What Well-Known Chefs Cook To Impress A Date
One of the most romantic things you can do for your significant other is make him or her a meal. Both women and men appreciate it when their mates (or would-be mates) take the time to do something special for them — and slaving in the hot kitchen counts as just that. When you're on a date, food is sure to be one of the things you stress about, but we hope to ease your mind with these recipes that chefs use to impress those special someones in their lives. Want more romantic recipes? Read on to make your next date night a breeze.
Aditi Malhotra, CEO/Owner/Chocolatier of Tache Artisan Chocolate, New York City
Chef Aditi Malhotra, owner of Tache Artisan Chocolate, says she makes a three-course meal for a "let's get serious" dinner. It all starts with a kale salad, then fish (sea bass or herb-crusted salmon), and chocolate cake or mousse for dessert. If this menu doesn't make your date fall in love with you, I don't know what will. Is a three-course meal a little out of your reach? Make Herb-Crusted Salmon with Mixed Greens — your significant other will love it.
Curtis Stone, Author and Host of TLC’s ‘Take Home Chef;’ chef–owner of Maude, Beverly Hills
Chef Curtis Stone says when searching for a menu for two, he looks for a meal that the couple can cuddle up and enjoy together. Stone's date-night menu consists of "red curry with lobster, [which] is great because it has a bit of spice, and the chile pepper is an aphrodisiac!" To top it off, he says the perfect finish is pot de crème. If you're looking for a dessert to wow your date, make Butterscotch Pot de Crème.
Anthony Strong of Locanda Restaurant, San Francisco, Calif.
Chef Strong cooks his dates what he calls "spa food" — a light and delicate meal. His go-to meal is "poached fish, pretty vegetables, and such." On your date, make an easy poached fish with tomatoes and couscous; this recipe is as delicate as they come.
Fabio Viviani of Café Firenze, Moorpark, Calif.
Chef Viviani has some wisdom to share when it comes to dinner date do's and don'ts. His advice is to stick to small bites — "tapas, sushi, or Happy Hour for an easy night." If you're not much of a cook, tapas could be right up your alley. Make Shrimp Tacos with Peach Salsa for a simple meal.
Julian Gaxholli of Blue, Bayou, and Beso, New York City
As Julian Gaxholli says: "it's best not to show off too much. Just make a dish you think your loved one will like." For his wife, that dish is cheesy enchiladas. When you're on a date, you probably tend to overthink everything, but take a step back and make something as simple as enchiladas.
Marcus Samuelsson of Red Rooster, New York City
Chef Samuelsson is also a fan of keeping your dishes simple for date-night dining. Make a dish that is sophisticated yet simple, like The Daily Meal's Shrimp Pasta with Spicy Tomato Sauce.
Thomas Martinez of Mission Beach Café, San Francisco, Calif.
Chef Martinez says the way to a woman's heart is with food that is warm and comforting — "like green curry and brown rice or meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Just to show I like taking care of her and that I'm not trying to show off." Your date will be super impressed with our Rococo Meat Loaf recipe.