That’s exactly what Karen Portaleo, cake decorator, prop fabricator and sugar artist for the Highland Bakery intends for everyone to do. That is, after the cake has been ooh- and aahed at, and photographed countless times. If you can imagine it, Portaleo, who has a background in clay sculpturing, can likely create it. Her creations range from wild (think giant octopuses, zombies, Darth Vader and Harry Potter) to mild (puppies, life-size rubber duckies, princess carriages and children’s safaris), and can be as simple or extravagant as you desire. Client favorites include a 2.5-ft. Santa Claus, a Yorkie peeking out of a Gucci bag, Sir Elton John’s birthday cake, the independence party cake on season two of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and the bed cake celebrating the 10th anniversary of Westin Hotel’s Heavenly Bed. The average cake costs around $300-$400, but prices range from $75 to $3,000. — Ashley L. Brazzel
Have your cake and eat it, too: 655 Highland Ave., #10, Atlanta; 404-586-0772; Highlandbakery.com.
