Coney Island’s Gingerbread Wonder Wheel Steals the Show at Museum of the City of New York
Coney Island has been the subject of much attention in pop culture this year, with its Wonder Wheel gracing the cover of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis’ concept album Warriors and its retro rides featured in the movie Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
A New Coney Island Creation: The Iconic Gingerbread Wonder Wheel
But a new creation has taken the spotlight – a gingerbread recreation of the Wonder Wheel at the Museum of the City of New York. As part of the "Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off," the Wonder Wheel has been re-created in gingerbread, featuring Yukon Cornelius riding on the Ferris wheel while eating a hot dog, elves partying on their day off, and Rudolph embracing his candy red nose. This sweet sculpture is just one of the 20 incredible gingerbread NYC structures on display at the Manhattan museum this holiday season.
The Great Borough Bake-Off: A Challenge for Ambitious Bakers
All the gingerbread houses in the exhibition must be made completely out of edible materials, such as cookies, icing, and candy. This year, 60 ambitious bakers entered the contest vying for 20 spots. The theme, Iconic New York, saw many gingerbread buildings, including the Bronx Zoo and the Prospect Park Boathouse. But judges also favored creations that veered away from iconic buildings and featured iconic things, such as pizza, a sanitation truck, and subway stations.
Award-Winning Creations
One of the standout creations was a gingerbread Wonder Wheel by Susanna Caliendo of Something Sugared and Mario DiBiase of SottoVoce Restaurant. This team of two combined Caliendo’s award-winning baking skills with DiBiase’s engineering mindset to create a masterpiece that won accolades for best overall, most unique, good enough to eat, and best borough spirit for Brooklyn. Another award-winner was a gingerbread creation of Southern Boulevard in the Bronx by Petroula "Patty" Lambrou of Patty Pops. The design features the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, and Fordham University in a snowy, candy cane-studded scene.
Other Creative Confections
Other gingerbread creations on display at the museum include a tiny Rockefeller Center ice skating rink, a Yorkville bodega complete with a bodega cat, a precise Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower, Belmont Park Racetrack, and Fort Wadsworth. Visit the Museum of the City of New York in East Harlem to see these edible masterpieces up close, and take in the sweet-spicy aroma that fills the room.
Conclusion
The "Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off" is a must-visit exhibit this holiday season, featuring incredible edible creations that showcase the creativity and talent of ambitious bakers from across the city. Be sure to check out the award-winning creations, including the iconic gingerbread Wonder Wheel, and take a moment to appreciate the festive atmosphere and sweet aromas that fill the room.
FAQs
Q: What is the "Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off" exhibit?
A: The "Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off" is an exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York that features 20 incredible gingerbread NYC structures, each made completely out of edible materials.
Q: How many bakers entered the contest this year?
A: 60 ambitious bakers entered the contest vying for 20 spots.
Q: What is the theme of the exhibit?
A: The theme is Iconic New York, with creations featuring iconic NYC buildings, landmarks, and objects.
Q: How long is the exhibit running?
A: The exhibit is running through January 12, 2023.
Q: Where can I find the exhibit?
A: The exhibit is located at the Museum of the City of New York in East Harlem.
