KoGiBow is not a market - it's a bakery, selling the kind of cakes that look like a 1960s prom dress, all color, frills and furbelows. I go there, though, for its lovely owners, Mr Manh Phung and his wife Mrs LeKinh Phung who have been on the corner next to the petrol station at the top of 18th St NW since 1993. And for the bubble teas and other weird and wonderful drinks. But if you want to consult about a cake for a graduation, a wedding or a celebration, here's the spot. You could spend hours pouring over their pictures book.

The Phungs can decorate their cakes with photographic images. Or craft them to look like girls dressed in layers of national dress from the Philippines or a country in Latin America. Or buildings with romantic terraces, balustrades and little figures standing shyly by. Or you can get them covered in fruit. They're so retro looking they're almost high fashion. I've never ordered one, but I suspect their charm will more please the eye than the palate of those who favor contemporary pastries, mousses and whipped confections. But they should remind them of days gone by. And the various cold drinks and bubble teas won't disappoint. Nor will the warm and friendly service.

KoGiBow, 1817 Adams Mill Rd NW, 202 332 1202

1 Comment

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