Where did you train for this discipline? California Culinary Academy.
• How long has Sugar and Spice been in business? Just about three years, part of which was broken up by stints in restaurants.
• Do you have a team and if so tell us about them? I have had a couple of assistants, but, for the most part they are on an on-call basis. They are a great group of gals ranging from stay at home mom’s who need some professional/adult interaction to cooking school students. I also currently have my first intern.
• What is your favorite thing about being in this business? My clients! I love cooking, but I love making people happy through food even more!
• What would a dinner party be like in your home? Oh, easy answer… just like any of the fine dining restaurants that my hubby and I love to go to. Great wine, way too much cheese, multiple courses with great seasonal veggies and out of this world sauces, and of course a memorable dessert.
• If you a pastry which would you be? hmmmm, Passion Fruit Bavarian – light and refreshing, but with a little bit of zip and a sneaky rich side.
• Finish this sentence, a Bride needs a wedding cake, like a Groom needs a?… flask? Hard to answer, particularly since I don’t feel that every bride NEEDS a wedding cake! It’s a nice extra, but by no means the end all, be all.
• What professional in your discipline do you admire? Shari Yard and Gale Gand, both have taken traditional American (or European) desserts and given them a modern twist.
• Do you belong to any professional associations? Not currently, but I do have a list.
• What is your ideal client? Someone who is all about the food!
• What questions should a Bride and Groom ask when interviewing a Pastry Chef? Where have they worked? What is their inspiration? What are some of their favorite projects in the past?
• How far in advance should bridal couple start looking for a Pastry Chef? No more than six months. I’ve worked with couples sooner than that and frequently they haven’t finalized their invitations, flowers or general wedding style.
• What does Sugar and Spice bring to its customers? Creativity, experience and a fresh perspective on the last course.
• Any wedding stories you are willing to share with us? Each wedding story is so different, but with each couple I really try to listen to them and hear what they are looking for before I start offering them options. There are so many variable, is price the most important factor? Is look and feel the most important factor? Flavor is always the most important to me and fortunately that is always something I share with my clients.
• Is there ever a moment were you get butterflies? I had a cake slide after moving it earlier this year. Very traumatic, but after a little swearing I pulled it back together. Note to self, NEVER move the cake after it has been assembled.
• Where or how can they find more about Sugar and Spice? http://www.sugarandspice.me and http://sugarandspiceand.blogspot.com
• If you were a shoe would you be Flats, Boots, Pumps, Sneakers, Thongs or Loafers? Loafers… stylish, but comfortable and easy to find with non-slip soles
• What words of wisdom are you willing to bestow upon a young couple ready to make the leap into marriage? Marry your best friend, I’m forever telling my husband that he is a constant source of amusement, whether he intends to be or not. You have to be able to laugh together and enjoy each other’s company.
• Who do you recommend that I interview next? Nicole Jackson, Dynamite Weddings

Carissa Photographed by Carmen Salazar Photography

Cake Photographed by The Memory Journalist