Los Angeles - November 18, 2003

Sweet and Low-down

Pastry Chef Debra King

A twenty-dollar bill in an old pair of jeans. A coveted fashion garment at a clearance sale. A sincere person at a Hollywood party.

Today’s theme? Finding nice things in unexpected places.

Pastry chef Debra King, who’s worked with some of L.A.’s best caterers and taught baking classes at Sur La Table. But her current home base isn’t some schmancy restaurant or catering company; it’s Brite Spot, a modest little diner on Sunset in Echo Park.

At first glance, the place looks too unassuming to house such talent. But stop in for a slice of delish coconut or carrot cake or call to order something special for your next occasion, and you’ll abandon that snooty bakery forever. In addition to regular cakes, Debra makes cookies, cheesecakes, and wedding cakes — anything your sweet tooth desires. Her confections are all-natural (no preservatives or food coloring); she uses only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

So while you may not feel exactly virtuous, delving into her chocolate cake with mocha mousse and chocolate ganache, you’ll definitely congratulate yourself on having discovered a true gem in an unlikely spot.

And there’s really nothing more satisfying than that.

Brite Spot, 1918 West Sunset Boulevard, at Park Avenue (213-484-9800); or online at debrakingcakes.com.