Valentine’s Day is a pretty exclusive holiday—seems like you can only take part if you’re in love. But here at CHOW, we’ll grab any opportunity to celebrate. So your choice: love it? Celebrate with an indulgent feast for two.
But if you refuse to buy into the hype of it all—in love or not—then use it as an excuse to gather a group together and hate out the evening in style with our stinky-food cocktail party. Whichever side you’re on, we’ve got music to set the mood.
There’s only one person for you, and you could stare into his or her eyes for all of eternity. February 14 may be just another night on the path of true love, but you’ll take any excuse to revel in your union. Celebrate your love with an intimate menu for two.
Oven-grilled porterhouse for two served with Chianti Butter, arugula, Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Potatoes, and Sautéed Broccoli Rabe.
Wine Pairing
A red wine from Tuscany would be delicious with this hearty dish. A Chianti would do the trick, but for something a bit more unusual, try a Rosso di Montalcino (made from Sangiovese), like the 2004 Casisano Colombaio Rosso di Montalcino.
A creamless purée of cauliflower and parsnips topped with fried beet chips.
Wine Pairing
A medium-bodied Austrian Grüner Veltliner would be a nice match with the earthy cauliflower and beet elements of this dish. Try the 2005 Hiedler Grüner Veltliner Löss.
Sharable bittersweet chocolate soufflé with a creamy blood orange sauce.
Wine Pairing
Finish this rich dinner with a glass of 2005 Bologna Brachetto d’Acqui. This elegant, sweet sparkling red wine from the Italian region of Piedmont is brimming with juicy red berry fruits and hints of blood orange.
Here’s a menu filled with garlic, onion, fish, coffee, and other ingredients you can’t enjoy if you’ve got to worry about sharing breath with someone. Everything can be prepped quickly or in advance, and these recipes serve 10 to 12. A cocktail party with food that will keep love at bay.
Anise-flavored liqueur and sparkling wine pair up in this licorice-y cocktail.
Smoked salmon, crisp red onions, and herbed crème fraîche on crisp flatbread.
There are no corners cut in this full-flavored salad, loaded with anchovies and garlic.
A wintry pestolike dip with just enough garlic to keep unwanted Casanovas away.
Toasted baguette slathered with a cheesy spread laced with beer, mustard, and paprika.
The holiday isn’t complete without chocolate; here it is in liquid form.
Caperberries and their brine give an unexpected twist to the classic cocktail.
Bites of vanilla bean pound cake served with an intense coffee sauce.
