The nice thing about Valentine’s Day falling on Saturday is that you can start celebrating early in West Hartford with Effie’s Place and Edible Arrangements

By Joy Taylor

Valentine’s Day cake at Effie’s Place. Photo by John Paindiris

Another storm is on the way for late Saturday and John Paindiris, owner of Effie’s Place Restaurant at 91 Park Road, isn’t letting it ruin his Valentine’s Day plans. “Of course we are open for breakfast and lunch as usual,” said John, “We are planning on an early pre-storm dinner crowd and will fill ‘to go’ orders for people trying to beat the storm. Plan it right and you can still have a great Valentine’s Day meal at whatever time works for you!”

Whatever you do, make sure your plans include the perfect dessert for your sweetheart (and your sweet tooth). Effie’s  has baked heart-shaped chocolate cakes, topped with a chocolate dipped strawberry.

Further west on Park Road, you’ll find Edible Arrangements has made Valentine’s Day easy for you as well. Stop in and pick from one of the special Valentine arrangements. They will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and “we will be here until the customer’s stop coming,” said owner Adam Wayne.