By Jessica Easthope
Sugar, spice, and a skating rink with ice make up this replica of the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza.
Susan Caliendo and Mario Dibiase’s seasonal structure isn’t just detailed, it’s delicious.
“Candy, isomalt, chewing gum, candy horses, the angels, everything there is completely edible and it’s filled with popcorn,” Dibiase said.
Caliendo, owner of Something Sugared in Bay Ridge, and Dibiase, owner of Sottovoce in Park Slope are two of about 25 bakers entered into the Museum of the City of New York’s Gingerbread NYC Great Borough Bake Off.
The two have already won the Best in Brooklyn title, but they’re hoping to also get “People’s Choice” with the help of visitor votes.
You can marvel at the gingerbread molding, but what stands out for Caliendo and Dibiase, is more spiritual than sweet.
“Keeping Christ in Christmas is obviously a big part of it and part of that is gathering and getting together and that’s what Jesus taught us in Scripture,” Dibiase said.
“This exhibit is about soldiers that have defended our country and the angels represent guidance and faith and support from God,” Caliendo said. “So this exhibit completely fills that for me.”
Visitors can vote using a QR code at the exhibit, which is open until Jan. 15.