Sweets for the Sweet – 5 Venues to Treat Your Valentine.

With Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, have you got sweets for your sweet yet?

Richard Cadbury is largely credited with coining chocolate as the symbolic candy of Valentine’s Day when he began selling his chocolates in heart-shaped boxes in 1861. He decorated each box by hand and they were popular symbols of love long after the holiday ended, often used to hold love letters.

For those wanting to treat their Valentine to something or somewhere special on Wednesday, here are five suggestions:

Honestly delicious cupcakes are what you’ll find at Kayla’s Cookery on Dallas Parade in Keperra. Step through the bright pink doors to find all manner of sweet treats to entice the tastebuds along with pre-made snacks for those time-poor such as a toasted bacon and egg roll, pies and quiche.

 

Preparing around 1000 cupcakes a day is no easy feat especially when the flavours are out of this world; think Cherry Ripe – a chocolate cupcake, with Cherry Ripe buttercream, chocolate drizzle, coconut dusting and a cherry on top – or pick up some Be My Valentine unicorn cookies to express your devotion.

Celebrate nature through creative plant-based fare at Asian restaurant Green Gourmet on Pacific Highway in St Leonards. A vibrant green façade greets diners at this family-owned and operated eatery, where 100% plant-based dishes and Mod Oz cakes tempt all who enter; think Chinese and Malaysian flavours from dumplings and buns to mains to share.

 

 

Get the juices flowing on Wednesday with a love bun such as a fluffy turmeric-infused wheat bun, filled with sweet and creamy custard made from pumpkin and Thai coconut cream; while the hand-crafted sweets corner dishes up temptations like black sticky rice with stewed coconut and pandan leaf.

Modern, sophisticated French dishes taking inspiration from the traditional roots of the Burgundy region await discerning foodies at La Chouette on Alexandra Street in Hunters Hill. A stylish ambience of white-clothed tables, sandstone and a light green colour palette sets an elegant vibe for intimate dining with your special someone, while a large wall wine rack promises ideal pairings to dishes on the menu.

 

Treat your partner to a Valentine’s to remember with a three-course meal on Wednesday, starting with scallops, truffle cream, leek julienne and pepper crumble, followed by beef Rossini, foie gras, pomme Dauphine and sauce Perigueux; for the ultimate indulgence, delve into mini lemon tartelette, white chocolate mousse, fruit jelly and crushed meringue.

A sheer passion for fine patisserie is behind Aux Fines Bouches on Taree Street in Burleigh Heads. Step into a sweet tooth’s delight where tantalising aromas waft in the air and display cabinets overflow with decadent offerings sure to tempt every palate and taste, all handcrafted, baked and served with a side of love.

From European pastries and cakes to breakfast and light lunch, there is something for everyone on the menu at Cream Patisserie Boulangerie on Cavendish Road in Coorparoo. This ambient café sets a moody tone with dark wood, overflowing display cabinets and shelves stacked with deli products, along with embossed wallpaper and statement pendent lighting.

 

Stop in on Wednesday to pick up a delicious creation such as a chocolate truffle cake decorated with raspberries and those little chocolate hazelnut balls we all love; or perhaps a tangy, gluten-free lime tart is more to your sweetheart’s liking…either way, you’ll be a hit for the day!