Take a look at this photo:
So, what do you think? Pretty good looking pizza?
Look again. It’s a cake.
I made it several years ago for a dear friend that I’ll refer to simply as “C”. He came to America from Italy as a young man. Although he loved his homeland, he was proud to be an American (long before the song was written). “C” was a hard worker and many years ago, began a chain of local Italian restaurants.
Last week, “C” passed away unexpectedly from complications following surgery. Everyone is still in shock over how quickly it happened.
You may recall that I mentioned some time ago that Motor Man and I have dinner every Wednesday night with two other couples. We always meet at “C’s” restaurant. Since he was retired, he wasn’t there every week when we had dinner, but if he was, he would always come and sit with us.
Yesterday, I happened upon this picture of the pizza cake I made for “C”. (By the way, the “tomato sauce” is red icing, the “pepperoni” are Vanilla Wafers and the “cheese” is coconut. )
The night we took this cake to “C’s” restaurant for his birthday, we told him we’d brought our own pizza. That was fine with him. When we opened the box, he wanted to take the “pizza” back to the oven to bake it some more: he said the cheese wasn’t melted.
Marshall told me at the time that I should be proud of that cake if it fooled “C”.
We’re gonna miss him. Wednesday nights won’t be quite the same.
these days of mine 
Just as your pizza cake was several years ago, this is a sweet tribute to your friend.
Although I hadn’t seen C in several years, I always remember him fondly. He will be missed by many, many friends and his many loving family members.
His restaurant will never be the same since everyone will know that he won’t be popping in unexpectedly.
I was sorry to hear that on FB and then see it in the paper. He had a big influence here and on the Peninsula! I never knew him, but certainly knew of him.
Thinking about you guys and his family.
I’m so sorry – I know you’ll miss your friend terribly – but will still have your memories!
Sounds like you have wonderful memories of “C”. I am sorry for the loss of someone so special. Dianna…that cake was fantastic. You did a great job!
What a dear proprietor that you honored him with this very clever cake. So sorry for your community’s loss.
What a great post and tribute and yes that pizza cake looked like a pizza til you look closer (after someone tells you too, 😛 ) Sorry for your loss.
Wonderful tribute to a great man. He will be missed.
I’m very sorry Dianna. He obviously meant a great deal to you guys and indeed will be sorely missed. I bet he got a kick out of that ingenious pizza cake.
oh, i’m very sorry for the loss of your friend. his family must be devastated. may his soul be free to reside in Italy, America or anywhere else now…
He will be missed. By a great number of people. Just the fact that he would come over and sit with us while we ate will always stay with me. And you got him with this cake ! I remember saying “if you can fool a Sicilian on pizza, it’s one for the ages …”
I’m so sorry for the passing of your dear friend. The pizza cake and the memories will live on forever.
Now that is one impressive cake dressed up like a pizza! I know your friend will be greatly missed. Sounds like he was the type of person who was loved by many.
lucky you to have such beautiful memories….may his memory live on with lot’s of yummy pizza cakes!!!!
I’m sorry you lost your good friend so unexpectedly.
Your cake does look like a pizza; I’d love to have a slice right about now!
“C” was a very good man and I enjoyed being in his place over the years. I came and went again this past weekend, sorry I missed you and Motor Man. Hopefully next time we’ll meet up at our breakfast haunt.
You had me fooled; What a sweet thing to do for your friend and I am very sorry for your loss. My condolences, MJ
So sorry over the loss of your friend. I am sure you will truly miss him.
so sorry for your loss
but a wonderful tribute to him
We have a good friend that owns an Italian rest. This would be a fun thing to do….I will miss “G”, also, when he goes…
Have I told you that I appreciate the post almost everyday?? I wish I had something to post everyday. I DO have something bubbling…look at the facebook account…..this may be fun!
Sorry to hear of the loss of your long-time friend. That IS an awesome cake!