Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Isa's Pistachio Cake: a Story of Community
Posted by Hannah Sayle on Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Isa's Pistachio Cake is as much a product of Isaura Amill's present community as it is a tribute to her heritage. The recipe for this buttery sweet specialty hails from Puerto Rico, where Isa was born and where her mother began selling the cakes 15 years ago. Seven years later, when Isa came to the United States, she brought the recipe with her but wasn't necessarily interested in baking the cakes for sale. “It’s just always been the Christmas gift that I give to people,” she says.
It wasn’t until her friend and business partner, Qazi Ahmad, tried the cake and suggested she start her own brand that Isa even considered selling them here. She then brought samples of the cake to Tony Owen, manager of Miss Cordelia’s Grocery in Harbor Town. He was immediately interested in carrying the product and shared some advice on expanding her customer base … by starting at Miss Cordelia’s and moving into the farmers markets.
Isa has also received generous help and advice from Chef David Schier at Currents Fine Dining. As a fellow Harbor Town community member, Schier has given Isa a space in his kitchen to make her cakes in accordance with health department rules. And with Miss Cordelia’s right down the street, Isa is able to replenish the stock of her freshly baked cakes each morning and as needed throughout the day.
The pistachio-stippled cakes are rich and stay soft and fresh long after purchase; Isa and Qazi are actively working to make them more available. They have applied for their own booth at the farmers market, and are also looking at the possibility of sharing a booth with an established vendor. Until then, Isa’s cakes will be available at Miss Cordelia’s, where they’ve been selling like, well, hot cakes.
Isa’s Pistachio Cake comes in small, medium and large sizes — the smallest is a 12-ounce loaf and the largest, a 72 ounce Bundt cake. They also take special orders with a 24-hour turnaround. E-mail questions and orders to Isa at cakesbyisa@gmail.com.
Comments (31)
Showing 1-31 of 31
Delicious cake. I tried a sample at Miss Cordelia's last week. I believe you can but it by the slice there, as well. Good luck Isa!
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Isa's cake is the best cake I have ever tasted. I bought one for my sister as a gift. We both love pistachios in any form. My friends and I decided to taste the cake and that turned into us eating the entire cake.Hopefully my sister will get a chance to eat the next one I get:) Seriously, Isa's cake is awesome and would make a great gift for anyone...if you dont eat it first.....
I am not big on cakes but this one is different. It is so soft and delicious that someone like me who doesn't eat much cakes was able to finish one whole cake by myself.
Definetly plan to go back and get some more ..... and may be contact you for a party order ......good luck!!!!
This is the new cake at Cordelia's, it does not look from the outside but it is so moist from the inside. It does not have any icing so i am assuming it is healthier than any of the other cakes on the shelf.
It is an awesome cake, all of harbor town should try it. Good going ISA
I finished half her pistachio Bundt cake by myself one evening...it was half a piece of heaven!
Isa great job by giving us the pleasure of experiencing this masterful cake. It's unique and delicious!!! I have to admit that when I buy it, I do not share it... if anybody wants one they have to go to Cordelia's and get their own (hahahahaha). I wish you the best and may God bless you and your excellent staff!!! Outstanding product!!!!
simply amazing...mindblowing...and once you start- you can't stop..well done isa...we are all very proud of you..
Isa's cake is amazing!! Everyone get to Cordelia's and give it a try! You will not be disappointed!
Wow, congratulations Isa! I've eaten your cooking for years but have never had this cake! I think I may have to make a special trip up to TN just to get a piece! I am so proud of you and know you will be a great success! I love you and miss you so much!!!
CC
Congrats to Isa & Qazi for positioning your cake at Cordelia's!!! If I know you two, cheers to the beginning of a successful business! I can't wait to try a piece after I purchase it from the market! xoxo
I had the pleasure of working with Isa in Florida when she first moved to the United States. I too have enjoyed the tasty pistachio cake, but only during the Holiday Season. To those of you in Memphis: my loss is your gain. Not only do you have Isa and her yummy cakes but you have them year 'round, to boot!
Great story! I'm glad to see a friend representing our culture and making food that people will enjoy. I know Isa and her family for several years and I love and enjoy the way they cooking. Specially her cakes. Not only that, they cook with love and with a big smile when they see people enjoying their food. I want to congratulate Isa and everybody and also the writer to take the time and present this story, that makes me proud to be puertorican and I'm very proud of you Isa. Love you!
Hannah Sayle, thanks for writing this article in such an exceptional way. I felt a deep emotion when I started reading it (amazing 1st paragraph). I'm Isa's sister writing from Puerto Rico. Thanks for your time, your passion, and for being the instrument that God used to bless my beloved sister and her dream to accomplish her goals. God bless you!
Isa's pistachio cake was one of the most memorable Christmas gifts I have ever recieved. Not only was it delicious because of the ingredients that were used, but I was also able to taste her heartfelt effort in baking it. She must have also inherited that special touch from her mother. I hope that others are lucky enough to taste it. Best of Luck!!! Emily
we are proud and we love you we love them and all the others do too
love,vecina and fanily
Everyone knows how firefighters love to eat. Well the firefighters at station 4 thoroughly enjoyed your cakes. I only wonder what other super-secret exotic culinary specialities you can provide us with next?
hannah have you studied in france as engilsh assistant in french high school from september 2008 until may 2009 ? answer me at nicrizz@gmail.com
This cake taste awesome!!!! If you haven't tried it you have no idea what your missing. Absolutely moistest most delicious cake I've ever tasted.
My friends and I decided to taste the cake and that turned into us eating the entire cake.because of the ingredients that were used, but I was also able to taste her heartfelt effort in baking it Not only that, they cook with love and with a big smile when they see people enjoying their food.Compare ISAs
Wow............. best cake I ever had! I think it keeps growing your business.
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Tamara
Not only was it delicious because of the ingredients that were used, but I was also able to taste her heartfelt effort in baking it. She must have also inherited that special touch from her mother. I hope that others are lucky enough to taste it. Best of Luck!!! Emily.
Wow............. best cake I ever had! I think it keeps growing your business.
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Whiteblack
Personal ISA
hello Isa. Me alegro por tu exito, poniendo nuestra isla de Puerto Rico en alto.
Asi se hace. Take care and good luck.
FREDDY...
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