My Favorite STD....

...VD (or Valentine's Day). No cynical implications applied; it really is one of my favorite foodie days. Aside from societal pressures, crowded dining rooms, and tasteless decor (hot pink, satin red, and bleach white -- why?), the 14th of February is a perfect excuse to creatively expand one's culinary awareness. Because of many factors (primarily financial -- shaking fist at failed federal monetary plan), I decided to taste-test my city's top patisseries, Panaderia Rosas and Aki's Bakery.

Panaderia Rosas
Temptations: Gelatin Parfait, Chocolate-Vanilla Marble Cake, Coconut Empanada
Bank: ♥ (only $2.89 for all three, don't ask me how)
Sexiness: ♥♥♥ (there's an extra heart in there only because of the coconut, otherwise these rate as deceptively bland)
Yumminess: ♥♥♥♥
Sketchiness: ♥ (empanada was on the thirsty side)
Two Cents: Definitely would bring box fulls to any brunch. Cheap, delicate flavors, traditional favorites, perfect texture, and freshness were apparent in each dessert.

Aki's Bakery
Tempations: Guava Cake Parfait
Bank: ♥♥♥
($7 for both, not bad if I'm not paying)
Sexiness: ♥♥♥♥
(anything tropical usually does it for me)
Yumminess: ♥♥♥♥
(mellow sweetness and true guava flavoring)
Sketchiness: ♥♥
(not enough depth. fluff + cake = yawn)
Two Cents: Unique. Signature flavor is worth having again, but maybe as a birthday cake, not a cup full of whipped cream

Jealous?


Below is a seasonal soundtrack to soothe whatever kind of soul you might be.

1. Sappy: Mighty Joe - Ms. One
2. Silly: Pigeon John - Money Back Guarantee
3. Sinister: Tantrum - Love Track

Happy Valentine's Day

VD