Cake at the Lake

Top Arizona hotels and restaurants will compete to see who makes the best birthday cake in town. The Arizona Hotels and Lodging Association and the Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau along with the City of Tempe and Downtown Tempe Community are sponsoring a contest to find the best tasting, prettiest birthday cake celebrating Tempe Town Lake.

Cakes will be judged on appearance, taste and birthday theme. Until the cake runs out, anyone attending Town Lake Turns 10 on Dec. 12 may try a piece of  cake for a donation to Tempe Community Council to raise money for those less fortunate in Tempe. We've heard talk of a 10-tiered cake to represent each year the lake has existed, models of the Flour Mill, and possibly a meatloaf and potato-frosting entry. You won't know what to expect until you get there, but all will be delicious!

Judges will be announced at a later date, but will include members of the local media, food experts and other Tempe dignitaries. Cake will be available for purchase after 3:30 p.m. Prizes will include an overnight stay at the aloft Hotel on Tempe Town Lake, dinner at Monti's and most importantly, bragging rights.

• The Buttes Resort
• Romancing the Bean
• Caffe Boa
• The Cake Lady
• Suckerpunch Sally's
• Jonathan Robins Bakery
• Honeymoon Sweets
• Chipotle
• Arizona Grand Resort
• ASU Catering

Want to enter? Here's the form.

Want to be inspired? Cookies From Home is building a 6' replica of Tempe Town Lake from cookies! If you want to be the hero of your office, sports team or neighborhood, you can bid on the giant baked creation. Largest donation to Tempe Community Council takes home the tasty treat.

This won't be the first time Susan and Barry Brooks have sculpted a monumental ode to the cookie -- Barry created a large Lady MacBeth (left) as well as a cookie version of former Governor Rose Mofford's face.

But the Brooks team is not the only crew creating something HUGE for the celebration. Chompie's will have up for silent auction a massive bagel and three different gift baskets filled with T-shirts, gift cards and a variety of delectable treats.

The Mill Avenue Farmer's Market is also preparing a gift basket for bidding. Fresh produce and delicious local or organic items for your table.

Want more details? Call 480 858-2059.