“Feed Your Fandom”
Sam Lapointe, a celebrated cake designer, and Meridith Braun, with experience in the video game industry, are not just professionals in their fields; they are authentic enthusiasts of geek culture. United by their shared passion for all things fandom, they have channeled their creative energies into The Grand Order of Divine Sweets, a unique venture that brings beloved fandoms to life through intricately designed desserts. From iconic characters to memorable scenes, Sam and Meridith have found a way to turn their love for fandom into a culinary art form that resonates with fans.
I first discovered The Grand Order of Divine Sweets at this year’s Fan Expo Canada in Toronto. It was the huge chocolate Darth Vader sculpture at their table that lured me in. I couldn’t believe that the many fandom items on the table, including those from Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Anime, Gaming and more, were made from chocolate! I immediately bought a chocolate Han Solo in Carbonite and had planned on opening and reviewing live on our YouTube channel but, I couldn’t resist and my family made quick work of the delicious treat by the next day! I guess I will need to order more!
I caught up with “Dessert Jedi Masters” Sam for an interview about fandom and her unique business.
What inspired you to blend the worlds of fandom and desserts, and what drives your passion for merging these two unique creative outlets?
Sam: From the dawn of humanity, there has always been two things that have brought people together, good food, and good stories. What are fandoms, if not some of the best stories humanity has to offer? In all of those stories they teach us that the more we can come together with kindness, the better off we will be. We’re doing our best to make the world a little sweeter through good food, and the stories that have made us who we are.
How do you ensure your desserts appeal to hardcore fans and those who might not be as familiar with the franchises? What factors influence your choices when selecting specific designs or characters for your products?
Sam: By being and interacting with fans of all types! I have a wide range of my own fandom obsessions, Star Wars, Dr.Who, Farscape, Muppets, Evil Dead and Matrix to name just a few. My business partner Meridith is a video games industry veteran with her own fandoms and experience, including making some of the video games we know and love. Both fans and brands come to us because they know we have intimate relationships and knowledge of what makes each one special. We’re able to put so much love, attention and easter eggs into our creations because we’re geeks too who bring the respect the stories deserve.
You may also like: From the Star Wars Menu: Make your own “Chewie Chews” With This Recipe
How do you strike a balance between staying true to the source material and the practical challenges of crafting intricate designs in cake or chocolate form?
Sam: By creating each item by hand, with skill and experience, rather than machine mass production we can make sure the level of details and quality ingredients are outstanding. Picture an oval shape wrapped in a santa printed foil vs a fully hand sculpted 3D santa figurine, they both have their place, but one is going to be much more recognizable, delicious and elicit a lot more genuine joy.
For custom creations and sculptures that’s even more the case, take this life sized Darth Vader bust and Beetlejuice Tombstone. Both hand carved from 100% chocolate, it takes time, skill and creativity – but there’s no skimping on the source material!
Personally, my favourite part of bringing fandom and good food together is the challenge. Finding ways to make an adult feel that pure magical wonder one creation at a time. Though not the largest, one of my favourites is the floating Wonka dessert I created for the latest movie release that quite literally defied gravity, and floated in thin air. Pulling different aspects of the fandom into all parts, from the design to the flavors represented for as much immersion as possible. The expressions of delight are my kyber crystal that keep me creating.
Fandom communities are known for their intense devotion and high expectations. How do you approach creating products that will satisfy such discerning fans? What impact does community feedback have on your offerings, and how have customer suggestions shaped your menu?
Sam: Being fans ourselves we’ve long learned that if it brings us joy, it will bring others joy as well. We’re our toughest critics when it comes to making it more and more recognizable, adding more Easter eggs, having the flavor profile something to do with the source material etc. If it passes the high expectations we set for ourselves – we know you’re going to love it.
What was your experience like at Fan Expo Canada, and how did attendees respond to your fandom-themed desserts?
Sam: I launched the business at Fan Expo Canada in 2013 and have been going to Fan Expo ever since. First with it’s previous name Cakes Cove, and now with The Grand Order of Divine Sweets since meeting my wonderful business partner and re-branding in 2019. It’s always a great time to meet like minded people, get to talk about our favorite topics, share joy in cosplays and upcoming releases – all over chocolate! Between that and creating for the celebrity guests for the green room and occasional birthday or other celebration, what’s not to love?
Are there any upcoming themes or collections you’re excited about? How do you plan to keep evolving your products as the fandom landscape grows?
Sam: Fandoms, new releases, tastes etc are always changing, and that is WONDERFUL. It means there is always a new challenge and something new to create just around the corner. Adapting, creating and feeding people is what I’m on Earth for. I look forward to keeping up with the classics, and seeing what new challenges the future holds.
And we are excited to see what comes next!
If you’re a fan of all things nerdy and geeky and in the Toronto area, check out The Grand Order of Divine Sweets! it’s a must-visit for any fan looking to indulge in both fandom and flavor. For those not able to make it into the store, delivery might be available to you. Check out more details HERE.
