Eat Beat: Marilyn DeVault Has A VERY Cool Cake Shop

Thursday, 19 May 2011 13:30 | Written by Byron

CAKE TALK: Baltimore (and cable tv) might have Duff "Ace of Cakes" Goldman, but Portland has Marilyn DeVault and her AMAZING cake shop, Piece of Cake Bakery.

Recently Miss Marilyn's crew made a really yummy Chocolate Raspberry Buttercream Ganache for my parents 50th anniversary. It was gorgeous and lasted all of about a half-minute once my parents guest had a chance to take a bite out of it.

That's the thing about DeVault's work. It doesn't last long. That's because her shop makes edible pieces of art that are often free of wheat, sugar and gluten and still taste very sweet.

DeVault's cake bakery (she also does cupcakes) is located deep in the heart of the Sellwood neighborhood on the edge of Eastmoreland (8306 S.E. 17th Ave., 503-234-9445).

It's an eclectic mish-mosh of odd objects (including a really cool ski-lift/picnic table) and tasty treats. And Marilyn wouldn't have it any other way. "I've created an environment that I fit into," says DeVault.

So how did this self-made "Cake Lady" get in the biz?

"All I knew how to make was a carrot cake. I eventually sold one to the Holiday Inn at the airport," said DeVault. "I remember getting into a car after I got the check and sticking my head out of the window and thinking I had made it, and I was going to be rich."

That was in 1978. DeVault had a shop in Lake Oswego prior to her current Southeast locale where she has been for the last sixteen years.

DeVault wasn't always in the cake trade. She has her masters in special education and taught students with disabilities for several years before making a career change. "Teaching students with special needs proved to be a great training ground to prepare how to work with customers with special food needs." That's why she'll never turn down a (reasonable) request and can make sure you always get your cake, even if you need it in less than 24 hours. "We are here to serve our customers and make them happy," said DeVault.

And, truth is, she makes me happy. Marilyn DeVault is one of the most honest, fun-loving people I've ever met. I never quite know what this trailblazer in the specialty food industry is going to say. Just ask her about her experiences traveling across the country with a goat and ending in the offices of Martha Stewart's company. Now that's a good story.

And if you are looking for cakes you can't beat Piece of Cake. Six-inch one layer cakes start at $13.95 and go up from there. Flavors include Chantilly, German Chocolate, Irish Oatmeal, Red Velvet and many, many others. She is an expert at dietary needs too.

If you are in the need of something for a special occasion or just hankering for a slice of the really good stuff (they stay open late on Friday and Saturday nights!) then this is the place for you. Enjoy!

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