Ron Ben-Israel: Manhattan’s wedding cake cause célèbre

by ceylon Monroe

Described as nothing less than the “Manolo Blahnik of wedding cakes,” by the New York Times, Ron Ben-Israel produces confections from his 38th Street business in Manhattan that combine style with flavor in a ways that almost defy description. When most children his age were making sand cakes in the backyard, the Tel Aviv native was keenly observing his Viennese mother’s culinary skills as she whipped egg whites until they were a frothy meringue or transformed workaday crust into ethereal apple strudel.

“I was enchanted,” he recalled. “Watching a fruit reduction become a gelée was fascinating, but I certainly wouldn’t have guessed that the art and science of baking would become my life’s passion.”

Modern Bride, Town & Country, Martha Stewart Weddings, In Style, the New York Times, and Vogue have all commissioned his designs, and his TV appearances include Martha Stewart’s Martha, the Bravo Network, The Oprah Winfrey Show, the Food Network, and the Late Show with David Letterman. Ben-Israel’s bakery received additional acclaim in 2011 when he became host and judge of the Food Network’s hit show Sweet Genius, which after three seasons was syndicated around the world.

His minimum order is $800, with prices for wedding cakes beginning at $16 per person, though novelty and sculpted options (such as the one seen here) start at $1,500. The chef advises that couples book services six months prior to their event, but adds that they have been known to stay up all night to complete last-minute orders.

Ron Ben-Israel Cakes
247 W 38th Street, Manhattan
212.625.3369 / weddingcakes.com