I’ve made no secrets about the fact that I abhor waiting in line for food. Coming to the end of that line and finding that what I wanted is sold out? Unforgivable. That means that I’m not the key demographic when it comes to viral sensations.
But Layered in Fairfax is different. I watched reel after reel of the place when it opened in August. I’m an absolute fangirl of Château de Chantilly, which boasts the same exceptional team. But nonetheless, I decided to bide my time until the fuss had died down a bit before visiting.
Choosing a Sweet Bite
On a recent Monday afternoon, the café and bakery was full of students working on their laptops over a cup of coffee. But the pastry case was just as packed, in contrast to the business’ early days of selling out throughout the day. I was able to take my pick of pastries, which I enjoyed along with a full-bodied London Fog.
A small viennoiserie case resembles the larger version at Château. When I visited, the cruffins (my favorite) were already gone for the day. But there were still several Dubai chocolate croissants covered in gold leaf, another of the team’s pastries that I’ve tried and loved.
It’s not easy to choose from the colorful array of fruit-shaped and otherwise ornate delicacies in the refrigerated case. I skipped raspberry, strawberry, lemon and pumpkin — all made to look like the fruits they contained — in favor of realistic-looking mango. I was impressed with the light tartness of the mango cream, which gave way to a center of chopped mangoes in sauce. Contained in painted white chocolate and a bottom layer of gluten-free joconde, it’s an impressive piece of edible artistry, though I’m not sure if I’d pay upwards of $12 for it again.
Elevated Tastes
Somewhat more reasonably priced at around $9, the vanilla brûlée is perhaps even prettier. With a mirror finish that’s speckled with vanilla beans, a disc of gelatin with fresh lavender buds sits on top like a tam o’ shanter. Inside, crème brûlée, vanilla mousse, and a vanilla sponge conspire to create a symphony of the oft-overlooked exotic bean. This is one vanilla dessert that’s anything but boring.
Whether it’s a Layered or a Château, this first shot at expansion gives me hope that the team will continue to grow beyond Fairfax and Chantilly. My hope is to see them make it elsewhere — maybe in Loudoun County or Arlington — in the not-too-distant future. When they do, I won’t be the first one in line, but I’ll be there eventually, eager to give them my money.
Feature image by Alice Levitt
