I was on yahoo the other day and saw a headline about a new show coming to the food network called “Cupcake Wars”, since cupcakes have become such a big trend for weddings I clicked to read more. To my surprise the article was interviewing Ava the owner of Sugar Inc. whose shop is down the street from me in downtown Dublin. I immediately gave Ava a call and was thrilled when she agreed to do a Q&A for the blog.
According to the Food Network Web site, "Cupcake Wars" pits cupcake makers against one another and judges decide who gets a chance to make cupcakes for a Hollywood event. After trying Ava’s cupcakes myself I think she has a good chance at winning. They were amazing! The icing was as light as cool whip but the flavor was rich and dense. I tried the mini-versions which allowed me to try more flavors. All the cupcakes are organic and the ingredients come from local growers. ($1.50 each, Large are $3.75). Sugar Inc. isn’t just a cupcake salon it also serves Red Bamboo Teas, smoothies, and now lunch.
Q. I read that you are from Hilo, Hawaii and came to Ohio based on a scholarship you received from Ohio State. How did you go from a chemical engineer student to cupcake maker?
A. I was studying cancer researcher. Baking was a fun break for me to get out of the 16 hour days in the lab and relieve some stress.
Q. Where did you learn to bake?
A. My Nana back in Hawaii. I can use to get home sick when I was at school and baking helped with that.
Q. Cupcakes have become a popular trend for weddings these days. Since you do both wedding cupcakes and cakes how far in advance do you suggest brides start looking for their baker?
A. It varies; smaller bakers tend to book up fast. I've booked as close as two weeks before. But, I suggest as far in advance as possible.
Q. What makes Sugar Inc. stand out from all other bakeries in Columbus?
A. All our cupcakes are 100% organic and come our ingredients come from local growers.. We have over 100 flavors and we now have gluten-free offerings. Our variety extends from Classic Chocolate, Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla to unique Fig Goat Cheese, Tomato Basil, or Almond Green Tea.
Our icing is unique as well because it’s not butter cream. People love our icing!
Q. On an average week how many cupcakes do you eat?
A. Quality control!!!
Q. What is your favorite cupcake flavor at the moment?
A. Horchata. They take 2 days to make but are worth the work.
Q. If you are chosen to compete on “Cupcake Wars” you will be judged on taste, presentation, and execution. Part of the challenge is making a 1,000 cupcakes display. What is your record so far in the amount of cupcakes you've made in a single day?
A. 700.
Q. If you were a cupcake, what flavor would you be?
A. Tropical Delight.
Q. What can we expect in the future from Sugar Inc?
A. We are starting a cupcake truck! It will be available for home and business deliveries, rentals, and corporate events.
Special thanks to Ava for taking the time to talk with me and good luck with the show. We’ll all be rooting for you!!
Photos by Danielle Richardson Photography http://www.daniellerichardsonphotography.com/
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