Now, this is sweet. On any special occasion — or just a day to say “I love you” or “Thank you” there are plenty of places in Tallahassee to find lovely treats.
As Charles W. Schulz said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”
Truffles, macarons, pastries, cupcakes or chocolate-covered popcorn — it’s all good.
Local shops have been busily creating a range of goodies bound to impress and pretty enough to eat. And there are plenty of choices at your favorite supermarket as well.
Here are some places to find a taste of romance on Valentine’s Day. If you’re pressed for time, some accept preorders and offer delivery. If you don’t preorder, arrive early to get what you want.
Just remember this quote from Gail Simmons: “There is no better way to bring people together than with desserts.”
Au Péché Mignon French Pastry Shop: You’ll find rows of decorative homemade macarons, cookies, cakes, pastries and handmade chocolates at Au Peche Mignon or “A Little Sin.” Joseph and Lisa Gans opened the original Au Peche Mignon French Pastry Shop in 1991 in the Market Square area but now they solely run their downtown site.The shop also serves a limited breakfast and lunch menu but the desserts are the true star here, especially on Valentine’s Day. 220 Duval St.; 850-668-5533.
Lucy & Leo’s Cupcakery: The cozy cupcake space, found on the second floor perch of Midtown Reader, will be offering several special flavors for Valentine’s Day on February 13 and 14 for pickup or delivery. Cupcakes will be topped with a sweet heart and sprinkles. Orders are accepted. Special choices include Death by Chocolate, Red Velvet, Lemon Blue Sky, Vanilla Funfetti as well as gluten-free and vegan choices. 1123 Thomasville Rd.; 850-765-0374.
Peterbrooke Chocolatier: The shop is featuring strawberries dipped in white, milk or dark chocolate along with chocolate-covered popcorn in a chocolate heart plus all types of chocolate surprises like chocolate-shaped roses, sea salt caramel truffles and chocolate-covered pretzels. To gussy up your gift, you can get candy arranged in baskets, boxes and bags.1817 Thomasville Rd.; 850-577-3111.
SoDough Baking Co: The bakery will be making gift boxes filled with cookies, brownies, cookie dough truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries. You’ll also find a dark chocolate layer cake for two as well as doughnuts you can expect will be festive with colorful sprinkles. 1306 Thomasville Rd.; 850-765-8991.
Sweet Cacao Chocolates: The sweets shop, located across from Jonah’s Fish & Grits, showcases rows of beautiful, hand-painted chocolates. You’ll find heart-shaped gems, truffles and colorful macarons. 108 E. Jackson St., Thomasville; 229-236-2626
Tasty Pastry, Open since 1963, the family-run restaurant presents an extensive lineup of Valentine’s Day specialties including cakes, sugar cookies and cupcakes, many sporting red sprinkles and tiny hearts, Gift packages are available. 1355 Market St.; 850-893-3752.
TC Bakery Featuring Ma Mary’s Kitchen: At the Tailored Confections bakery, Southside’s only bakery, Jennifer Young, baker and owner, has partnered with Brittany Jones with Touched by A Rose to bring a floral touch to your Valentine’s Day treat. You can preorder her cakes, include the red velvet, chocolate ganache and strawberry cheesecake. Slices will also be available!! At Ma Mary’s Kitchen, Young pays tribute to her mom, Tommie C. William, who was “the heart and soul of Ma Mary’s kitchen” (from Byron Dobson in the Tallahassee Democrat) at her restaurant and bakery. Her mom’s been gone about 20 years but Jennifer has revived the soul food eatery. It’s a family business with her husband and sister. 614 Eugenia St.; 850-577-1776.
Treva’s Pastries and Fine Foods: The gourmet shop is offering chocolate-covered strawberries — you can get a boxful if you want — as well as heart-shaped cookies and fancy pastries decked with strawberries and cream. 2766 Capital Circle NE; 850-765-0811
