Imagine spoon-feeding a moist bite of three-layer, red velvet cake to your sweetheart at a candlelit table for two on Valentine’s Day. Ettore’s European Bakery and Restaurant on Fair Oaks Boulevard is prepared to make your romantic fantasy a reality.

With an array of desserts ranging from intricately decorated sugar cookies to exquisitely decorated cakes of cream cheese frosting and red rose petals, Ettore’s is the one-stop shop for a night of sweet bliss.

Meggan Ravazzolo, Ettore’s manager and wife of restaurateur Ettore Ravazzolo, is proud to present the Valentine’s crowd with an unforgettable experience.

“There are no other places. This is the only place for dessert,” Ravazzolo said.

Tucked away behind a tree-lined lane on Fair Oaks, Ettore’s is a romantic spot for students looking to plan a Valentine’s date. Although the four-course Valentine’s evening dinner is a tad pricey at $55 per person, you are guaranteed high-quality, delicious food and attentive service. The dinner includes an amuse bouche and choices of salads, pastas, entrees and dinners.

Although Ettore’s is a deli-style restaurant where counter service is the main form of ordering, I had the pleasure of being seated and served. The energy in the restaurant was relaxed and enjoyable, and I loved that the kitchen was open so I could see the chefs at work. Every chef had a smile on his face throughout my time sitting at the counter. Ettore’s is not only a great place to eat, but a great place to work, too.

Ettore’s patron Kasey Carswell, 23, recommends choosing Ettore’s for either the four-course meal or just as a spot for dessert.

“I’m sure it costs a little more than most places, but the time and effort that’s put into it makes it worth the price,” Carswell said.

If choosing this fine bakery as a post-dinner destination instead, be sure to take your time selecting which dessert is for you. Manager and two-year employee of Ettore’s, Evan Boylan, suggests coming in for a nightcap of one of these delicacies for Valentine’s Day.

“The desserts are what is most European about the restaurant. Ettore is Swiss/Italian. All the desserts are made on the premises by people who have come from Switzerland. It’s all authentic stuff,” Boylan said.

I tried several sugar cookies as well as the moist, red velvet cake. It was not too rich, but a small slice would be more than enough to satisfy a sweet tooth. The cake itself had obviously required a time-consuming effort by the pastry chef, especially the intricately laid petals across the top.

No need to worry for those on a shoestring budget. Although the restaurant does not provide any discounts, Ravazzolo said “dessert prices are really affordable, especially for students.”

From $1.15 for a generously-sized, heart-shaped sugar cookie to $25 for a heart-shaped, red velvet cake topped with lush, fresh rose petals, there is a selection suitable for everyone. There is even the option to create a dessert basket to give to your sweetie.

If you choose to attend Ettore’s annual Valentine’s evening dinner, make sure that your reservations are confirmed prior to Sunday as spots fill up quickly.

While balancing your V-day budget, rest assured that no matter your wallet size, Ettore’s can provide a romantic evening for you and yours.

Kayla Oliverio can be reached at [email protected]