One of the many perks of being the Executive Chef at L’Arte is Saint Valentine’s Day.  Years ago, L’Arte revived a wonderful Valentine’s Day custom for children and, indirectly, me! In parts of Europe, for many centuries, children on Valentine’s Day (before school started) would crowd the town bakery singing Valentines, presenting a hand drawn card or reciting a poem to the baker. The children who did so would be rewarded with a bakery treat prepared especially for them by the grateful baker. The caveat however, was that the children had to show up at the bakery BEFORE school started! Those who came after school started were solemnly declared “overbaked” and turned away!  Well, at L’Arte, we are not so uptight and all comers bearing a Valentine are greeted with a treat! In addition, we have extended this wonderful tradition to include the five days leading up to Valentine’s Day. I look forward to seeing all the kids and their parents again this year and returning the happiness they bring me with yummy baked treats.
Happy Saint Valentine’s Day!

Chef Andrea