Valentine's Treats

Sometimes Valentine's Day misses the mark.  In fact, often it is so much about the commercialism of the sticky pink and red hearts, the gooey candy that ends up in the trash can, and the roses that die all too soon.  Sometimes cupid doesn't shoot straight.
This year was just right. 

I had lunch with my husband at the Boulder bistro Salt.  He had a day off so we took advantage of a daytime date and went for a grown-up lunch.  It's amazing how many grown-ups go out to lunch!  I may have to consider that more often.  The only distraction were the two preschool aged children at the next table.  They were running that show, if you know what I mean.  But the food and service were wonderful.  I had a lovely bowl of mussels, and my husband, true to form, had Tom's Burger and fries.  We even had a table visit from the chef, Bradford Heap, the famed Boulder restaurateur.

Then we stopped at Shamane's Bake Shoppe to pick up some after dinner treats for the girls.  Shamane's is located in an out of the way spot in Boulder, but not off the beaten path.  It's just a few blocks from the intersection of Valmont Road and Foothills Parkway.  It is worth the little trek into the back of the business park to find her.  As former pastry chef at Boulder's Flagstaff House, Brasserie 1010 (one of my favorites), and The Mediterranean Restaurants, you can imagine that the quality of her craft is superior.   

Known for her beautiful wedding and special events cakes, Shamane's shop has so much more to offer.  She offers homemade quiche, soups and hand crafted sandwiches, as well as tasty pastries to take home.  What struck me as we stood in line to order was how she responded to the couple in front of us.  They walked in and ordered a linzer torte.  She had none in her case and they had not pre-ordered.  Remember, it was Valentine's Day, and the place was filled with customers, and she said, "I can have one ready by 3 today, will that be soon enough?"  Wow!  Can you imagine any other baker, on a very busy day, ready to accommodate so quickly? 

The petit fours and meringues that we brought home were the perfect end to our day - the girls enjoyed them.  Not too big, not too sweet, and just the right amount of Valentine's fuss.
I hope yours was just as good.