Wednesday, February 1, 2006

COCONUT CAKE

Pastry chef Valerie Hill has about two dozen layer cakes in her repertoire at the Majestic Cafe in Alexandria. Regular diners call ahead to see if coconut cake ($7 a slice) is that day's featured American layer cake. It also happens to be Hill's personal favorite. The moist, soft, butter cake is made with coconut milk. Its three layers are separated subtly by fresh coconut. And there's more: The pompadour-like frosting is laced with coconut essence. Coconut cake is on the menu only about once every week or two. Don't bother calling on a humid day; Hill won't risk making the frosting in damp weather.

Majestic Cafe, 911 King St., Alexandria, 703-837-9117.

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