Yummy Tecture: The Next Big Workout Dessert
If you are familiar with the Texas fruit/chocolate scene, you’ve definitely heard of Titi Adelayo, the name behind YummyTecture, a catering company specializing in the creation of fruit and chocolate displays. She has excelled in every conceivable aspect of the dessert business. Her unequaled palate of taste, sight and touch has been displayed through her love for edible art. In an exclusive interview with twmagazine.net, the talented caterer talks about her inspiration, top three tips for culinary success and more!
Interview by Ope L. Akinyemi
TW Magazine: When and how did you start YummyTecture?
Titi Adelayo: The name YummyTecture was created while I was in Architecture school. It was the name I titled one of my projects. The idea was to design a built environment that explored the relationship between food and architecture. However, few years down the road, YummyTecture (the art of desserts) was established in the fall of 2011 as a catering company specializing in the creation of fruit and chocolate displays. YummyTecture stems from a passion for Architecture, culinary arts and exceptional customer service.
TW: What is your specialty and why did you choose it?
TA: As you may already know, I do create desserts as well, but my true passion and the core of YummyTecture lies in fruit and chocolate displays. There is just something decadent and refreshing about fresh fruits, especially when paired with silky smooth chocolate….its divine!!!
TW: Who comes up with most of the ideas? Is it the customer or is it you?
TA: The idea for most fruit and chocolate displays are created collaboratively with the client. We go over a few ideas, sketches, pictures and themes. Therefore, I can better understand their vision and then create a customized piece just for them. However, some clients offer me the artistic freedom to “wow” them, and that’s always awesome as well.
TW: How long does it take to make one of your fresh fruit displays?
TA: It truly depends on the piece. Some displays are small, but intricate. Therefore, require lots of prep work and some are super quick, yet elegant. A good estimate would be between 2 to 6 hours.
TW: What are your top three tips for culinary success?
TA: 1. Be detailed and creative but know your limits
- Find a niche market and fill it (Stand out and lead the way)
- Your creation is a representation of who you are, there is no room for mediocrity
TW: How do you ensure quality control in your kitchen?
TA: I purchase all the fruits myself. It’s very important because the beauty of the final display starts from the grocery store. Picking the best and freshest is highly important. For example, I went to the store one day with my 10-year-old niece, and I said “I want that green watermelon in the far right hand corner”. She looked at me amazed and said, “But its watermelon, they are all green.” I laughed and said to her, “They are all different.” The color, shape and size of a fruit though similar, has a different application in my eyes. Hard to explain, but it’s an art I guess.
TW: Are you a taskmaster, or do you allow your assistants to riff?
TA: I am the biggest supporter of training people in the art of fruit displays. I love to encourage creativity… so I am pretty accommodating of my assistants (mostly friends). They are my motivation.
TW: In your opinion, what is the most tedious dessert to make?
TA: I don’t consider any dessert tedious. I consider them detailed art work that requires lots of time and patience. Some desserts can be very fragile, especially chocolate desserts, but once you master the art of creating, and transporting them, you have conquered the tedious nature.
TW: What are your favorite desserts to make?
TA: Believe it or not, I love making donuts. Just plain ole donut. Nothing too sweet or fancy, no topping either, just piping hot, freshly made donuts…yum!
TW: What do you enjoy most about your work?
TA: The look on the faces of my clients and their guests. It is so worth it. It’s an amazing feeling to bring their vision to life.
TW: What does one of your fruit displays cost?
TA: It depends. Because there is such a wide range of options and everything is customizable. But you can get a single arrangement for $100 (a fruit tree or fruit bowl), and most full chocolate/fruit displays start around $700.
TW: What’s next for you?
TA: I recently relocated to Dallas, Texas. Therefore, I am in the process of establishing the business there. I also plan on expanding my fruit and chocolate classes, which are currently offered in various cities. However, I am trying to make it available online too.