I don't know about you, but I was a total Ace of Cakes fan back in the day when the show was on. I loved how real and quirky everyone was…not what you'd typically imagine of cake decorators. So, when I heard that Duff Goldman had opened a new shop in LA, called Duff's CakeMix—where you can decorate your own cake—I was there in a heartbeat. And this time, I had to bring Bonnie's daughter, Venise, because what 8-year-old wouldn't love this {you might remember Venise from our Sprinkles ATM adventure}. When you walk into CakeMix, it feels like a open air workshop with tables and stations all set up for decorating either cupcakes or a cake.
Venise wanted to decorate 4 cupcakes, while I opted for a mini cake. You can choose your cake flavor, filling flavor, icing colors, and even create your own colors of fondant with food coloring. I was in a blue/green mood that day…
Duff was hanging out in the shop that day {just days after getting into a car accident!} and gave Venise a little demo on how to airbrush a cupcake. He was so nice and genuine and a total normal dude. I loved that. I even tried to talk to him about his broken toes with my minimal knowledge of medicine that I think I know more about than I actually do.
…and a couple hours later…we were done! It was the most crafty I've gotten in a long time, and it was so, so fun. I loved being around a ton of kids and playful adults, and it made me look forward to the days when Ruby is old enough to enjoy something like this. After we left, Venise said she wanted to come back every day to decorate cakes. I'm pretty sure that's a sign of a successful day… — Joy
Duff's CakeMix | 8302 Melrose Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90069 | 323.650.5555
{photos by Bonnie Tsang for Oh Joy. My outfit: Madewell denim shirt, Splendid striped tank, Crew Cuts skirt, Ban.do pom flower.}
I’m very impressed with Venise’s decorating skills! Seriously. (I like your cake too, but I already know your skills!!)
Were you a cake decorator in a past life? Your cake is beautiful!
This store sounds so great, what a dream! You’re making me wish more than ever that I didn’t live on the other side of the continent. Siigh.
That looked like a lot of fun! I can envision a children’s, teens, or adult party there. A must on my to do list next LA visit.
Wow! Nothing like that near me I’m pretty sure, however, what a great idea for a bridal shower/hen party type thing. Thanks for sharing, I’m pinning this for reference 🙂
Seriously, you’re mini cake looks like it’s been decorated by a pro! I’ll bet it was just as tasty as it is beautiful!
That looks like a lot of fun! It would be such a great thing to do during an engagement photo session or bridal shower! What a wonderful idea!
This is so cool! What a fun place! I wish I had known about this when my husband and I went on vacation in LA in April, I totally would have made him go with me! Haha! Oh, I suppose we will have to wait till next time 😉
What a fun way to spend an afternoon!
I wanna go!!
What an awesome place! And so cool that you met him!
aww you guys’ cakes are too cute! Venise is quite a little pastry chef! Must take my nieces here! too sweet– and lovely photos, B!
Wow, venises cupcakes are gorgeous
How much was it..or was this free for you since you blogged about it?
*___* oh man, you went there, decorated your cake awesomely with the lil’ one and even got to meet “THE ACE” himself??? 😀 A memorable day without a doubt. KUDOS!!! 😀
That is an amazing idea!!! Looks like a very fun day =)
Oh my! This looks like so much fun! Beautiful work!
xo
http://www.PlumPrettySugar.blogspot.com
Hi Joanna!
Everything was paid for (not free) as I prefer to go to places a regular customers. No one knew we were coming or that I was going to blog about it 😉
I think my mini cake was around $32 and the 4 cupcakes were around $16 or so. I cant remember exactly but the cost for us to decorate both with tax at the end was around $50.
Joy
Ha, no but thanks! I tried to decorate the cake the way I would draw patterns! 😉
Joy
Awesome decorating! I was thinking if I should check this place out… {or just try to do it at home}, and it looks like you two had a lot of fun. Something I’d love to do when my Chase {who’s almost 9 months} is older. For now, maybe I’ll go with my niece and nephew. Btw, I’ve been following your blog for a little while now… and thought I’d say hello! 🙂
How fun! What a perfect think to do with kids…or a date night for two big kids. 😉
Joy! I’ve been wanting to go there since last week when I first heard of it! I think I watched all episodes of Ace of Cakes! LOL After reading this I think I know where I’ll be getting my birthday cake! 🙂
looks sweet! i loved ace of cakes too!
What a genius next move for his brand! Your cake is adorable and I’ll bet you are awesome creating those tiny flowers now.
What an awesome concept! Wish we had one here in Seattle, I would totally have a grown up birthday party there, haha!
What a great idea..decorate and then eat your cake..a fun outing for kids and adults too. Thanks for sharing.
Shruti-k.blogspot.com
i want to go to this place! looks so rad! i dig your outfit, ma! 🙂
My question is…how do you hold off on eating the cake long enough to decorate it? I think I’d get really good at making little fondant ‘plugs’ to fill in the holes where I’ve stolen a taste.
That looks so fun! I wish there was something like it here in Philly. Would be a great place to bring the kids once they are a bit older. Will have to remember it if I’m ever in the LA area.
you all have the best stuff in LA!!!!
Which we could do “this” kinda stuff in Toronto. Looks so much fun! You both look super adorable. Especially Venise, her skirt is so cute 🙂
Every time I see a post from a restaurant/bakery, I get so excited. This series of posts is brills!
my boy friend and I LOVE this place. We went 2 times already and it just might be our weekly thing. I am a huge baker and I used co own a cupcake bakery with my mother in Michigan. Their cake was by far the best cake I EVER tasted. They know how to do their butter cream. Their Fondant tasted sooo light not gummy or chewy.
I can’t wait till my next trip too!!!!
Love your blog Joy. Thank you for getting back to my last question about Ruby’s dresser. I just ordered your book from Amazon and can’t wait to read it.
Just started blogging and trying to do it more. You are an inspiration!
genius idea!!
I have been following your blog for a while now and I love your effortless style. Come visit me at http://chicchefblog.com/
P.S. That is such a cute idea. Now I want a cupcake kit!
Layla,
http://chicchefblog.com/
I remember watching Ace of Cakes and seeing that he was looking for a place to open in LA, but they never showed him actually choosing a place! So good to know he’s here in LA!!! Looks delicious and fun!!
What a great idea! 🙂
http://www.happypaperplace.com/
what a magical place!
I wanna be there too!!
http://1hugaday.blogspot.com/
Beautiful cake looks superb. I am sure the little one loved it. Love the idea of decorating the cakes:-) click here for cakes mixes and recipes………….