The Centennial Block Party Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Beverly Hills was overflowing with people on three blocks of Rodeo Drive. Sponsors for the birthday party included Guittard, Luxe Rodeo Hotel, Beverly Hills Centennial Committee, Rodeo Drive Committee, Rolex, Geary’s of Beverly Hills and Mercedes Benz of Beverly Hills.

Exquisite Beverly Hills Birthday Cake by Guittard Executive Chef Donald Wressell

Exquisite Beverly Hills Birthday Cake by Guittard Executive Chef Donald Wressell

The centerpiece of the event was the Guittard Chocolate Cake donated by Efrem Harkham, founder of Luxe Hotels, who provided tastes on Rodeo and also hosted celebs in the penthouse of his lovely Rodeo Drive Hotel, where Chef David Padilla and his staff offered cold and hot appetizers, fresh chucked oysters with lemon, mini-burgers and a variety of wines and champagnes, including organic choices. There was a room with a soft drink and soda bar, as well as a table filled with candies for the children, and a popcorn vendor.

Mayor Lili Bosse Welcomes All to Share in the Centennial  Birthday Cake

Mayor Lili Bosse Welcomes All to Share in the Centennial Birthday Cake

The one-of-a-kind Guittard Company cake depicting City Hall and Rodeo Drive was prepared by Executive Chef Donald Wressell and his pastry team was 10 feet high, 15 feet wide, and 20 feet long. It was designed to serve more than 15,000 slices to the community and visitors. According to Wressell “it was seven months in the making.” “We are thrilled to work with the Rodeo Drive Committee and Guittard to honor the City of Beverly Hills on this important day in history,” said Efrem Harkham. The cake featured a perfect replica of Beverly Hills City Hall, with artistic colored candy palm trees, and surrounded by beautiful colored candy gift bags and flowers. 

The crowd was filled with excitement as Mayor Lili Bosse, Efrem Harkham, Luxe Rodeo Hotel, Martha Reeves, Chef Wressell & Team, and members of the City Council cut the cake and the Guittard servers began serving cake to thousands of guests, who all loved it!

 Marcus Mueller, Luxe Rodeo GM, Chef Donald Wressler, Guittard and Mayor Lili Bosse

Marcus Mueller, Luxe Rodeo GM, Chef Donald Wressler, Guittard and Mayor Lili Bosse

The recipe for this amazing cake included 262 lbs of cake flour, 460 lbs. of granulated sugar, 56 lbs. of Guittard Collection Etienne “Cacao Rough” Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, 900 eggs. 110 qts. Of buttermilk, 210 lbs. of butter, 280 tbs. Guittard Collection Etienne Unsweetened Chocolate Baking Bars 100 percent Cacao, 135 lbs. Guittard Collection Etienne Semisweet Chocolate Bars 64% Cacao, 360 lbs. of powdered sugar, 40 lbs. of Guittard Collection Etienne White Chocolate wafers 31 % Cacao, 55 lbs. Guittard Collection Etienne Semisweet Chocolate wafers 61% Cacao. The Beverly Hills Courier has a delicious recipe for a home version by Executive Chef Wressell. www.bhcourier.com.

Serving 15000 Pieces of Birthday Cake

Serving 15000 Pieces of Birthday Cake

The extraordinary day also offered carnival rides, a “Taste of Beverly Hills,” sponsored by American Express, with bites from the City’s legendary restaurants including the The BLVD in The Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons, The Polo Lounge in The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Grill on the Alley, Wolfgang Puck’s CUT and Spago Restaurants, The Montage Hotel, Mr. Chow, M Café, 208 Rodeo, On Rodeo Bistro & Lounge-Luxe Rodeo Hotel, Sprinkles desserts, Via Alloro, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. Also, Water from BH902HO and beverages from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was served. Proceeds from the party went to benefit the City of Beverly Hills Charitable Foundation. 

R&B legend Martha Reeves cuts the cake with Mayor Lili Bosse and Luxe Founder Efrem Harkham

R&B legend Martha Reeves cuts the cake with Mayor Lili Bosse and Luxe Founder Efrem Harkham

The main stage featured a 20-piece dance band and R&B legend Martha Reeves, who performed Dancin’ in the Street, and Arthur Murray dancers inspired everyone to get out there and shake it. Their were also a collection of fun Beverly Hills games for families to enjoy. The Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau provided copies of the Beverly Hills Centennial Cookbook to guests. 

The evening ended with a beautiful fireworks display from a Rodeo Drive rooftop, and it certainly will be a celebration night no one will ever forget.

 

Bonnie Carroll

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www.lifebitesnews.com