People of The Institute       Alumni Profiles           Daphne Dupuy, Pastry Arts '98 Michelle A Cabbera, Pastry Arts '02     Michelle A. Cabrera and Daphne Dupuy both attended ICE®, but met when they were both hired to work in the pastry department at the Four Seasons Miami upon its opening in 2003. Once they found each other, the connection quickly produced Cake Delices, a specialty cake business in TK, Florida. Dupuy, a native of Haiti, had worked at a pharmaceutical company in Haiti and at Citibank in New York before enrolling at ICE®, while Cabrera studied photography at Florida International University but, having always worked in the restaurant industry, decided to become a pastry chef instead Both say that Nick Malgieri, director of baking programs, greatly influenced their take on pastry and that they love to test his innovative recipes. Cabrera says that she chose her career because of the connection between art and food: “Having a background in art originally, this gave me the opportunity to express myself creatively through another medium...food!” As for Dupuy, she says that her interest came once she realized how much talent she has for pastry arts Cake Delices is their proudest accomplishment and a source of much pleasure, no matter how demanding owning a business can be. Dupuy says she particularly enjoys the “excitement and challenge of creating new designs and menus for clients.” “You have to have a passion for what you do,” shares Cabrera as advice to those aspiring to follow their footsteps, “because this is what keeps you going. Also, always know basic techniques such as how to make a crème anglaise or tempering chocolate, and be willing to learn as much as you can. You'll always be called upon to use your skills when you least expect it.” www.cakedelices.com 2005