It’s the one day a year when everything absolutely positively must be special and perfect. It’s the one day when restaurants around the world are the scene of proposals, engagements, beginnings, commitments and celebrations.
“Making a dish romantic is first, and most importantly, about who you share it with,” said Chef Cassidee, Executive Chef at The Barn at Blackberry Farm. “I like simple, elegant foods peppered with unexpected luxuries and surprises. Valentine’s menus should incorporate foods that evoke feeling, and food that makes you happy is best.” When composing her own Valentine’s Day menu, Chef Dabney said she keeps it simple, but special. “When thinking about the actual dish, I like simple, elegant foods peppered with unexpected luxuries and surprises,” she said. “Biting into surprising flavors brings a richer level of enjoyment to the meal, and sparks great conversation about what you’re tasting.” Tasting menus work nicely for Valentine’s Day as well. “It lets you enjoy a lot of variety in the meal,” she said. “Ask for a wine pairing, and you can focus all of your attention on your date.” Chef Dabney said she adds splashes of color and flavor to her Valentine’s Day plates with edible flowers from The Chef’s Garden. “Anything that makes a dish visually stunning and delicious immediately starts the dining experience on an exciting and pleasing note,” she said. Any final advice? “Champagne is a must!”