July 16, 2007

Sweet Escape

Valerie Confections Opens

Ice cream? Nah. Cookies? No, thanks. Cupc … oh, don’t even ask.

Perhaps you can be tempted with a little sumfin’ sumfin’ from Valerie Confections? They did open the doors to their new sweets boutique today — with retail, manufacturing, and office all under the roof of the old Picholine.

Walk in and sample handmade toffees and nougat and grab beribboned boxes to go. And for the first time ever, tea cakes.

Made with organic butter and nuts, the French pound cakesque bites are shaped like little baba au rhums. Flavors such as almond, lemon myrtle, and lavender Earl Grey are glazed Bundt style but only after the bottoms are dipped in milk, white, or bittersweet chocolate.

If that doesn’t get your mouth watering, just wait: In a few weeks, petit fours in sophisticated vanilla rose, chocolate cognac, and orange marzipan hit shelves.

You’re just going to have to accept it.

Valerie Confections, 3360 West First Street, between Commonwealth and Virgil Avenues (213-739-8149 or valerieconfections.com).