A Slice of Almost Heaven: Discovering Sweet Temptations Bakery
Nestled in the quaint and quiet neighborhood of Marland Heights in Weirton, West Virginia is a hidden gem: Sweet Temptations Pastry Shop. You will feel right at home when you walk into the cozy shop with a warm welcome from owner and operator, Vanessa Beaver. The antique inspired decor and scrumptious aromas lure you up to the pastry counter to order your treats of choice. And what a tough choice it will be! You will not only be tempted with mouthwatering sweets such as cookies, cupcakes, and cheesecakes, but their lunch menu has some creative twists on traditional favorites.
Vanessa was inspired to open shop in October of 2016 and her passion for her craft is evident in every bite of her offerings. Her goal is to provide high-quality, made-from-scratch foods and specialty cakes to the community. All of Vanessa’s food is made using her secret recipes, along with her love. With so much care put into the menu, a meal at Sweet Temptations quickly fosters a sense of togetherness.
I decided to try the Sloppy Jose, a southwest rendition of a sloppy Joe made with chorizo and a special blend of spices. This was the first time I had ever heard of a unique variation for a sloppy Joe, so my curiosity took over. The flavor profiles of a Mexican-style Joe sauce paired with chorizo had me hooked, and I never want to go back to the original. Did I mention the homemade bread? This sandwich would be great any way, but Vanessa’s dedication to quality and taste goes above and beyond with each the artisanal bread she bakes daily.
The Sloppy Jose paired perfectly with the Zuppa Toscana, loaded with sausage, potatoes, bacon, tomatoes, and kale in a creamy broth. Dare I say, “It was better than Olive Garden?” I do dare to say it! This zuppa was the best I have ever had, and I was transported straight to Italy with the authentic flavors. But because of the time, effort, flavor, and love that is put into each menu item, I can’t say I’m surprised by how delicious this lunch was.
No meal at Sweet Temptations would be complete without a treat from the display case. My go-to dessert is the single-serving cheesecake, but there’s an option for you whether you prefer something chocolatey or fruit-filled. Vanessa loves to switch up the menu based on season, and had even baked up some s’mores brownies just for fall. These desserts aren’t just visually stunning – their taste is impossible to resist.
It’s clear the community agrees that Sweet Temptations is a local staple. Not only has the bakery been nominated in the local 2023 Best of the Best contest, but won in numerous categories in 2022 including menu, cake, service, bakery, cookies, value, atmosphere, and lunch. Vanessa has also been nominated as the 2023 Best Bakery in the State of West Virginia. The combination of a warm, welcoming atmosphere, delectable delights, and down-to-earth service make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the very best of local bakery culture.
One thing’s for sure and that’s if you visit Sweet Temptations once, you’ll be lured back to try new items on their menu. I already can’t wait to try the spicy chicken salad sandwich and stuffed hot pepper sandwich. See you there!
