I would normally be nervous making a cake for the first time for a birthday, but Food & Wine has yet to steer me wrong!
OK...I was not thrilled with the way the cake pulled away from the pan, but it ended up just fine. If I make this again, I might just go with round pans.
Chocolate curls...not my strong suit! 
Our white counter tops make the cake look like it's floating! :)
The birthday boy and the cake!
The frosting was really rich and creamy. I'd say that was everyone's favorite part. We liked the cake, too, but it was not chocolaty at all. It had a "spongy" texture...more like a muffin, but it was good! Birthday boy was happy; Mom was happy! :)