Pizza touches the heart, too

By Paul Dunlop
THEY say a man’s heart is best won via his stomach — so what better way to say ‘I love you’ than a heartshaped pizza?
The cheesy treat was among all manner of gifts showered on loved ones by their significant others in the name of Valentine’s Day.
Fabian Apps and Sarah Maloney at Pakenham’s Maloney’s Pizza were kept busy serving up heartshaped pizzas in a firsttime move they described as a bit of fun.
“It’s generated a fair bit of interest,” Mr Apps said.
The celebration of the obscure saint’s feast day seems to be gaining more and more momentum with many local businesses saying it was one of their busiest days of the year.
On a day when love conquers all, the classic combination of chocolates, flowers and greeting cards certainly ran a close second.
Jason’s in Berwick was one of many locallyrenowned restaurants serving up special treats for Valentine’s Day while many couples enjoyed the annual picnic in the Wilson Botanic Park.
Belinda Malcolm at Butterfly Body Works in Pakenham said vouchers for massages and facials, pedicures or manicures were among the gifts bought by besotted Beaus.
Katie Hammill at DialaDaisy in Pakenham said staff worked all night before the big day making up orders.
“We had our first customer at 5 am,” she said.
The traditional dozen longstemmed roses was the standout choice this year with teddy bears and chocolates also bobbing up in many bouquets.
Mrs Hammill said flowers were a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for most, but did not take top spot on her own wishlist.
“A footsoak would be a very nice present,” she said.