The icing on the cake? Another ‘Housewives’ catfight
Whitfield's "Independence Party" cake created by Highland Bakery's Karen Portaleo. Photos courtesy of The Highland Bakery.
Highland Bakery sugar artist Karen Portaleo had mixed feelings after viewing Thursday night’s episode of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
Portaleo tuned in to see the footage of her gorgeous “Independence” cake she created for “Housewives” cast member Sheree Whitfield who threw herself a party at Midtown’s Door 44 nightclub, following her divorce from NFL star hubby Bob Whitfield.
But naturally, the beauty of Portaleo’s creation and the evening in general were marred by a series of catfights that erupted between “Housewives” Kim Zolciak and NeNe Leakes. The normally reserved newest cast member Kandi Burruss was even drawn into the altercation.
“Oh, my God, I made my mom and dad watch this trashy show tonight!” said Portaleo in a late night call to Buzz Central following the broadcast. “Andy Warhol may have exaggerated. I don’t think I was actually on for more than a few seconds. But I’m going to count it!”
Portaleo was invited by Whitfield to stay and serve the cake at the party, which was probably a wise move considering some of the requested ingredients from the divorcee.
The tiered cake was a ball and chain with a opened cuff and purple butterflies flying off. The cuff contained real rhinestones.
“Sheree was very cool,” recalled Portaleo who created the confection early this spring. “She just told me, ‘I want this cake to be fabulous! And lots of bling. I’m a fashion designer. I want it covered in bling!’ ”
The sugar artist tells us similar cakes at the Highland Bakery usually serve between 150 to 180 folks and run between $1,200 to $1,500 a piece.
And yes, Portaleo was still present when the fight erupted between Zolciak and Leakes after the alleged singer backtracked on a plan to turn her dance single “Tardy for the Party” into a duet with Leakes.
“My opinion?” Leakes told Zolciak. “You can’t sell the song without me. Because of who I am, my personality, everything that has to do with me. More people would buy the song if I was on it.”
Later, Leakes got in Burress’ face for overseeing the recording of the song, prompting the usually quiet singer to caution Leakes: “Bring it down, BRING IT DOWN!”
Whitfield’s response: “Not tonight, ladies. Not on my night!”
“I remember all that yelling and screaming,” Portaleo recalled. “It was fascinating to observe. People were very quick to step up to the cameras to give their opinion of the fight. It was a little like watching ‘The Wave’ at a sporting event. As the camera panned the room, people got very excited and animated. But when the cameras weren’t pointed at them, the energy subsided quickly. I’m just grateful no one choked on a rhinestone!”
To read AJC Radio TV Talk blogger Rodney Ho’s complete “RHOA” episode recap, click here.
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110 comments Add your comment
martin
September 25th, 2009
9:49 am
I saw the cake that night, it was stunning!
Kevrock/Smarty Jones
September 25th, 2009
10:35 am
We all know we have White Trash….now Atlanta has Black Trash!
Issa
September 25th, 2009
10:35 am
These are some of the most embarassing women ever. It shouldnt even be called ATL Housewive,only two are married, one is a Mistress ( and happy to be just that) another is a so called fashion diva and poor Kandy just should have stayed away from this drama
That Dude
September 25th, 2009
10:40 am
Sheree needs 10X the Sugar of that cake to counter all the bitterness she has. Stop being so mean, it ain’t sexy!!!
thank you
September 25th, 2009
11:06 am
That Dude, well put! She appears as a very vain, conviving and shallow woman. Bob Whitfield should have thrown the party;)
GA Girl
September 25th, 2009
11:16 am
The cake was beautiful. I hope more business will generate for Karen. NeNe needs to apologize to Sheree for her behavior and her many outbursts. Does she need medication?
A
September 25th, 2009
11:16 am
Enter your comments here
Portaleo, you made your Mom and Dad watch this trashy show? I bet your business picks up from this trash so shut up and reap the profits from your 15 seconds of trashy fame !!
good woman
September 25th, 2009
11:21 am
great job on the cake..it was the classy thing at the party
KDJ
September 25th, 2009
11:23 am
Several friends and I made the decision months ago to boycott any restaurant or business associated with that disgusting show. That is a shame because Highland Bakery was a regular stop for us….looks like Piece of Cake just got 15 new customers.
Sandy
September 25th, 2009
11:27 am
Kandi I wish you would have punched NeNe in the mouth as big as it is.The drama queen of the show is her.I’m tired of Sheree like she
all that.That’s the last time I’m watching that show. Kandi girl put
those drama tramps out our life and move on.
D
September 25th, 2009
11:31 am
Go GaGirl !!! LOL, They make medications and have entire wards and free standing hospitals to cure NeNe’s personality disorder !!!
Stephanie
September 25th, 2009
11:52 am
KDJ…I agree wholeheartedly. If a business is willing to support this debacle of a show, advocating such deplorable behavior by using it as an avenue to generate more business for themselves, they need to realize that some of their customers…past, present and what would have been future…will choose to take their business elsewhere.
R u serious????
September 25th, 2009
11:58 am
Come on guys, it’s just a tv show. Off camera NeNe said she has camera balls!!! That shows me that they only act a fool when the camera is pointing at them. She was wrong to do that to Kim. She should just accept that she doesn’t want her to sing on her cd. It’s not that big of a deal. Sheree, i love the cake. When i got divorced i had something similiar. Ten of my friends for a weekend trip, limo rides, and vip in the clubs of Toronto. It was the best!!! Celebrate girl, and damn the haters!!! They keep us on top!! Holla!!!!!
CathyD
September 25th, 2009
12:08 pm
Kandi girl you are to classy for the trash that the women put out. This show is not for you keep it real in the music business and throw out the trash. ATL Housewives do not need you. You don’t fit in with that crowd.
CathyD
September 25th, 2009
12:11 pm
The cake was beautiful. NeNe is the GHETTO one. Kim is Kim GOLD Digger so what if she can get it then let her get it. And for Ms. Sheree you are not “ALL THAT’ sister, but good luck
Oh my
September 25th, 2009
12:14 pm
The cake was beautiful. Not sure how many Independence Party Sherree is having. Thought she had one last season. And the potrait, are you serious? How vain can you be? You can see on the artist face that he was only doing this for the publicity. It looked as if Sherree got on his nerves.
Anyhow, the “fame” has gotten to NeNe’s head. She is not a tell it like it is person, she is just a mean, vindictive, jealous bully. NeNe was back and forth on singing the song with Kim. So what she didn’t want to sing with you. NeNe said she wasn’t a singer and Kim it was a dream to become a singer. NeNe is just upset because she is not apart of something potentially good for someone else. Her comments alone shows her true colors. NeNe should not have dragged Kandi into the nonsense she and Kim has.
I don’t know if anyone noticed but Lisa is an instigator (spell check). She is just out to get anyone against Kim. Other than Kandi, I am not a big fan of any of these girls. The fights and agruements they have are so high school.
A applaud Kandi for trying to get NeNe to lower her voice and eventually walking away.
Cake
September 25th, 2009
12:17 pm
I don’t know about the fashion designer thing but I do know that the cake was stunning!!! Maybe NeNe would have chilled out if someone had shoved a piece of it in her mouth. Afterall, it seems that she wants to have her cake as well as everyone elses and to eat it too!!!
Nettie
September 25th, 2009
12:22 pm
Funny! I didn’t even notice the cake. Looks great here though.
Monica
September 25th, 2009
12:31 pm
It’s just a TV show! Come DOWN!
Business is Business
September 25th, 2009
12:32 pm
Don’t hate on the cake baker! She was hired to do a job. Regarding the show, folks, it’s entertainment (for some people) and nothing more. I think people put too much thought into how it makes Atlanta “look.” It would have been a poor business decision for the bakery not to do the show, it’s great exposure and shows off the baker’s skills as a cake designer to a huge audience. Some people need escapism in their life and tune in to reality shows like that to escape reality (gosh that’s kinda funny). Boycott companies that club baby seals for their furs and produce cigarettes, not the Highlands Bakery!!
Elizabeth
September 25th, 2009
12:38 pm
I’m glad to know about the Highland Bakery. I’ll definitely check them out!
RahRah
September 25th, 2009
12:39 pm
I want to thank Peach Buzz for covering your cake art, beautiful.
rita
September 25th, 2009
12:47 pm
Nene looked like she was already on a drug! She IS a bully who manipulates people around her to get her own way.When she is unable to intimidate someone(Kandi) she just sticks her face closer and escalates the volume. She was out of control last night. I’ll bet when the rage left her she became almost childlike..Nene has some serious mental health problems that could get her in real trouble legally if not addressed.
Sheree makes me uncomfartable just to watch her…I rarely see someone so shallow & uncaring about other people’s feelings. Sheree does not have a clue how she comes off to others…living in her small “Sheree world”.
Kim, get a clue…Nene is not your friend now or ever. She hides her true self…you saw a little bit of it at the party.
hmr
September 25th, 2009
12:52 pm
I wonder what Sheree’s kids think about her attitude towards their father? I’m sure they’ve watched the show before and have to hear that mess. And let’s not even talk about the example Kim is setting for her daughters…
Business Owner
September 25th, 2009
12:59 pm
As a business owner, it is appalling that people would stop supporting a business because a business is doing business. No matter what you people think of the “housewives”, they have a right to buy anything from a business. If you truly support a business, and then get angry because someone else wants to enjoy the same, then good riddance! Ihad never heard of that bakery, but they will be getting my support, because the creation of that cake was beautiful. If everyone held to such an immature, and controlling stance, then no one should purchase anything from a fuel station or grocery center because they sell cigarettes and alcohol. No one should ever seek medical care because of major medical errors. The comments about boycotting that bakery are just plan stupid! For the few who do boycott a because a business is trying to maintain its financial standing, at least 3x that number will become new, faithful and true patrons!
Sha
September 25th, 2009
1:06 pm
Wow??????
kcl
September 25th, 2009
1:09 pm
Its a tv show people .GET OVER IT those of you talking about not going to the bakery your even worse than the ladies on the show.I like Ne Ne but lately she coming off as just mad and sneaky. Kim on the other hand she is crazy and did you see last week where she fell and got up and was ok ,Then once she got attention she was hurt now she is so fake.I think everyone need to relax and realize this is a reality show and take it for what it is.Get a life people
kcl
September 25th, 2009
1:11 pm
I forgot to mention,I love the cake its beautiful!!!! I will come to you you when I want a cake done. Great Job
JC-25
September 25th, 2009
1:13 pm
I agree that the cake was beautiful and classy. Too bad I can’t say the same thing about the attitudes of some of these women. I believe that Kandi and Lisa, are two of the more classier, productive females on the show, and although Nene, Sheree, and Kim act ignorant, shallow, petty and money hungry, I believe that 40% of how they act, is just an act for the camera’s. (except for NeNe, I think she’s probably that ignorant all the time.) Honestly, what’s up with that big ass protrait of Sheree? If that isn’t the definition of narcissism, I don’t know what is. Where would you put something like that anyway? I think it’s funny that the people that classify this show as “trash Tv,” are the same one’s that watch it religiously every week. I think it’s also funny that some people are actually willing to change their lives and “boycott” certain businesses & restuarants simply because these woman use them. I know their attitudes are embarrassing and unbecoming, but really….is it that serious?? It’s just a TV show. If you’re sticking to that “brilliant” boycott idea, you must be really familar with the sales at Walmart, and the menu’s at Burger King and Mcdonald’s, cause those are the only places you won’t find them.
Daniel
September 25th, 2009
1:17 pm
Business Owner- your post is overly simplistic and wrong. As a “business owner” you should understand that your customers are in control over where to spend their money. There is NO inalienable right of a business to have customers. For a business that caters to high end clientele where image is as important as services, it is very risky to associate yourself with a show that is by its very nature trashy. You may be right that they will get 3x the business from that cake, but I highly doubt that people who are purchasing $1500 cakes are being influenced for the positive by Sheree and Nene. I certainly would like to know what your “business” is, because with that attitude I would not want to patronize it.
Daniel
September 25th, 2009
1:22 pm
JC-25: Of course it is just a trashy TV show, and there in lies the entertainment value. People love train wrecks. I loved the show The Wire, probably the best TV show of all time, but it certainly didn’t make me want to visit Baltimore. I also love Shark Week, does that mean I should still want to swim in the “ring of death”
hoodtechie
September 25th, 2009
1:23 pm
all the more reason i am coaching my son who is black to stay away from dating black women.to much drama and inmature attitudes to deal with,stictly all about show and no personal substance worthy of being called a wife.
Hello
September 25th, 2009
1:23 pm
Sheree Whitfield is not free.She wouldn’t have to have a party to show that’s she free .We would see it in her character. The attitude that lady have will always keep her bound unless she change.
Becky
September 25th, 2009
1:24 pm
Enter your comments here
All my friends love your cake @ Highland Bakery so the fifteen that someone think you have lost,simpleminded. I have more than fifteen patrons coming to order cakes, just to support you. GO DAWGS!!!!!! C/O 2000!!!!!!
Concerned
September 25th, 2009
1:25 pm
Nene…Are you on drugs this year? You are crazy as hell. I think we blew your head up last year but you are the ghetto-ist one of them all. Kandi should have punched you in the face!
BB
September 25th, 2009
1:26 pm
Boycotting businesses because they are on the show…..you all need to get a life !!! It is a television show for entertainment purposes and you can change the channel if you do not like it. Let it go people, it is not that important.
Bonfire of the Vanities
September 25th, 2009
1:28 pm
Great looking cake!
On another note, Sheree’s painting looked “off”. I agree with Sheree’s mom that the artist did capture Sheree’s eyes, but that’s it. Sheree, I hope you didn’t pay for that! Let your next party be a bonfire, honey! LOL!
Daniel
September 25th, 2009
1:31 pm
BTW- Portaleo is the one who was shocked and dismayed that she was associated with a “trash tv show”. Did you guys read the article?
Trouble Funk
September 25th, 2009
1:31 pm
I have to give you credit; you did your thang with that cake.
Nurseypooh
September 25th, 2009
1:34 pm
The cake was beautiful. It was unfortunate that the party was over shadowed by the controversy. And Daniel, you’re wrong. Business owners have no control over who comes in to patronize their business. If they’re a buyer and their intention isn’t to harm anyone…why not sell to them. Unfortunately, these aren’t the most respectable examples of black women that we see on television. However, they do have influence and people do watch their show to see what they’re wearing, where they’re going and whay they’re doing. It’s just the nature oft he business. And as far as hoodtechie, if you’re African American you should be ashamed to even post such comments about your own race. There are plenty of black women with substance and character. And I pray that your son grows up to understand and realize that what you’re teaching is pure ignorance and racism.
JC-25
September 25th, 2009
1:38 pm
Hoodtechie: I have news for you. That’s not just black women, that’s most women and general. Don’t allow what you see on TV to further perpetuate any negative stereotypes or personal hangups that you might have with another race. Don’t allow those hangups to taint your kids own personal opinions and views. That’s no better than the KKK spreading their hatred from one generation to the next. Open your mind, and U might learn something.
Oh yea, and Daniel: I agree with you. It’s a train wreck that everybody wants to see, but, it is what it is. If people are gonna complain about it and they don’t like it, then don’t watch it. simple as that.
Business Owner
September 25th, 2009
1:47 pm
Daniel, first of all,you sound as if you have a personal vendetta. Are you Ms. Portaleo’s competition? She took a risk and it paid off, and will continue to pay off. How did it pay off? It showcased HER talent and creativity. She appeared on that show not as a friend to any of the “housewives”,BUT to highlight her skills. As for your comment about clientele who would no longer patronize a business because of an “image”, it shows that they need to strenghten their self-esteem and not find it in others! You have the right to not patronize anything that you choose. You are one person and the world does not revolve around you.
malika
September 25th, 2009
1:56 pm
i completely agree with business owner. there are many businesses that people patronize who have ties that we may not agree with. do the people that boycott the businesses on this show also boycott kraft foods? i hope so, because kraft foods owns phillip morris, the cigarette company. i hope they also boycott odwalla drinks. because odwalla is owned by coca-cola, and coca-cola is known for promoting high sugar drinks to children and helping in childhood obesity.
these jerks should stop taking themselves so seriously. my friend got her daughter’s cake made by this baker last year and the cake was fantastic. she is also planning to hire her again this year. for those of you that are so snooty and judgemental, i’d rather not wait in line next to you at my favorite eateries anyway.
Daniel
September 25th, 2009
2:00 pm
Nurseypooh- I am not wrong. Of course she has the “right” to sell to anyone, but obviously by appearing on the show and then calling the AJC to report her shock, she agreed to PARTICIPATE in the show, which is quite different than just selling someone a cake.
Business Owner- I do not make cakes nor am I in the market for high end cakes. You may disdain the attitudes of people who spend $1500 on a cake because to them image is important that is fine. But, her business is based on those type of people who spend on extravagant items. Of course the world does not revolve around me, but a business that I patronize should treat me as if their business does. It was YOUR attitude that customers who choose where and with whom to spend their money are “appalling” that is so disturbing to me. I say again with that attitude I would certainly not do busy with you.
Char
September 25th, 2009
2:03 pm
NeNe’s head is wayyy too big!!! I believe she is suffering from delusions of grandeur. She needs to apologize to Sheree, Kim, and Kandi. NeNe is the sh*t stirrer, and you folks should stop bucking her up to thinking she’s all of that, when in reality, she is classless, and doesn’t know how to communicate effectively. Enough of her, already!!!!
Juspeakinmymind
September 25th, 2009
2:14 pm
The whole incident was stupid. NeNe needs too cut it out. If Kim doesn’t want her to be on the song with her than so be it. Kandi had nothing to do with that. The cake was beautifu.
Char
September 25th, 2009
2:15 pm
The cake looked delicious, but why were the slices crumbling? Was it fresh? I don’t like cake that crumble when you slice it. It was decorated beautifully, but I buy cake for how it tastes, more so than how it looks. And, I definitely would not pay $1,500 for a cake for a small party. I would rather invest that in the stock market or buy a CD. LOL
Truth
September 25th, 2009
2:34 pm
Look Highland Bakery, you should have known what kind of show this was when you decided to do the cake!! Your cake has nothing to do with the show–except give you some great publicity. I thought the cake looked good, but I would have second thoughts about patronizing you because now you are dogging out your customer.
Kim is a manipulative, homewrecker. She says she doesn’t mind “messing with” a married man because the marriage is just a piece of paper. If that’s the case then why isn’t he divorced!!! Kim, you are such a dumb blonde who is only concerned with yourself. You and Nene were friends and you went back on your word simply because Kandi stepped in and made this song a hit. I don’t blame Nene for getting mad. And, Kandi is no saint either. She is quick to say that Nene is ghetto well, she was getting just a loud as Nene and she only walked away because she knew she didn’t want to fight Nene–give me a break. Kandi, you do need to leave the show–you are too self-righteous!!!! I may stop watching the show also. I don’t care for Kandi at all!!!
R U Kiddin Me
September 25th, 2009
2:38 pm
KDJ and Stephanie — how small of you? You will not support a hard working small business owner because she bakes a cake for Sheree. I mean to each his/her own but it seems rather STUPID to quit supporting a business whose products and/or services you have obviously enjoyed in the past, simply because they sell their product to some people you don’t like. You act as if this woman has done something immoral or illegal. Give me a break!!!
Karen in place of KDJ and any of her small-minded friends that boycott your business. I pray your business is flooded with more customers than you can handle. I don’t know how your cake tastes, but, it looked GREAT. The details were exquisitie and only proves what a hardworking woman you are who takes great pride in your work. I wish you and your business much success.
THE WHOLE IDEA
September 25th, 2009
2:38 pm
nene the bully. yell back at her, that roar will be come a meow with a quickness