Let Them Eat Cake

I have been making a cake each day this week, testing ideas and ingredients, and knowing that their is not much time left. Henrietta's 68th birthday is this Sunday and she asked me to make a cake; she said that she didn't want a present other than that as it would show our love for her more than anything else (she should have taken the present). Well, we are getting her a present; it will be the "topping on the cake"and it is a stunningly simple, yet fabulous tiara. Mr. Astor and I had a deep discussion about this at the wedding store downtown. He favored the classic, raised-front tiara so typical of coming of age parties of Cuban girls. I argued for the only one the simple ban of roses and stones; I pressed that it would be easily mixed with Henrietta's real jewels and present a noble and stoic presence in her monumental hair do. I won.

Henrietta, The Queen of South Beach, will be honored by the citizens of South Beach this weekend. It will mark 53 years of living in drag and being one of the most beloved characters ever to have reigned over this kooky island.