My love of baking and pastry came from my German grandmother, “Omi”.  I grew up spending many holidays, weekends and summers soaking up all of Omi’s knowledge; learning how to create European style cakes and pastries.  Because of this I decided to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.  After graduating from the CIA, I worked with many amazing pastry chefs and continued to absorb everything I could.  I was fortunate enough to have worked as a Pastry Chef in New York, Texas, Colorado, Los Angeles and then finally settling down in Northern California. 

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One of the things that I have learned is that pastry is a beautiful art that inspires.  An art that requires a special blend of the freshest eggs, cream, butter and other local ingredients that you can taste but not be overwhelmed.  It can be something that brings back a long ago memory or it can be something very new.  The ability to transform flavors into a visual piece of art has always been important and exciting for me. Creating elegance with an artistic touch is how each cake is imagined and designed.

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I have worked many years to hone my skills and continue to consider myself a student who is eager to learn everything and anything about pastry, cakes and art; and how when combined they can elicit such joy.  I look forward to working with you to create your ideas and dreams on your special day.

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~Anna Umar