Artist at Cake Smith Gallery creates spectacular wedding cakes with a twist

NEW BEDFORD -- The cake is an important part of the wedding planning process, but it can also be stressful, overwhelming and expensive. Chris Furtado-Ambar, owner of Cake Smith Gallery, understands this and that's why he created an alternative for local brides to consider.

Specializing in faux/fake cakes that are available for both rent and purchase, the vision of Cake Smith Gallery goes beyond just creating beautiful and affordable cakes – it's about creating lasting and inspirational memories for the couple.

"When I started Cake Smith Gallery, I wanted to offer something different for the couple. I wanted to create a moody and intimate space for them to pick their cakes and also have their cake tasting," Furtado-Ambar said.

What to expect when visiting Cake Smith Gallery

Inside his gallery on 345 Union St., it has an old charm, with moody colors and classical upscale decor. "I want the couple to feel important and special, and to have a cake tasting that they will remember for years to come," he said.

The gallery offers a variety of faux/fake cakes, all beautifully decorated and intricately designed to look exactly like real cakes. It's also more cost-effective than purchasing a traditional wedding cake.

The fake cake can also have a real cake on top for cutting into, and the rest just for show. Guests are then served sheet cakes or cupcakes.

"I wanted to make this experience pleasing and affordable for the customer. Times are tough and things can be very expensive, especially for weddings. My goal is to cut costs in half, so that the couple can still have a stunning and memorable cake without breaking the bank," Furtado-Ambar added.

"When I first started this gallery last year, people were confused about the concept. But this year, I've almost tripled my bookings."

How he creates these artistic faux cakes

Furtado-Ambar uses Styrofoam tiers covered with spackle to create the effect of frosting. And for those who want a one-of-a-kind design, he offers custom-made faux/fake cakes, too. He also guarantees that the design will never be replicated.

And his cakes aren't just for weddings. Furtado-Ambar has also become a go-to for events such as 50th wedding anniversaries and 40th birthdays. "It's starting to become a trend now where people want to celebrate every milestone with a show-stopping cake," he said.

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Unique cake flavors

But beyond the fake cakes, Furtado-Ambar also has a passion for baking and creating unique flavors. There are several different flavors to choose from but some of his popular ones include a white chocolate raspberry cupcake with a white chocolate cake drizzle and a maple bacon bourbon cupcake with bourbon-infused cake, maple syrup and bacon crisps on top.

Other popular flavors include a traditional red velvet cupcake with cream cheese buttercream frosting and crumbled red velvet cake, a salted caramel cupcake with caramel sauce and sea salt and an almond cake with espresso buttercream.

Furtado-Ambar also has a Southern-inspired hummingbird cake made with banana, coconut, pineapple and walnuts and a pumpkin spice latte cupcake with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove dusted on top and finished with caramel and sea salt.

"Baking is therapeutic for me," he said. "It brings back memories of my childhood when my mom used to bake Portuguese sweet bread and traditional cupcakes. It's a way for me to relive those moments and also add a modern twist to my mom's recipes that have been passed down for generations."

Hopes to rent out gallery for private 'cupcake tasting' events

He also has a vision for Cake Smith Gallery to have another space where he can rent a room out and do themed tea parties for kids and adults.

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But, when it comes to designing the perfect cake for each client, Furtado-Ambar said he tells his clients to trust their instincts and choose what speaks to them.

"Whatever is catching your eye, whatever is more pleasing to you is what I tell my clients," he said. "I take it as a huge compliment when clients can't decide on just one flavor."

Other offerings

In addition to his cakes, Furtado-Ambar also offers jewelry from a local artist who creates from vintage silverware. From pendants made out of steak knives to chokers made from bent teaspoons, these one-of-a-kind pieces are also available for purchase in the gallery.

“I really want people to have an amazing experience where they can actually go back and talk about it with their friends and family,” says Furtado-Ambar.

“The cake is a centerpiece, it’s a statement piece. I want our clients to have a cake that not only tastes delicious but also reflects their style and personality.”

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Cake Smith Gallery, specializes in faux wedding cakes and cupcakes