Never too Early To Think About Valentine’s Day Treats

Especially when it comes to holiday treats from San Francisco’s Baker & Banker bakery.

While Chef-Owner Jeff Banker will be offering a five-course tasting menu on Valentine’s Day, his wife, Pastry Chef-Owner Lori Baker will be whipping up a bevy of specialty baked goods.

They include an adorable Conversation Heart Cake (red velvet caked with cream cheese frosting or dark chocolate cake with ganache frosting — both shaped like hearts; 6-inch one for $50 or 10-inch one for $85), as well as Red Hot Red Velvet cupcakes ($14 for four), Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes ($14 for four), and a passion fruit cheesecake with guava caramel (a 6-inch one for $30 or a 10-inch one for $50).

Reserve your picks ahead of time to ensure they’re available when you drop by the bakery.

Islands Opens First Bay Area Locale

The beach-themed burger joint, Islands, which started in Los Angeles, has opened its first Bay Area location — at the Crossroads Shopping Center, 20750 Stevens Creek Blvd. in Cupertino.

Entrepreneur Tony DeGrazier opened his first Islands in 1982, designed to serve the type of food he loved in the 1960s when he was stationed in Oahu with the Navy.

Now, there are more than 50 Islands restaurants throughout Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada and California.

Bask in the beach decor while enjoying tropical cocktails, local beers and wines, fish tacos, salads, cheddar fries, and specialty burgers such as the “Hawaiian” (pineapple, teriyaki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, Swiss and mayo).