Food Find: French number cake at Staz-a-licious in Virginia Beach is a celebration on its own
A celebration isn’t a celebration without a cake.
Staz-a-licious Bakery and Cafe — named after owners Stacey and David “Taz” Theodore — sells a decadent French number cake that makes birthdays and special occasions feel particularly important.
It’s a cookie tart shaped into a number (for birthdays, anniversaries, a new year) studded with fruit, candy, flowers and other sweets.
I cut a slice and eat the macaron on top first with my fingers. My imaginary Paris café appears and I’m sitting at a bistro table as an accordion plays in the background. I inhale what smells like Christmas sugar cookies, and ripe strawberries and cream. I admire the decorations one last time, salivate, and grab the remaining piece of the dessert.
Two firm and crispy pâte sablée — buttery shortbread — provide a crunch while it sandwiches a delicate diplomat cream. The bite melts in my mouth. The fresh fruit sweetens the palate and puts a smile on my face. The pearl chocolates catch my eyes so I pick them up; they give the cake a fun element. The real white roses add a nice touch. I say to myself, “I never want a traditional gateaux again.”
Head cake decorator Jaimee Kippes recommends storing the leftovers — if there are any — in the refrigerator for one or two days at the most. The cake is intended to be eaten the day of, she explained. For this reason, I recommend becoming a cake pusher or splurging on only one number for small parties.
The bakery also has letter and symbol (heart, anchor and star) cakes available. They are equally beautiful and customizable. Traditional cake and buttercream frosting are also an option.
The Holland Road location does not fill orders for the French number cakes. Customers can get other cakes, cookies, pastries (croissants, bear claws, scones), sandwiches and sweet treats.
Rekaya Gibson, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com, 757-295-8809; on Twitter @gibsonrekaya
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If you go
The spot: Staz-a-licious Bakery and Café, 1628 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Order this: French number cake
Price: Start at $54
Contact: stazaliciousbakery.com, 757-271-9220
