This New Cafe Takes the Cake

 

“It all started with an Easy Bake Oven my Dad bought me,” said Grace Pham.

 

Pham has since graduated from Easy Bake creations and boxed mixes to delicate Lemon Raspberry cakes and precious earl grey macarons. After initially studying pharmacy, Pham changed careers and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu, Pasadena, in 2008 with a degree in patisserie.

 

 

She owns Moyo, a cakery and cafe, that highlights her desserts and provides a place to reconnect. The name, Moyo, means “gather” in Korean, she explained. “I’ve always wanted to open up my own place – where you can enjoy dessert and a cup of coffee,” she said.

 

Although the current focus is cakes and pastries, Pham plans to add savory items and vegan options. She is open to suggestions and adamant about steering clear of preservatives and artificial ingredients.

 

“The concept is to step back and enjoy each other’s company,” she added.

 

 

Moyo even includes a kid’s play area so that busy parents can take a moment to enjoy their coffees. Their coffees and tea are locally sourced from Bicycle Coffee and the Art of Tea.

 

One of Pham’s favorite desserts is the Triple Berry Shortcake. She uses poundcake rather than sponge cake to create balance and evoke a sense of nostalgia.

 

“Most people remember Sara Lee pound cakes, the kind Mom used to keep in the freezer – ours reminds people of that but with layers of fresh berries and whipped cream,” she said.

 

 

The menu changes regularly, so there’s always another reason to come back – from flavorful macarons to cookies, cakes and dessert parfaits, you’ll be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

 

“Ever since I was little I just enjoyed baking and seeing the joy on other people’s faces…it’s very rewarding to be about to do that now at Moyo,” she said.

 

Moyo is located at 1373 North Lake Avenue. Call (626) 714-7200 or visit https://spark.adobe.com/page/CbFr0/.