55th Annual Gerry Frank Chocolate Layer Cake Contest Returns to Oregon State Fair, July 24

This August marks the 55th year of the Gerry Frank Chocolate Layer Cake Contest at the Oregon State Fair, in Salem. Regarded as the Northwest’s best-known cake contest, entries are judged solely by Gerry Frank based on just two bites of each decadent, made-from-scratch creation.  Frank has tasted more than 2,400 cakes as judge of the contest created in his honor in 1959 by newly inaugurated Governor Mark Hatfield. His is a palate ideally suited for the job: he is also proprietor of the gourmet cake shop and café Gerry Frank’s Konditorei.  2014 entrants are invited to bring their cakes to the Creative & Artistic Stage in the Jackman-Long Building at the Oregon State Fairgrounds by no later than 1pm on Sunday, August 31. The first place winner will be awarded a $250 Macy’s Gift Card and a party for six people at Gerry Frank’s Konditorei. Additional details about how to enter are available online (oregonstatefair.org/competitions/sponsored/gerry-frank-chocolate-layer-cake-contest/).  Frank’s preferences for deeply chocolate, moist, visually appealing cakes are what inspired 2013 first place winners Russell and Brenda Read, who used Godiva Chocolate Liqueur to distinguish their winning entry. First time baker and 2012 winner Meghan Loftus, a high school student at the time, catered her entry to Frank’s love of dark chocolate cakes.  Heir to the Meier and Frank department stores and Senator Mark Hatfield’s Chief of Staff for 25 years, Frank is also known for his Oregonian travel columns, available in a new second edition of “Gerry Frank’s Oregon.” His best-selling guidebook, “Where to Find It, Buy It, Eat It in New York” has sold over one million copies. Immediately following the 55th Gerry Frank Chocolate Layer Cake Contest, the judge and author will remain at the fairgrounds for a book signing.