Susina Bakery & Cafe

Brent and I tasted cake at like 6 different places (Susina, Porto's, Rosebud's, Bee's Knees, Cakery Bakery, Jackie's) and Susina was BY FAR OUR FAVORITE! We saved a couple hundred dollars by having the cake tiered instead of stacked. (The bakery doesn't have to insert rods to hold it up, etc.) Jenna, the bakery owner, is sooo, sooo nice and down to earth - an absolute pleasure to work with. We chose the Raspberry Lemon Dream (although we were torn between that and the Berry Blossom, Susina's most popular flavor). On the day of, we had so many of our guests tell us that not only was the cake the best wedding cake they ever had, but the BEST CAKE EVER (in general)! We will celebrate every wedding anniversary (and possibly other celebrations) with Susina's Raspberry Lemon Dream cake. TIP: We tried to cram as many tastings into one day as possible. Anything more than 2 in one day is probably too many.

I've dealt with my fair share of Bridezillas, but this was the first time I've handled a Cakezilla. Who knew the cake would be the diva of the wedding?

Sure, the cake is usually a nice focus in the reception room - looking all pretty with its decorated tiers. It's one of the most photographed items of a wedding. But for it to be the Belle of the Ball? Well, this was new to me.

The cake had a schedule of its own. It wasn't primped and ready by the time the guests arrived. No - it came with its driver around the end of the reception. It MADE AN ENTRANCE and DEMANDED ATTENTION! "Look at me," it practically screamed!

And the guests did.

With the main dining section of the evening over, the guests were delighted and entertained by the arrival of the cake. They oohed and ahhed as the delicious looking and dazzling diva was dressed and photographed.

Finally, with the last orchid added, the Cake stood proudly, ready for consumption. It was the moment the Cake had been waiting for - it was Cake Cutting time!

The Bride and Groom sliced neatly into the Cake, revealing its gorgeous, berry jeweled, whipped cream and lemon curd coated insides. There was not a dry mouth in the room. This Cake was moist, fresh and newly baked. It hadn't been sitting around all day like most wedding cakes.

So, why four stars and not five? The cake was good, but not great. Like most Bridezillas, it lacked the substance it thought it deserved and demanded way too much attention. Still, that didn't stop me from eating my entire slice.

Susina bakes one of my favorite cakes in town...The Berry Blossom. It is delicious, the whipped cream is heaven and it is full of fresh berries. The owner, Jenna, is a genius and super sweet!

Absolutely delicious cake! The design of the cake is limited because of the actual ingredients of the cake, however, the quality of the cake was delicious. The cake was also really affordable!

I have tried a few of their cakes (chocolate peanut butter, berry blossom, and another chocolate-mousse type cake) and I didn't like any of them--I thought they were too sweet. I do know that my opinion is the exception and not the rule, though. I do really love Susina's tarte tatin and macaroons.
I went with Cakes by the Pound (not a vendor on this site) for my wedding and was blown away by the taste and texture of their cakes. Moist, rich, sophisticated, unbelievable. I also tried:
- Rosebud: almost went with them, best-cake bang for the buck in terms of price/taste/looks... they are artistic masters, but though cake was slightly dry. Liked the white velvet though
- Cakery Bakery: tasty! we liked but didn't love
- Porto's: can't remember my impression
- Cake Art: on Santa Monica: great red velvet
- Royal Cakes: our distant second favorite taste-wise but they were inflexible w/cost
- Hansen's - solid
- A Sweet Design - great, creative flavors