Is 'I Dream of Cake' a bakery or a glamorous boutique?

August 31, 12:52 AMNorth Beach ExaminerLaura Aston

Previous

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the North Beach Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Off the beaten path and nestled away from the North Beach tourists is I Dream of Cake, located on Grant Street. Since 2005, creator and owner Shinmin Li, welcomes artists as employees to work with her. She believes, “You can turn someone into a baker, but can never teach someone to be an artist. This shop is a marriage of my two passions, food and art.”

From the moment customers enter her store, there is a magical feeling. Instead of entering a bakery there’s a boutique and exclusive feel. “I Dream of Cake was designed like a gallery, so customers could feel like their commissioning a piece of artwork.” Shinmin stated. “We also have an appointment only policy, so a cake tasting consultation can be ready for when customers arrive.”

I Dream of Cake is known for their sculptural cakes, wedding cakes (i.e. The wedding cake for the first wedding at the de Young museum was inspired by lace on the couples wedding invitation) fashion purses and shoes cakes, haute couture and any cake can be created from the refined to the very bizarre. Shinmin loves doing sculpturally fun cakes and loves recreating paintings and sculpting.

In addition to wedding cakes some of her other cake creations are: The Taj Mahal, Designer purses, Le Bouton mixed matched shoes, a Sushi cake, baby shower and children’s party cakes, cigars and a repica of a china set cake. Other examples of her unique designs are: A caricature of President Obama, Bust of celebrities, Beatles Abbey road sign and stain glass ceilings. (See the photo slideshow)

When asked what her most popular cake has been Shinmin replied, “Our most popular cake has to be the laughing Buddha, as we’ve done it five times.”

I dream of cake is also known for their great tasting cakes. Such as: zesty lemon cake, vanilla and caramel swirl, banana cream cake with nuts and toasted almonds, coconut cream cake with Thai milk, classic vanilla cake and berries, vanilla chocolate layered with a shot of espresso and chocolate fudge.

Shimin “Holds cake to the highest regard. I daydream that one day, cakes will be in art museum so people can understand what I truly do.” Yes, Shinmin you take boutique cakes to an entirely glamorous level. North Beach and San Francisco are lucky to have you and your creativity.

For more info:
I Dream of Cake
Shinmin Li creator

1351 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 989-2253

- Cakes are priced by level of artwork and serving size.
- Try to order 6-9 months in advance for wedding cakes
- Smaller cakes take 2 to 3 weeks with advance notice