dinner-party showpiece · 2024
A low blush single-tier for a loft dinner of ten — meant to be cut at the table, not plated in the kitchen.
The fourth dinner this host had thrown in the same SoHo loft, and the fourth cake. By now it’s a standing joke: one wide tier, whatever fruit is best that week, set down whole so the cutting becomes part of the evening.
A single generous tier in a smooth blush buttercream, with a comb-textured side and nothing on top but a thumb-pressed swoop. Built low and broad so it slices cleanly for ten without anyone needing to stand.
This round was olive oil & citrus. Past versions have been fig & black tea and a chocolate & crème fraîche the host still brings up unprompted.
Made for seated dinners and supper clubs — any host who would rather cut the cake in front of everyone than send it out on plates.
up close
Four dinners, four cakes, zero leftovers. I have stopped offering people boxes to take home. There is never anything to box.
I came for the wine and stayed for the cake, which is the wrong order and I refuse to feel bad about it.