We had nine scrumptious entries to our first Shore Fire Annual Bake-Off earlier this week, not to mention two celebrity judges, freelance writer and cheese expert Martin Johnson and our neighbor, Dave Park of Prefix Magazine. Thanks again to our judges for taking time out of their busy days to help us have a bit of fun at the office.

(l-r, some of the baked goods, me, Dave Park, Martin Johnson)

Entries were judged on taste and presentation and while the spread was pretty close, the winners were clear:

Nancie Martin’s Fallen Chocolate Souffle Cake

On left, Andy Silva’s Hummingbird Cake

On left, Matt Hank’s third place savory Fig Tart.

Congrats to all the entrants and thanks to all the judges!!

In what’s turning out to be the bakery of choice for Shore Fire birthday celebrations, Sugar Sweet Sunshine was Rob Krauser’s selection for today’s b-day soire. Rob got a terrific pistachio cake. Congrats Rob and a very happy birthday from all of Shore Fire!

Shore Fire President Marilyn Laverty’s July 3 birthday neatly coincides with Independence Day celebrations, so this is always a festive time of the year for all of us at Shore Fire. This year, we partied with an ice cream and coffee spread — along with fixings like sprinkles, chocolate sauce and whipped cream — the perfect late afternoon snack combo. Happy Birthday MTL!!

Boy are we spoiled, working just blocks away from the famed Juniors in downtown Brooklyn. It means that when the birthday person, in this case Nick Baily, is hankering for cheesecake, it’s a breeze to get it. And I can personally vouch that’s it’s even easier to chow down (nap time anyone?). Anyway, Happy Birthday Nick Baily!

Here’s the ritual “viewing of the first cut.”