whimsyandspice's Profile

Bio

Whimsy & Spice, LLC. was founded in 2008 by the husband and wife team of Mark Sopchak and Jenna Park, who combine their skills and more than 12 years of experience in culinary arts and graphic design to produce a distinctive line of handmade sweets.

Mark developed a love of spices early on in life. Even at the young age of eight, he was taken by the savory spiciness of the scents emanating from street vendor stands during his time living in Yemen. He later discovered the complexity of both Thai and Indian cuisine and sought to recreate the flavors in his own kitchen by making his own curry paste, curry powder and garam masala blends. While working as a Pastry Chef in the kitchens of some of NYC's most popular restaurants, the spices from his early culinary experiences naturally made their way into his desserts, which always focused on unique and sometimes unexpected combinations of flavors.

Jenna is an award-winning art director, designer and artist who freelances with various design agencies in New York City, primarily in the arts & culture, museum, education and non-profit sectors. Some of her projects have included websites for the Smithsonian Photography Initiative, the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Fenimore and Farmers' Museums, and the NYU School of Medicine. Her discerning palette and distinct eye for elegant and clean design leads all of the company's branding and creative efforts.

Check out our blog at http://www.sweetfineday.com
Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/whimsyandspice


PRESS MENTIONS

DailyCandy
http://tinyurl.com/yemq984

Saveur Magazine
http://tinyurl.com/yldm5sq

Time Out New York Kids
http://tinyurl.com/m9v3xu

Design Sponge
Sneak Peek: http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/10/sneak-peek-whimsy-spice.html
In the kitchen With: http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/09/in-the-kitchen-with-whimsy-spice.html

Martha Stewart Weddings
Summer Issue - Marshmallow Favors

New York Magazine
Mother's Day Gift Guide: http://tinyurl.com/ygzvvzy

Rachael Ray Snack of the Day
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/view/690/

Food 411
http://www.food411.com/blog/index.php?p=193

Cravings
http://www.findyourcraving.com/craving/honey-lavender-shortbread-cookie"

Daily Candy
http://www.dailycandy.com/new_york/article/36545/Spice%2BMarket

The Gobbl Feed
http://www.gobbl.com/feed/2008/08/20/whimsy-spice

The Inside Dish
http://gourmetinsider.blogspot.com/2008/11/perfect-brownie.html

Tasting Table
http://tastingtable.com/entry_detail/44

Time Out New York
http://www.timeout.com/newyork/venues/fort-greene/13733/brooklyn-flea-market

Conde Nast Traveler
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/blogs/80days/2008/05/a-brooklyn-flea.html

Serious Eats
http://www.seriouseats.com/newyork/2008/05/sweets-at-the-brooklyn-flea-market-fort-greene-nyc-baked-goods.html

Born on April 17

Favorite Materials