Virtual Birthday Parties and Toilet Paper Cakes
Amid the rising concern of the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), changes have been implemented that put restrictions on the way daily life is lived. Celebrations are deeply impacted too, particularly how people are now celebrating their birthdays.
One student who managed to make his quarantine birthday special was Santa Monica College student Phillip Boone, "My birthday was yesterday. My mom made a great meal and a cake. And in the evening, I played games online with friends", said Boone. Birthday parties are amongst the many things that have been canceled due to quarantine, but as Boone and his mother show, a little creativity goes a long way.
Traditionally, birthdays are spent with loved ones. However, with the social distancing policy in place, the mode of communicating with loved ones for a special day is a different protocol. The most accessible way to do this amid the Corona virus is by using a video-chat method such as Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or Skype, complete with an E-vite, or digital invitation.
"It was done via Zoom with friends who called me for a 'happy hour'" said SMC student Alejandro Lee, who celebrated his birthday via Zoom.
Instead of going out to eat, people are instead picking up their favorite food from local restaurants that are still offering take-out. A few restaurants that are offering take-out and/ or delivery in Santa Monica during this time are BOA Steakhouse, Gilbert's El Indio, The Ivy, Joe’s Pizza, and Tocaya Organic.
Illustration By Carolyn Burt | The Corsair
Cakes, another tradition of birthdays, are still in full swing as bakeries are under the category of food and beverage businesses, which are deemed essential in Los Angeles and can remain open during this time. One cake shop that is fully operating right now is Top Tier Treats. Top Tier Treats, co-owned by Jamaica and James Crist, is a full-service cake shop in Santa Monica that offers high-quality cakes, baked goods, and more. Their menu includes standard and vegan options.
Jamaica Crist, co-owner and head decorator of Top Tier treats spoke on her experience working during a pandemic. "We've actually been very busy with birthdays (and coffee, and other sweets) this quarantine time. We noticed an initial cancellation of larger weddings for the near future and we saw some downsizing of birthdays in the beginning. What we have noticed now is that everyone is home but still want small cakes to celebrate the special occasion with the immediate family" Crist said.
They are taking social distancing very seriously and doing everything they can to assure the safety of their customers. "Other adjustments we've made is to shorten our hours...Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm/Sat: 8:30am-4pm/Sun: closed. We have less employees scheduled at a time. All employees are required to wear masks, wash hands way more often than already doing, wear gloves, sanitize every half hour and/or after every customer leaves" said Crist.
Top Tier Treats has also used their talents to help their customers make light during this time with some of the cakes they have been making. "We have done quite a few of the toilet paper roll cakes," said Crist. The trendy cakes are a nod to toilet paper disappearing from store shelves due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to their cakes, Top Tier Treats has added some savory items to their menu including potato, onion, and cheddar quiche, spinach and feta quiche, side salads, dinner rolls, and both regular and vegan mac and cheese options. They have always offered delivery through reputable third party vendors; And they are currently offering 50% off of their delivery rates at this time. "In addition to delivery, clients can still do pick-up in store (one group at a time) or call us for curbside pick up" said Crist.
Although this year's birthday may be different, a little extra effort can make a special birthday possible. One might guess what everyones' wish will be.
For more information you can reach Top Tier Treats by phone at (310) 478-1971 or visit their website at www.toptiertreats.com.
