Ben-Israel to judge Let Them Eat Cake contest

City of Hope's  Let Them Eat Cake competition will take center stage March 28 at 6 p.m. at the Loews hotel.

This year's celebrity judge will be Ron Ben-Israel, a judge on Food Network's Cake Wars and former host of Sweet Genius.

Dozens of pastry artists create over-the-top wedding cakes, and judging categories are taste, originality, artistry, and this year's theme, "animation." Students at local culinary schools will also get a crack at their own top prize, vying alongside their more established counterparts.

What began 12 years ago as a small wedding-cake tasting for brides and their mothers has grown to almost 1,000 attendees who ogle, sample and take home boxes of cakes. An unlimited champagne and wine bar, music, and bridal vendors round out the evening.

Cost is $40 in advance, $50 at the door. All proceeds benefit the charity.

Ticket info is here.