This is Mill Street Radio from PRX, and I'm your host, Christopher Kimball.

Back in the day, I sometimes stopped by to visit Julia Child at her home, and I often use that

opportunity to quiz her on maybe the best way to zest a lemon or whatever was my latest

obsession.

And Juliet would look at me like I needed to chill out and have a cocktail.

Today, I meet my match. Another obsessive, it's Ella Quitner.

When I was in elementary school, I spent a full two years fixated on poaching eggs in like complete silence. As an adult, Ella has now spent years meticulously testing recipes for the ultimate pancakes,

chocolate chip cookies, and of course, poached eggs.

Coming up later on the show, she'll share her findings and what makes her obsessed with the best.

But first dessert, producer Mari Arosco invites us to a potluck to eat hundreds of cakes.

After months of anticipation, the day has finally come.

I just got off the train and I already see a long line of people.

I'm standing outside long line of people.

I'm standing outside of an industrial warehouse in Brooklyn. Hundreds of people stretch in a line around the block,

a line so long that a passerby might wonder if a pop star is throwing a surprise concert.

But with everyone carrying elaborate cakes and the hint of vanilla

wafting through the air, it's clear this event is far sweeter. Actually, this cake picnic took me

at a retirement. I haven't baked in like five years. I'm like very cognizant that I'm not

going to have the prettiest cake here, but I'm very excited to see everyone else's.

Once referred to as the Met Gala of Cakes, Cake Picnic has become an online sensation.

It's a community cake pot look with one simple rule. No cake, no entry. How did you hear about this event?

Instagram. TikTok. I've been stocking it for a while.

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