The Velvet Buttercream — Restaurant in Phoenix

I've decided to post my experience with this bakery because I'm heading to Phoenix again for my yearly visit to my childhood city. Last November 29th I ordered a custom sheet cake from this bakery (as it was the closest to my sister's house) for a December 1st pick-up. I spoke to the owner's mother when I made the order. She was pleasant and said she understood exactly what I wanted: A sheet cake with decorations like the type of cake from Smitty's or Fry's or Bashas in the 1970's...cursive writing with frosting flowers...remember those? Aaron, the owner, apparently didn't. I made the order on a Wednesday and picked the cake up on a Saturday afternoon. I arrived at 5pm because Aaron said to come after 3 pm when it would be ready...so I was late due to the streets on Central Avenue being shut down for a parade. Then out came the cake. It was a sheet cake for sure (it was rectangular in shape)...with tiny cursive writing "Happy Birthday" and a few flowers scattered here and there...looking nothing what I had asked for. I told the employee the cake was not what I was expecting and that I would be embarrassed to serve it. The employee didn't know what to do..so he got Aaron from the back, who offered to put more flowers on and give me icing to write the Happy Birthday over again at home. Are you kidding me? I couldn't stay because it was already 5 pm and I had to get back to my sister's house before the dinner started at 5:30 pm. But more importantly, how could this have happened to such a basic request? I was very, very specific with his mother as to what I wanted and she said she understood perfectly. I also sent her pictures. This cake was over $150 and it looked so amateurish. But this wasn't the worst part. When it came time for dessert, everyone had the same comment...the frosting tasted like "plastic" and had the texture of hardened butter. It was awful. You know that taste when bad frosting coats your mouth like plastic? I think you do. No one finished their cake. Also, the cake itself was dry and the filling was almost nonexistent. This was meant to be a surprise for my sister, who turned 60 that day and I wanted to serve a cake that was reminiscent of our childhood. No cake from our childhood was ever this bad. The cake went into the trash because no one wanted to take it home..So sad! My (other) sister who hosted the party wrote a Yelp review (look for Patricia Silva under Velvet Buttercream) to which Aaron responded by blaming us.He basically said my sister was lying. As other reviewers have said here Aaron, you don't take criticism well and you become very aggressive and defensive because you didn't get glowing reviews. I'm sorry that someone told you your cakes are special. Ours wasn't....and we do know good cake from bad. Attacking customers for their reviews isn't good. My sister, by the way, never writes reviews, but this bakery calls itself Velvet Buttercream! Talk about irony. To my fellow Phoenicians...if you want a good cake, please go elsewhere...or at least to a place where the owner won't attack you for an accurate review of their work. And finally Aaron, I can have other guests from that evening confirm my assessment of the (dry...plastic...butter?) cake with no filling if you want additional reviews...happy to do...

My husband and I can only say wonderful things about our son Chef Aaron! He has worked extremely hard in obtaining his degree in the culinary field. When he realized wanting to be a pastry Chef like his Great Grandfather Joe Romo and my dad his grandfather Esequiel "Sikie" Romo. They owned the Holbrook Bakery which was started in the late 1950's, then "Romo's Cafe" in 1969.

Aaron has displayed the want to learn, excel, and create nothing but the best. A value which he still holds to this day. In 2010 he began laying the foundation for what is now "The Velvet Buttercream". He began pouring endless hours and money into his R&D projects to bring you the best he has to offer. No stone has been left unturned, no cup of sugar left uncooked. He is truly in it to change your perceptions by combining new modern with old classical.

Aaron has created the Velvet buttercream Icing along with many other Signature Icing flavors that are just too perfect. Balanced in every way. The icings are not overly sweet, it's what I love about everything in his recipes. His signature items are baked from scratch, there is nothing that is boxed.

Chef Aaron works tirelessly on a daily basis. His creativity in each design is outstanding. Customers have said that this business takes them back to a New York bakery. His team, Wendy, Albina, Tekiyah, bring their designing talents to the Velvet Buttercream in an exceptional way that Chef Aaron is very pleased with! The Bakery staff Rachel, Celeste, Natalie, Holly, Tony have worked very hard in the Amazing service...

For those of you that have seen Matilda, you’ll know what I am talking about. The Trunchbull Cupcake is by far, without a doubt, the best chocolate dessert I think I’ve ever had. This was a 15/10 for me. I put mine in the fridge once I got it and the top of the cupcake where the frosting would typically be, was like a piece of fudge. Perfect chocolate cake, with a chunk of chocolate fudge, and chocolate sprinkles. I was unable to find this listed on the website so remember this when you want/need something chocolate. I got a few desserts so this particular one was the star for me but everything else I got was just as amazing. You have to try the amazing NY Mini Cheesecake, the Macarons are crunchy on the outside and so soft and delicious on the inside, and the Cannoli is filled to order so you’ll never encounter a soggy one here. The Arizona Strawberry Shortcake was the first thing I ever purchased from the Owner before the actual location was opened. I saw a picture of it online and it was exactly what I was looking for. Strawberry Shortcake is one of my Fathers favorite desserts and this one will always be a favorite for my entire family. We couldn’t get enough of it and it’s been requested many times by them. The Velvet Buttercream is truly a hidden Gem in Phoenix so please make your way there and try something delicious. You will never be disappointed. From the Desserts to the very friendly Owner and Family who operate this place, it’s overall a great experience and I will always highly recommend them...