WHY Four words: Blum’s Coffee Crunch Cake.

WHAT Luxurious truffles, chocolate-dipped toffee squares, square, tiered wedding cakes clad in candied rose petals, exquisite petits fours and house-made preserves are artfully arranged in the front of this commercial-kitchen space, which offers, in the See’s tradition, a silver sample tray to welcome visitors. For many Angelenos, the main attraction is the Classic Cake Collection, re-creations of famous bygone L.A. desserts—owner Valerie Gordon is a food-history buff who’s constantly researching at the Central Library. She sources from local growers wherever possible, leads seasonal canning classes, caters, and does elegant weekend teas at the American Tea Room in Beverly Hills. Cakes need to be ordered ahead.;

WHO Angelenos seeking the glory days of L.A. desserts.