I had heard from several people that I should check out Magnolia Bakery ( 108 N. State St. at Block 37; www.magnoliabakery.com/ ), so I finally decided to check out the three-year-old place that originated in New York City. Color me impressed.
My visit, which was very recent, centered around Magnolia's offerings for Valentine's Day. ( Yes—it's this Saturday. ) The chocolate-covered strawberry cupcakes are just sinful. However, there are also offerings such as the red velvet whoopie pies, personalized Love Note Cupcakes ( vanilla and chocolate cupcakes topped with vanilla buttercream and a special message for the one you love/desire ), Mr. & Mrs. Cookies in the shapes of, respectively, mustaches and lips ( which can also be done in same-sex pairings ) and Lil' Bits of Love ( a dozen chocolate and vanilla mini-cupcakes with pink and white vanilla buttercream, decorated with red, pink and white hearts ).
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that traditional heart-shaped box of candy. However, if you want to surprise your sweetie with something different...
Also, as many of you know, the Oscars are Feb. 22—and Magnolia is ready for that event as well. ( Actually, Magnolia is ready for practically ANY event. ) The Best Picture Cupcakes are one dozen chocolate and vanilla edible image cupcakes highlighting the year's best movies ( only available for advance orders ). Then, there are the Black Tie Cupcakes ( chocolate or vanilla cupcakes with shimmering gold dust atop light and airy whipped vanilla and chocolate icing ). They're both perfect for your own Academy Awards celebration. ( Here's one unsolicited suggestion: The cupcake for Whiplash should have whipped cream. )
And Magnolia offers a lot more than themed desserts. The mini-cheesecakes are absolutely heavenly, and the new jammie thumbprints won my heart as well. Then there are the cakes, which Magnolia makes for anything from weddings to birthday parties.
My only complaint about Magnolia is that I wish it served sandwiches, soups, etc., as well—but that's only a quibble. I can go somewhere else for those items. ( Note: The frosting-to-cake ratio in the cupcakes is about 50/50, for those who may not really be into icing—both of you. )
Florentine specials
The Florentine ( 151 W. Adams St., at the JW Marriott Hotel; Visit www.e2hospitality.com/florentine-chicago/ ) has its own Valentine's Day program happening—and it even makes allowances for those who might be at the hotel the morning after a romantic evening.
Valentine's Day dinner specials include minestra, fagato grasso ( seared foie gras, chocolate, amarena cherry, challah ), seared duck breast, whole Maine lobster and millefoglie ( pistachio cream, strawberries, passion fruit gelato ). The next morning, there will be complimentary homemade cinnamon rolls with mascarpone icing.
Also, The Florentine has an ongoing special: During happy hour, patrons get a free pizza with the purchase of a round of alcohol. The pizzas are varied, with items such as spinach ( with goat cheese, peperonata and roasted garlic ), Diavola ( a punchy item with spicy salami, tomato and fiore di latte ) and Brussel sprout ( with taleggio, pancetta and saba ), among others. It's a great way to kick back after work.
