PORT Elizabeth’s very own Cake Boss, Hano Wilken from House of Bakes, did PE proud when he took home gold and Best in Show at the recent South African Cake Decorators’ Guild (SACDG) Cake Show that was held in East London.
He blew the judges away with his Elf Daycare creation and received a 97% score for his 3D elf scene – the theme of the show.
“One of the judges said after the show it was one of the highest scores she had ever seen for sugar art,” Hano said.
His entire masterpiece is completely edible and it is made from modelling paste, modelling chocolate and fondant. Even the grandpa Elf’s beard is edible – it is made from corn silk.
To his surprise, his art piece also received the Best of Show trophy.
“I hoped to get gold for my work, but I never would have thought that sugar art would get Best of Show – it’s the highest score you can get at a show. I was extremely happy!”
His art will now be stored in a glass box to protect it, together with the trophies he received.
For the past 17 years Hano has owned House of Bakes together with his wife Riëtte, but it has only been for the past six months that Hano has been pursuing his passion full-time.
He has never received any formal training in cake decorating – he is self taught.
“It’s trial and error. If it doesn’t work out, you just start over. But this is my passion – it’s not work.”
Hano also belongs to the SACDG’s PE branch (the Dolphin Coast branch) and Riëtte is the chairperson of the branch.
He will also make and distribute his own blend of modelling paste in due course and House of Bakes will start with cake decorating classes at their studio before the end of the year.
Follow his sugar craft and cake decorating journey on Instagram and Facebook – Hano Wilken Sugar Artist.
