Let Them Eat Cake

I imagine that when Marie Antoinette allegedly uttered that phrase, she had sampled the legendary coconut cake at Peninsula Grill. I am so confident in the superiority of this cake that I can say that it’s hands down the best cake I have ever eaten and the only one worth writing about. Yes, it’s that good.

Tucked into Charleston’s historic market district, the Peninsula Grill is a four-star restaurant sure to tantalize and tempt foodies from across the country and around the globe. In fact, when I was there dining with my family, Bobby Flay was enjoying a meal at a nearby table. Ranking as our #2 meal together (#1 is Mama’s Fish House in Maui), the Peninsula Grill offers excellent service and food that makes you wish the meal won’t end. But then, at the end of the meal comes…the cake.

The stories of this particular coconut cake had spread among my friend circles and captured the attention of many food editors. By newspapers and magazines, it has been called “a little slice of heaven” and “a thing of tearful beauty.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. A tear comes to my eye just thinking about how much I want a piece.

The signature dish at Peninsula Grill, The Ultimate Coconut Cake is based off the recipe from Executive Chef Robert Carter’s grandmother. Built on a moist pound cake foundation, this cake combines coconut and fresh vanilla in twelve decadent layers. The outer part of the cake is adorned with cream and butter icing coated with toasted coconut and topped off with simple syrup.

Even if you don’t think you have a sweet tooth, you might be surprised. Completely out of character, my dad almost ate the entire piece of cake that we were supposed to be sharing. Next time, he’s getting his own piece.

Wondering what a slice of heaven tastes like? Peninsula Grill overnights The Ultimate Coconut Cake to almost any location in the U.S. for $100 plus shipping (serves 25-30). For those of you feeling extremely ambitious, you can find the recipe here. Or, save yourself the headache (and the mess) and order online at www.peninsulagrill.com

Peninsula Grill.  112 N. Market Street.  Charleston, SC.  843.723.0700