Summary: Ron Ben-Israel has appeared on "Good Morning America," David Letterman's show and has baked cakes for Oprah Winfrey and President Obama. He made a cake for the wedding of Robert Downey, Jr., Britney Spears' new album party, and Elton John's birthday. His cakes are nothing short of extraordinary. The cake he made celebrating the Plaza Hotel's 100th birthday was an exact replica of the iconic building. It included 1,199 windows, 75 balconies, 58 planters and 23 street level lamps, painted with real 24 karat gold. The cake was 8 feet tall, six feet wide, and five feet deep. The cost of the two ton confection? $120,000. In addition to his cake business called "Ron Ben-Israel Cakes" he also teaches at the prestigious International Culinary Center in New York and is an active member of City Harvest Food Council, a non profit food rescue organization. On today's episode, we visit with Ron Ben-Israel to discuss his storied career including: how he was discovered by Martha Stewart, what it's like being a judge for baking competitions on TV and the best advice he'd give to brides and grooms searching for the perfect wedding cake. For extra show notes, photos and a transcript from today's episode, please visit www.ourfriendfromisrael.com.
