The Depressed Cake Shop is returning for its seventh year to Silver Street Studios, located at 2000 Edwards. The event is from 1 to 5 p.m. on November 3. Each year, top houston pastry chefs and local bakers join forces to create thousands of goodies for the bake sale, which benefits the Montrose Center and NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) Greater Houston and brings greater awareness to mental health issues. The annual Houston event was founded by Jody Stevens of JodyCakes (whose dessert talents, by the way, are also being showcased at our upcoming gala). Laurie Harvey and Kris Sowell, otherwise known as the bartending “Ladies of Libation,” are co-hosting.

The concept started in the United Kingdom in 2013, and that was also the year that Stevens started the first Depressed Cake Shop in Houston. Since then, bakers and pastry chefs in other cities have hosted their own versions of the fundraiser. “It is unbelievable how big it’s gotten,” said Stevens. “I was blown away that 60 to 75 people came to the first one, and it’s grown organically over the years to where it is today. Last year, there were about 500 people in attendance. I always knew that I would continue to do it, no matter how big or small the event got to be. The topic still needs to be a discussion within our community, with one another and without hesitation to seek help if needed. The event keeps the dialog open.”

Unlike other treats, which are often decorated in perky, bright colors, the creations for the Depressed Cake Shop are adorned in muted hues, such as grey and black. The results are often surprisingly elegant and uniquely beautiful. Often, the pastry chefs and bakers add a colorful or fun design element that represents hope. Several full-size cakes will be up for bidding, while other cakes, as well as cookies, pastries and other grey goodies can be purchased on the spot.

The community bake sale has been remarkably successful, raising over $38,000 in the past seven years. In addition to Stevens, other participating pastry chefs and bakers are from:

• 1751 Sea & Bar
• Bravery Chef Hall
• The Dunlavy
• Eat. Drink. Experience!
• Harris & Essex
• Houston Community College Culinary Arts Program
• International Smoke
• Koffeteria
• Nancy’s Hustle
• One Fifth Houston
• Phoenicia Specialty Foods
• Red Dessert Dive
• Rudyards
• Sweet Bribery

There are drinks, too. The Ladies of Libation are donating cocktails, while other sip-ables are provided by Katz Coffee and Waterloo Sparkling Waters. “I could not do this alone and thankful to have a great team in place, alongside both of our benefactors and of course all of our awesome volunteers, bakers and the chefs,” Stevens said. “They make the event so very special.”

No ticket is needed to enter the bake sale. Just bring cash and a desire to help those who need mental health awareness, diagnosis and services.

For more information and to get event updates, “Like” the Depressed Cake Shop Facebook page.

Phaedra Cook

Phaedra Cook has written about Houston’s restaurant and bar scene since 2010. She was a regular contributor to My Table magazine (now closed) and was the lead restaurant critic for the Houston Press for two years, eventually being promoted to food editor. Cook founded Houston Food Finder in November 2016 and has been its editor and publisher ever since.