The Atlas Obscura Podcast Atlas Obscura Presents: Traveling Back in Time for Coconut Cake with The Sporkful
May 29, 2025
Dan Pashman, host of The Sporkful, takes a flavorful journey through Los Angeles in search of the perfect coconut cake. He explores how food evokes nostalgia and connects cultures, while sharing humorous encounters with locals. Pashman navigates hidden underground tunnels and unearths quirky sites like the Time Travel Mart, blending history with culinary adventures. His delightful cake-tasting at Patty's Restaurant sparks memories and laughter, making this quest a delicious dive into time and flavor.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Regretting the Coconut Cake Miss
- Dan Pashman recounts regretting not buying a coconut cake slice at Patty's diner in Toluca Lake.
- This missed chance drives him back to find the elusive cake, making it a personal mission.
Routine and Time Travel Snacks
- Dan talks with Lyft driver Yehil from Israel, who shares his routine of eating fiber-rich waffles daily.
- Yehil emphasizes stability and chooses matzah for time travel due to its preservation qualities.
Time Travel Mart Adventure
- Dan visits the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a whimsical shop selling fictional time travel goods.
- He buys time travel sickness pills, humorously preparing for his metaphorical time journey to correct past mistakes.