Boyle McCauley News

Since 1979 • April-May 2024 • Circulation 5000

Donate

Valentine’s Day Sweetness in Little Italy

Treats to satisfy romantic sweet tooths

Chocolate and other sweet treats are popular gifts for Valentine’s Day. Several McCauley area businesses have some special goodies for everyone to enjoy this month.

Delish Custom Cakes and Pastries, located at 9510 107A Avenue, will be making a number of Valentine’s Day related treats. “We will have cake pops made from red velvet cake,” says owner Lisa MacLeod. “We will also have chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate covered apples with a variety of toppings.” Sounds absolutely mouth-watering!

At the Italian Centre (10878 95 Street) Baci chocolates are a Valentine favourite. The sweet morsels are chocolate covered hazelnuts which come with a message. “Baci is the Italian word for kiss,” explains owner Teresa Spinelli. “Inside there is a saying about love in four different languages!”

For something else romantic at the Italian Centre, Spinelli says that “our store does these amazing big strawberries dipped in white or dark chocolate. They are beautiful to look at and taste even better.”

Don’t forget to get some flowers for your sweetheart – or yourself – at Zocalo (10826 95 Street). “There will be loads of fresh flowers in bouquets of all shapes and kinds to sweeten the heart of the toughest Valentine,” says co-owner Miranda Ringma. “Plus, you’ll receive a free rose of your choice with any Valentine’s bouquet over $30!”

While you are picking up your flowers, you can also enjoy some delicious Valentine’s treats. “This year we are carrying a sweet new line of delicious specialty chocolates made in Ontario,” says Ringma. “Think chocolate sushi, chocolate covered brownies, and more.”

A popular annual attraction at Zocalo’s coffee bar is the “lover’s lattes.” The two-for-one special on coffee drinks takes place on Sunday, February 12. “These go great with some tiramisu cheesecake or a decadent, exclusive-to-Zocalo mocha almond tart,” says Ringma.

All three businesses featured here are located in Little Italy. Surprisingly, Teresa Spinelli, speaking from an Italian perspective, explains that Valentine’s Day really is not that big of a deal. “Italians are not big on Valentine’s Day, because LOVE is every day!”

Subscribe to our newsletter

News from the neighbourhood delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up and stay in touch!