Valentine's parfait full of hearts and strawberries - at Cafe LUCIAS, featuring a white theme, until February 14th.

February 14 is Valentine's Day.
Every year, you might struggle with what to give as a present. It's also a special time to consider preparing chocolate for yourself, in addition to gifts for your loved ones.

At the café "LUCIAS" located in Shirakumacho, Kurashiki City, a Valentine's limited parfait has appeared. With lots of hearts, just looking at it lifts your spirits.

I was curious about the parfait made with plenty of strawberries that pair well with chocolate, so I went to try it.

Café with an Import Apparel Shop

Despite being in the center of Kurashiki, LUCIAS has ample parking, making it quite convenient. Depending on the day, it caters to various needs with morning, lunch, and evening café options.

The spacious interior features table seating and two counter seats. While the grand piano is quite striking, what catches the eye even more is the apparel.

It sells clothing imported directly from Italy. There were also shoes and bags. The café, based on white, makes the stylish clothes stand out.

Here is the menu.

I Tried the Valentine's Limited Parfait

I learned that there was a Valentine's limited parfait, so I went to try it.

It's a cute parfait adorned with hearts and filled with plenty of strawberries.

At the top, there are crispy heart-shaped meringue cookies and heart-shaped chocolate. It's cute from every angle, so I couldn't help but take a lot of pictures.

The large size (1,500 yen including tax) features chocolate and strawberry ice cream (the small size has either one of the two). Since it's Valentine's, we can't skip the chocolate.

Next to the parfait was a serving of strawberry sauce.
When you drizzle this over the ice cream, the ice cream melts slightly, allowing you to enjoy it like an affogato, as the strawberry sauce was gently warmed.

Under the ice cream was a sponge cake. Of course, I also drizzled strawberry sauce on this.

Next came the frozen mixed berries. In addition to strawberries, there were raspberries, cranberries, and blueberries, which I enjoyed with granola.

The parfait changes in flavor and texture as you eat, making it a fun experience.

A Word from the Staff

I spoke with Yuka Shirahama, who created the Valentine's parfait.

What are your thoughts on the Valentine's parfait?

Shirahama (no honorifics)

We offered the Valentine's parfait last year, and it was popular, so we made it again this year.

This year, I wanted to make it look cute, so I improved it to be more pink. I also used hearts to enhance the Valentine's theme.

How would you like people to enjoy the Valentine's parfait?

Shirahama

I think there are fewer opportunities to enjoy Valentine's compared to Christmas. Usually, it just ends with giving chocolate. Since it's a special event, I hope people will come to the shop and enjoy it leisurely.

I made it to be photogenic, so I hope you'll take pictures of it.

Conclusion

After the interview, I reflected on my own Valentine's memories and realized that I have never enjoyed it at a shop.

While it's nice to buy chocolate and give it, going to a shop together and savoring it would create even better memories. Of course, these days, self-gifting chocolate has become popular, so enjoying it as a gift to oneself is also a good idea.

The large size is priced at 1,500 yen (including tax) for "Strawberry," and the small size is 810 yen (including tax) for "Heart." The carefully crafted parfait will be available until February 14.

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