Bertrand Jang, owner and creator of Sweet & Me – Pacific-inspired cakes crafted to reflect the spirit of the Islands, but without the hefty price tag.

One of Bertrand’s earliest memories is of baking. At the tender age of four and inspired by a Sesame Street episode, Bertrand attempted his first cake. The result was a concoction that required warm butter and whole eggs to be sliced through before serving.

Judging by the many rave reviews from delighted customers of his newly launched online cake store, the Fijian-born baker has come a long way since those culinary-challenged days.

Bertrand boasts more than 12 years’ hospitality experience, having worked his way up from a commi chef position at a Rarotonga beach resort to Head Chef at Kai Pasikifa, Aucklands first restaurant dedicated to Pacific food and about which a New Zealand’s Herald food writer once said of his cocoa-flavoured bread-and-butter pudding: “…there’s nothing quite like it anywhere on Earth.”.

Bertrand’s unfailing passion for food is not something The Kitchen Project need provide him help with; rather he is seeking the skills to achieve a fully operational business that’s up and standing on its own two feet within a year.

Speaking about his highlight of the programme so far, he says: “Omg there are so many things, it’s crazy.

“But the best so far has been launching my business online and being paired with Martin Smith who is the General Manager of Collective Hospitality (they provide catering for some of New Zealand’s most prestigious events).

“I can’t wait to start collaborating with him. Plus, he’s somehow gotten to build my dream kitchen so now I have to come up with new one.”

Follow Bertrand’s Sweet & Me on Facebook.

Keen to try Bertrand’s food?

Find Bertrand’s Sweet & Me at the La Cigale Markets in Parnell every Saturday and Sunday. You can also buy Bert’s products online.