THERE was a time in the 1970s when men didn’t wash their hands after doing the toilet, didn’t eat quiche, and would never set foot in a cake shop.

Thankfully times have moved on and we have transitioned through the metrosexual era to the post-gender age, where everything and anything goes, and it usually does.

But there must be some atavism that kicks in when I walk into a patisserie, as I still feel out of place, like I’ve turned up for a basket weaving class dressed as Mötley Crüe.

As part of my on-going therapy I was sent to Picobello Patisserie to buy some cakes.

Part of a group of shops in the Bicton Central complex on the Canning Highway, Picobello is quaint affair and doesn’t have a posh fit-out with glitzy chandeliers and plush couches.

It’s very much an old-school tea room in the vein of Last of the Summer Wine, and when I visited on Tuesday lunchtime, there was a fair share of elderly folk enjoying a cuppa and “a slice of cake, Aunt Sally”.

Picobello let the produce do the talking and their display cabinet beside the till was a diabetic’s nightmare – a lavish bevy of cakes, tarts, biscuits, slices and everything in-between.

All the goodies at the French patisserie are made using “traditional methods” and baked on-site from scratch.

They also do bespoke orders, and their Facebook page was full of photos of cakes and pastries they had made for birthdays and special occasions.

I decided to get a few treats to take home for the family.

A crowd pleaser is always the good-old vanilla slice ($8.50).

With two layers of indulgent custard, thin flaky pastry and a dainty vanilla glaze, it was a bonafide 70s classic.

It was made with engineering precision and held together when I cut it in two and gave the halves to my famished kids.

After their first day back at school, reality had kicked in like a Spanish mule, and they needed something sweet to get over the finish line.

I had a sneaky taste and it was a retro delight – not too sickly with a gorgeous, light wafer.

Across the table, my wife “Special K” was getting tore into her passion fruit tart ($8.50).

“It’s refreshing and light, and has the perfect balance of fruit and pastry,” she said.

“A nice addition to a cup of herbal tea.”

I had my eye on the lemon cheese cake ($8.50) which had a glistening fresh strawberry perched on top.

It was a delicious mix of biscuit and tart lemon with an indulgent creamy twist.

All the cakes were big and half of one was more than enough to enjoy with a cuppa, so you could make them last a couple of days if needed.

Last but not least was the baked almond fruit tart ($8.50).

A sophisticated ditty with a subtle nutty tang, it went perfectly with a cup of Joe.

The service was great – the lady behind the till was helpful and full of smiles.

 We even had a good laugh about all the cakes being for me.

My wife has been to Picobello for cakes and tea with her friends, and says it’s a nice friendly, suburban cafe.

Now I’ve turned the cake shop-corner, I might venture in for a flowery Earl Grey and some buttered crumpets.

Picobello Patisserie
22/260 Canning Highway, Bicton
facebook.com/PicobelloPatisserie

by STEPHEN POLLOCK