Where there was a cake,  beautiful and bold and surrounded by gold.

Versailles, France— When the American Friends of Versailles organized the “A Legacy of Light” gala in the magnificent castle of Versailles  last June 8th to mark the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, a spectacular cake took center stage. The fundraising gala was held upon the initiative of Alicia Bryant, the president of the association and Distinguished Honorary Chair Becca Cason Thrash. The event brought together 280 prestigious guests including designer Christian Louboutin, David and Sybil Yurman, Diana Widmaier Picasso, gallery owner Emmanuel Perrotin and designer Alexis Mabille and raised nearly US$4 million (3.5  million euros) destined to contribute to the restoration of the ceiling of the castle’s Diane salon. 

The evening also underscored  the history of the longstanding Franco-American relationship while guests toured the Grands Apartments of the castle, dined in the Galerie des Batailles  and were surrounded by an atmosphere showcasing the dialogue between French heritage and American philanthropy. Not only was the 250th anniversary celebrated, but the essential role played by France, Louis XVI and the Marquis de Lafayette in American independence was on the agenda as well. The evening was capped off with a vivid fireworks display.

Master pastry chef Bastien Blanc-Tailleur with the cake. ©François Goizé.  Courtesy Maison Bastien Blanc-Tailleur. Handout via The Gourmet Gazette

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of a spectacular birthday cake rising six and a half feet (two-meters) high into the lofty spaces of Versailles created by master pastry chef  Bastien Blanc-Tailleur, the world-renowned event and wedding cake specialist. It required 300 hours of craft work to fashion while mobilizing 10 pastry chefs. Conceived as a sculpture, it incorporated the emblems of the United States side by side with those of the French monarchy. An eagle carried in its talons 13 arrows and an olive branch made up of 13 leaves and 13 olives interacting with the flleur-de-lys or flower of the lily and flags and figurines of the Sun King as well as Baroque moldings inspired by the Château de Versailles. The dessert that was served resonated with the great cake itself and featured Tahitian vanilla mousse, a compote of strawberries and raspberries, a crunchy almond crust and a strawberry sauce infused with blackcurrant leaves. 

The Maison Bastien Blanc-Tailleur, which created the cake, has been distinguished with the prestigious “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (French Living Heritage Company) label, awarded by the French State to companies embodying exceptional artisanal expertise. The chef is dedicated to preserving and elevating an exceptional French savoir-faire, where pastry artistry meets architecture and haute couture.

https://www.americanfriendsofversailles.org/

https://www.bastien-blanc-tailleur.com/en

©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette

See also: https://thegourmetgazette.com/2026/05/31/loving-liberty-with-lafayette/