Ep 2. Tattoos and Traditions

In Ace of Cakes season 3 episode 2, titled "Tattoos and Traditions," viewers are brought into the unique world of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore as they take on two very different and interesting cake projects.

The episode begins with the team brainstorming ideas for a cake to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Baltimore tattoo convention, an event that attracts thousands of tattoo enthusiasts from around the world every year. Duff Goldman, the owner of Charm City Cakes, is himself a big fan of tattoos and wants to create a cake that captures the spirit of the convention. The challenge, however, is to come up with a design that is both realistic and visually appealing.

The team starts by doing their research, looking up images of tattoos and studying the different styles. Some of the decorators even volunteer to get tattoos themselves for inspiration. Eventually, they settle on a design that incorporates some of the most popular tattoo motifs such as skulls, roses, and eagles, all rendered in sugar and fondant. The result is a stunning, three-tiered cake that showcases the team's creativity and skill.

The second project featured in this episode is a bit more unusual. A client wants Charm City Cakes to create a replica of a traditional Puerto Rican bride and groom doll, complete with intricate details such as lace and embroidery. The cake is part of a traditional celebration held in Puerto Rican culture called a "parranda," a festive gathering of family and friends to celebrate a special occasion.

As the team sets to work on the cake, they quickly realize that it poses some unique challenges. The doll is a bit squat and chubby, and they want to preserve its details while also making it look edible and appetizing. They decide to create the skirt of the dress out of cake, with layers of buttercream and fondant to mimic the ruffles of a traditional dress. The rest of the doll is made out of gum paste, painstakingly molded and painted to recreate the doll's intricate features.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind these unique cakes. From brainstorming and sketching to baking and decorating, every step is a testament to the team's dedication and craftsmanship. Along the way, we get to know the different personalities and quirks of the decorators: from Elena's meticulous attention to detail to Ben's tendency to goof around, each member of the team brings their own unique perspective and expertise to the project.

As always, the highlight of the episode is the final reveal, where the clients come to pick up their cakes and are thrilled by what they see. In the case of the tattoo convention cake, the team delivers it to the Baltimore Convention Center, where Duff himself gets to present it to the organizers of the convention. The cake is met with cheers and applause, a testament to just how well the team was able to capture the spirit of the event.

Overall, "Tattoos and Traditions" is a fun and engaging episode of Ace of Cakes that showcases the incredible talent and creativity of the Charm City Cakes team. Whether you're a fan of tattoos or Puerto Rican culture, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this episode.