As it appears my original post has been yanked by the editors, I'm reposting to thank all who gave suggestions.

The plan was to send a special, decadent birthday cake to a close friend who lives in Miami. Since I live in NJ, I needed guidance from sweet tooth foodies in the Miami area.

I ended up going with Sweet Art by Lucila. www.miamicakes.com They made & delivered a beautiful gift box shaped cake, with fondant icing with marbled cake inside.

My friend & his office mates were thrilled and the delicious cake was decimated in minutes. It was a great surprise & went off perfectly.

Thanks Fodorites for pointing me in the right direction! Trish

Although I didn't give you any advice, Trish, I'm glad to hear that it was a success. That was a very thoughtful gesture on your part.

Tricia,
My Bday is in May and I like chocolate

OWJ

Great gift by the way! Very creative!

Glad it all worked out for your Trish (a really good idea you had there). Good luck on your new business!

By the way, my birthday is in two weeks and I eat anything with chocolate

I don't have a birthday - gave them up years ago - but you can certainly send me some cake any time you like.

LOL! for everyone! Chocolate of course.

It was worth the effort to get the phone call saying "you are too much...!"

I even fed-exed plates, napkins, forks & candles that coordinated with the cake's colors. What can I say? I'm a designer. It's all in the details.

But I couldn't have done it without a great bakery recommendation. What would we ever do without Fodors!?