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The Cake Girl will serve her desserts at Savor St. Pete Food & Wine Festival this weekend

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 13:14 GMT by tampabay28.com

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Savor St. Pete Food & Wine Festival Welcomes “The Cake Girl” to the Dessert Lineup

The highly anticipated Savor St. Pete Food & Wine Festival is set to light up the waterfront this weekend, and one of its newest attractions is the celebrated local baker known simply as “The Cake Girl.” On Saturday and Sunday, visitors to the St. Pete Pier will have the chance to sample a colorful array of desserts that range from classic chocolate eclairs to more daring vegan cupcakes, all crafted by the talented baker who has been turning ordinary pastries into edible works of art for over a decade.

A Sweet Story

The Cake Girl’s real name is Tara Martinez, and she has earned her nickname for her distinctive style that blends vintage flair with modern flavor profiles. Born and raised in Pinellas County, Tara began baking as a hobby in her grandmother’s kitchen and later honed her craft in a pastry school in Miami. After working for a year in a high‑end hotel kitchen, she opened her own shop, “Sweet Delights,” in 2015. The business quickly grew into a community staple, thanks in part to Tara’s willingness to experiment with seasonal ingredients and her signature “no‑gluten, dairy‑free” menu that appeals to a wide spectrum of food‑lovers.

“The festival is a fantastic platform to showcase what we’re working on all year long,” Tara told the local reporters. “I’ve always loved sharing my creations with the community, and what better way than to do it at a place that celebrates the best of Pinellas County’s culinary talent?”

Tara’s desserts are known for their vivid presentation and bold flavors. Among her best‑selling items are the “Red Velvet Dream” cupcakes, which are topped with a silky raspberry buttercream, and the “Dark Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake,” which boasts a chocolate crust and a swirl of salted caramel. For those with dietary restrictions, her vegan “Lemon‑Rose Cupcakes” have become a fan favorite. All of Tara’s pastries are available for purchase at a dedicated booth at the festival, where she will also share a few baking secrets with curious onlookers.

The Festival’s Buzz

Savor St. Pete Food & Wine Festival is a two‑day event that draws chefs, restaurateurs, wine‑connoisseurs, and food‑enthusiasts from across the region. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with an extended evening programming on Friday that features a series of cooking demonstrations and a wine‑tasting showcase. Admission to the festival is free, and attendees can enjoy a curated lineup of more than 60 food vendors, 20 local wineries, and a handful of craft breweries.

The festival’s website highlights a lineup of notable guests, including chef Maria Lopez, who will host a live cooking demonstration on grilled seafood, and wine‑tasting sommeliers who will guide participants through a tasting of the region’s finest vintages. In addition, the event will include a “Kids’ Cooking Corner” where children can create their own edible masterpieces under supervision.

Community Impact

One of the festival’s core missions is to support the local economy and give back to the community. All proceeds from the event will go to the Pinellas County Food Bank and a local arts organization that provides culinary training to underserved youth. The organizers have worked closely with the City of St. Pete’s Department of Economic Development to ensure that vendors, such as Tara’s Sweet Delights, can showcase their products while also benefiting from the exposure and sales opportunities.

“We’re excited to see how these vendors will shine,” said festival director Carla Martinez. “Events like Savor St. Pete create a sense of unity among our culinary community and foster a shared appreciation for the unique flavors that Pinellas County has to offer.”

How to Get There

The festival will be held at the St. Pete Pier, a popular waterfront location that offers panoramic views of Tampa Bay. Parking is available in the adjacent lots, and there are ample bike‑parking spaces for eco‑friendly travelers. For those who want to avoid the crowds, Tara’s Sweet Delights booth is located near the main entrance, making it easy for festival-goers to add a sweet finale to their tasting journey.

Tara has already been receiving emails from fans who are excited to meet her and taste her desserts at the festival. She’s also encouraged visitors to follow her on Instagram, where she shares behind‑the‑scenes looks at her baking process and occasionally offers giveaways. Her handle is @cakegirlpinellas, and her followers have praised her for her willingness to interact with her audience and for the consistently high quality of her pastries.

Looking Ahead

The Savor St. Pete Food & Wine Festival is just the latest opportunity for local culinary artisans to showcase their talent. Tara Martinez, with her reputation as “The Cake Girl,” adds a sweet and memorable element to a weekend already rich in gastronomic adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned food critic, a casual dessert lover, or a family looking for a fun outing, the festival promises to deliver a sensory experience that celebrates the vibrant food culture of Pinellas County.

Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday—10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the St. Pete Pier—and be sure to swing by Sweet Delights to indulge in Tara’s delectable creations. For more information on the festival schedule, vendor list, and ticketing, visit the official Savor St. Pete website.