A Night Out with Fresita Wine + Petite & Sweet Bakery

We got some spring back in our step at A Little Lux Night Out, hosted by Fresita and Petite & Sweet Bakery. And boy, could we use it after such a brutal winter. Eat Drink Travel staff were thrilled to partake in a night out on the town, getting pampered with wine and desserts.

Arriving at the Riverdale loft, we were handed flutes of Fresita – a delicious blend of Chilean sparkling wine. What’s unique about this drink? It’s fused with handpicked strawberries from the South of Chile. This bubbly wine is sweet with a hint of spice, and when served ice cold, makes it a refreshing patio drink for this summer. Fresita is available in the LCBO for $13.95/bottle. 

While sipping on sparkling Fresita (and having our glasses topped up more than once), we turned our attention to the food portion of the “lux night out.” Apparently, “indulgence” is defined by a buffet of cupcakes, pretzels, macaroons, and candies from Petite & Sweet Bakery.

Owner Elle Daftarian (below) demonstrated how to smooth pink butter cream atop a velvety vanilla cupcake (above). No wonder she was all smiles and laughs – that’s what happens when you spend your days handling sugar!

But seriously – Elle’s energy is inspiring and infectious. She began her career in the fashion and design world, but eventually, pursued her passion in baking and planning social events. With her business partner, she opened Petite & Sweet Bakery – a stylish storefront boutique in Rosedale where clients can enjoy macaroons and espresso while discussing their event needs. As if that wasn’t enough, Elle is also one of the co-hosts of the Food Network’s Sugar Stars – a reality TV show about the biz of creating over-the-top “sweet tables” and social events.

What’s particular inspiring about Elle’s story is that she’s a successful business woman and a single mother to an 8 year-old. Like many of us, she struggles to balance a successful career with parenthood.

“My biggest challenge is finding enough hours in the day,” she says.

Tell us about it. Understanding the value of saving time, Elle showed us how to whip up some beautiful decorations and epicurean sweets – in less than 15 minutes. We learned how to dip pretzels into pink butter cream, and then sprinkle lightly with toppings.Voila! A simple but delicious dessert ready for dinner party guests.

We also tried our hand at decorating boxes with ribbon to create a gorgeous gift box or centrepiece. Believe it or not, disaster did not ensue. Instead, we produced some quick and easy creations that will impress friends and dinner party guests. It’s was pretty straightforward – even for the most incompetent of hosts.

After such a decadent night of sweets and sparkling wine, a visit to the dentist is probably our next stop. But I’ll finish my bottle of Fresita and Petite & Sweet macaroons first.

This post is sponsored by Branding and Buzzing.