Piece of Cake

We all know that Beverly Hills is chock full of the finer things in life. But after visiting , finer takes on a whole new meaning.

Meet Suzi Finer, affectionately known to many locals as the cake maven of Beverly Hills. She began her career with Hansen's in 1982.

"There were some years between then and now that I broke away to own my own restaurant and a shop here in town," Finer said. "But I seem to have found my way back."

An art history buff who has expressed herself in many mediums over the years, it's lucky for us that Finer has settled on the business of butter crème.

"That's one thing that sets Hansen's Cakes apart from the rest. We don't use fondant," she said, referring to the icing-like substance often used to decorate cakes. "We use our own smooth butter crème, because we know how."

Finer notes with pride that she is "100 percent Hansen's trained." Recounting her extensive apprenticeship, she remembers making butterflies for a good three to four months, and writing with frosting for hours and hours to achieve the Hansen signature look.

Hansen's also has a "signature taste." The recipes are patented, and Finer explains that "sense memory keeps customers coming back." Her own grandparents' and parents' wedding cakes were from Hansen's.

"Parents buy their kids' birthday cakes here because they know it will taste like their own childhood cakes," she said.

The cozy Beverly Hills showroom has a family feel—and rightly so. Patrick Hansen, who recently took over the business from his father, Gary, is a seventh-generation baker.

"Patrick is so cool. He literally grew up in the bakery," Finer said of her boss. "He's smart, handsome and such a loyal family man."

Another thing people should know is that Hansen's Cakes is a down-to earth place, with offerings to fit most any budget. You don't need an appointment to come in for a sampling, and though custom works will garner a high price, it's possible to pay as little as $350 for a wedding cake.

As I gaze at its baked goods, I want to know where Hansen's stands in the "cupcake wars" that seem to be filling the town with endless queues of pedestrians—not to mention pricey cupcakes.

"Unbelievable! Our cupcakes from the case are $1. Some of the cupcakes in town are wrapped in more than $2 worth of box and bag, which might explain their price being four times higher," Finer said. "At Hansen's we give you an exquisite product in practical and functional containers and bags. We haven't raised our prices in four years."

Having maintained the same South Beverly Drive location since the '50s, I'm curious about the shop's community involvement. I'm told Hansen's philanthropy includes Beverly Hills High School, with a special emphasis on the . Finer's son Ben is a Madrigal senior. Daughter Allie attends Beverly Vista School and looks forward to following in her big brother's song-filled footsteps next year.

Hansen's also sends goodies to the BHHS staff Thanksgiving luncheon. And when Finer is done with displays at one of her frequently attended bridal shows, she enjoys delivering the show cakes to the high school teachers to feast on the following day.

"It's nice to be able to boost morale," Finer said. "Hansen's also generously donated four full sheet cakes to the Beverly Hills Education Foundation's ."

Want a flavorful work of art to crown your next affair, or perhaps a modestly priced cupcake while you're on the run? Finer at Hansen's Cakes has just the recipe.