Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and with it comes the delightful challenge of planning the perfect romantic gesture. Whether you’re wooing your soulmate, celebrating your closest friends, or rekindling sparks over a bottle of wine, nothing says “I appreciate you” better than a heartfelt, home-cooked meal.
A Little History (and Mystery)
Did you know Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to ancient Rome? Named after Saint Valentine, the holiday is steeped in legend. Some stories say he secretly married couples during a time when marriage was outlawed for young men. Others suggest he sent the first Valentine—a note signed “Your Valentine”—to a woman he admired. Over the centuries, the day evolved into a celebration of love, marked by cards, flowers, and, of course, indulgent meals shared with those we cherish most.
But let’s be honest: fighting crowds at an overbooked restaurant with a “special menu” that rivals your rent isn’t the pinnacle of romance. This year, why not ditch the reservation and celebrate in style at home with a dinner that’s simple, elegant, and wonderfully personal?
The Menu: Cupid’s Culinary Delight
Imagine this: a perfectly cooked filet of salmon, gently infused with the aroma of cedarwood, served alongside perfectly grilled vegetables, ending with a sumptuous dessert. Pair it with a bottle of your favorite wine, and you’ve got a meal that could rival any fine dining experience—all while staying in the cozy comfort of your own home.
The best part of cooking at home? Customization. Not into salmon? Swap it out for steak, chicken, or even a vegetarian option. The goal is to keep the meal upscale yet approachable—because no one wants to spend Valentine’s evening up to their elbows in dirty dishes.
Our Menu Suggestions
Surf Menu
- Appetizer: Cedar Planked Oysters with Butter and Panko | Wildwood Grilling
- Entree: Copper River Sockeye Salmon with Herb Compound Butter with Grilled Vegetables | Wildwood Grilling
- Desert: Cedar Planked Honey Lavender Plums with Ice Cream | Wildwood Grilling
- Suggested Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio, Brut Champagne
Surf & Turf Menu
- Appetizer: Cherry Wrapped Zucchanoush | Wildwood Grilling
- Entree: Cherry Planked Surf & Turf: Lobster Tails and Steak Recipe | Wildwood Grilling
- Desert: Cherry Smoked Orange Créme Brulee | Wildwood Grilling
- Suggested Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir, Brut Rose Champagne
Vegetarian Alternative
- Entree: Alder Smoked Tofu with Ginger and Gochujang Slaw – Wildwood Grilling
- Suggested Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Pro Tips for a Sizzling Date Night In
- Set the Mood: Ambiance is everything. Light some candles, put on a playlist that whispers “romance,” and set the table like you’re expecting royalty. Even paper napkins can feel elegant with a creative fold!
- Plan Ahead: Do your shopping and prep work the day before. Cooking should feel like part of the celebration, not a stress test. Plus, you’ll have more time to savor the evening and your company.
- Add a Dash of Humor: Laughter is the ultimate secret ingredient. Play a game where the first person to correctly guess five ingredients in the dish gets to skip cleanup duties. Or keep a tally of who sneaks the most taste tests while cooking—it’s always the one who claims they’re “perfecting the seasoning.”
And if you overdo it on the garlic, well, at least you’re both safe from vampires for the night!
Why This Matters
Valentine’s Day isn’t about extravagant gestures; it’s about celebrating the connections that make life meaningful. Cooking at home transforms a meal into an intimate, shared experience. There’s something truly magical about saying, “I made this for you.”
So, this year, skip the crowded restaurants and show your love through the universal language of food. After all, the way to the heart is through the stomach—just don’t forget to save room for dessert.
From our planks to your plate, happy Valentine’s Day!
THE WILDWOOD EXPERIENCE
