Cake to order

Diners gasped as a server placed a massive three-layer wedge of banana cake with chocolate frosting on a neighboring table. This was one of the desserts The Porch Restaurant and Bar offered during last month's Sacramento Vegan Chef Challenge, and it was not only impressive in size (it also came with a fantastic vanilla-bean coconut ice cream), but in its taste and moist texture. Then, a lightbulb moment: Would the restaurant make the cake to order for vegans and their assorted special-occasion needs? Sous chef Courtney “Coco” Cornwell gives consent, as long as the kitchen has at least three days advance notice—and around $48. She also said that the restaurant is in talks about keeping a vegan entree and dessert on the menu year-round. Let the ordering begin at 1815 K Street or (916) 444-2423.