with scrolls on frosted layers. The
Australian method is a rolled
technique using string embroidery for
creating leaves, flowers, emblems and
other delicate designs. A third style
is the Nirvana, where there is an
interior cake with an outer shell with
what appears to be cut-out arched
windows.
On an intricate cake, Mr. Pavlina has
spent over 100 hours to create the
final product. He has sculpted antique
hand fans, sportscars, masks, corpor-
ate logos, and other elaborate
requests from an international
clientele. He usually bakes the cake
in Michigan, then ships to the site
where he does the finishing.
His wedding cake prices start at $2
per serving and often go as high as
$10, depending upon the intricacy of
the design. The most expensive cake
he has baked cost a client $10,000.
"I have many clients who order for
taste," says Mr. Pavlina. One popular
wedding cake request is the English
pound cake with fresh fruit ganache.
He tops the cake with French
buttercream frosting. Lately, he has
been experimenting with sauces that
include the monograms of the bride
and groom.
Following an English tradition of the
1800s, he makes a "hammer" cake
which has a thick sugar shell. The
bride and groom crack the cake with
a hammer in front of their guests
before serving. He even provides the
sterling silver hammer.
Mr. Pavlina has been able to alter
most of his recipes for his kosher
clientele. "I use quality ingredients
and play with the recipe until it
works, he says.
He noted that one rabbi didn't
believe it was kosher because it
tasted so good! Congregation
Shaarey Zedek has been allowing him
to bake his cakes in their kitchen.
"Kevin is a world-class wedding
decorator and a world-class salesman
of his abilities," says Paul Kohn of
Quality Kosher Catering and caterer
at Congregation Shaarey Zedek. "We
consider him highly creative and easy
to work with," adds Mr. Kohn.
Mr. Pavlina gives this advice to

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354-0066

The Jewish News 45