EXCLUSIVE…
It’s a case of once bitten, twice shy for cake-maker extraordinaire Lisa Smith, as she bids to make Yaya Toure’s 32nd birthday that little bit tastier.
Lisa, a lifelong Manchester City fan, wasn’t leaving anything to chance after last year’s ‘CakeGate’ shenanigans – so she baked an exquisite two-and-a-half-foot high creation for the giant Ivorian.
Happy Birthday To You – Lisa Smith’s cake to mark Yaya’s 32nd birthday.
The six-tiered cake, expertly covered in sky blue and white fondant icing, comes complete with a City scarf draped over a football and the greeting ‘Yaya Toure, Happy Birthday, 32’.
In football terms, Lisa went into extra time – 120 minutes – to whisk up the confectionary masterpiece, a sumptuous vanilla sponge with butter cream and strawberry jam.
Yaya’s birthday coincides with the second anniversary of Lisa’s business, The Cake Box based on London Road, Hazel Grove in Stockport, so it’s something of a double celebration.
It’s a celebration – Yaya has already tasted sweet success as Ivory Coast skipper when he lifted the African Cup of Nations in February. Courtesy@MCFC
Lisa said: “After all the controversy and alleged goings on of last year, I just wanted to ensure Yaya had a really nice birthday cake this time around.
“He has given me and all City fans some very sweet moments in the last few years, so this was my way of returning the compliment.”
Peak of his powers – Yaya fires home City’s 100th league goal last season en-route to the Premier League title. Courtesy@MCFC
The idea to make the cake – worth £200 – for the powerhouse City midfielder even received the seal of approval from the red side of Manchester.
Lisa explained: “My partner Jay is a massive Manchester United fan, and he encouraged me to do it. He thinks it’s great.”
With Lisa ensuring there’s no chance of CakeGate The Sequel, she’s hoping Yaya will stay with City, amid rumours of a possible move away from the Etihad to Inter Milan, Juventus or Paris Saint Germain.
“Yaya’s one of my favourite City players, along with Vincent Kompany.
Cake & creator – talented Lisa Smith of The Cake Box with Yaya’s six-tiered birthday cake.
“It’d be great if he could recapture his best form, help City regain the title and stick around so I can make him an extra special cake to celebrate his 33rd birthday and a third Premier League title.”
Lisa is due to deliver the cake to Yaya’s home later this evening.
By David Walker
The Cake Box cater for a vast array of cakes for all different occasions, but here are another two of Lisa’s Manchester City creations…
Sweet 18 for a Sky Blue.
Home strip for a Champion.
www.readbutneverred.com @ReadButNeverRed @djwskyblu
Lisa, brilliant hope your business takes off, as to your boyfriend(Rag) Ya Ya eat it and leave please, or just get rid or your agent. End of rant
The Cake Box has been in business for two years this week, so fair to assume Lisa is doing the business with some wonderful confectionary skills. As for Yaya and his agent...maybe Lisa won't get the chance to make a 33rd birthday cake, we'll know soon enough.
What a great cake for a great idea. :-) x
Lisa is obviously a supreme talent...just as Yaya has been for City. The question is, will he ever be again?
Well done Lisa looks better than the BIRTHDAY CAKE HE DID get from CITY last year! I should have put an order if for my own birthday cake for tomorrow but looking at the size of Yaya cake you must have been pretty busy with that one. I am going to settle for a nice glass of champagne instead I can't be greedy was happy with the result at the weekend.
Drop Yaya a line - he might be able to let you have the City scarf draped over the football!
Lovely gesture and cake making skills on display. Wonder if Lisa can make a mean chicken balti pie?
You never know Kammy lad, hit the hyperlink on The Cake Box and see what else Lisa has in her culinary portfolio...but I think we both know the answer to your question, don't we? ;-)
Brilliant Lisa what a great cake just hope Yaya appreciate it. I was sing Happy Birthday along with the rest of the Etihad on Sunday hope you were in full singing mode Dave.
But of course Doug! Look at the headline on the article and sing it - Stevie Wonder style ;-)
Nice piece and a real slice of how much we city fans appreciate our idols(although I have to say my love of Yaya has diminished a little accepting he has been a major reason for our success). Lisa is a talented lady and I hope her business thrives. P.s. a cake to mark the arrival of Pogba?
Pogba Roulade - sounds tasty!
Maybe Lisa can make Jay an Arsen Whinger 4th place trophy cake!,
One that looks the part but goes soggy in the middle and leaves a sour aftertaste!