As wonderful as an expensive dinner at a five-star restaurant can be, nothing says romance like a home-cooked meal. And a romantic evening is surprisingly simple to achieve, suitable even for those whose only culinary experience is microwaving a frozen pizza.

1. Top Tips For A Romantic Dinner
As wonderful as an expensive dinner at a five-star restaurant can be, nothing says romance like a home-
cooked meal. And a romantic evening is surprisingly simple to achieve, suitable even for those whose
only culinary experience is microwaving a frozen pizza.
Whether it's Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or a first date, there are a few easy things you can do to
create an intimate dinner without spending a fortune.
But here are some tips for pulling off the perfect romantic evening. Don’t worry if everything doesn’t go
as planned. For most partners, it’s the thought that counts.
Keep It Simple
A simple meal, a few candles, a great bottle of wine and a bouquet of fresh flowers are often all that’s
required for a memorably intimate evening.
Think you want to impress with boeuf bourguignon when all you've ever cooked is Chef Boyardee? Think
again. Tonight is not the night for wild experimentation. A nice cut of beef, a fresh salad, a great bottle
of wine and a few candles scream romance more than an elaborate seven-course menu ever can.
Do your research
What are your sweetheart's favourite foods? What are his or her allergies (nothing kills romance quite
like anaphylactic shock) While the perfect meal may be a no-brainer if you’ve been with your partner for
years, it can be hard to figure out what to cook on a first date. So stick with a simple staple meal like a
chicken or fish dish. Or you could prepare a variety of small, simple dishes that give your date some
variety to choose from.
Don’t forget about dessert – the most romantic of them all. When in doubt, go for chocolate. A bowl of
fresh fruit is also a no-fail dessert if you’re trying to keep things light. Pair dessert with some coffee or
tea, or an aperitif.
Go Light

2. Really rich dishes can also be overwhelming and hard on the stomach. Indigestion is hardly the ideal end
to a romantic evening. Pasta dishes with light sauce and plenty of vegetables are good options, or a
nicely grilled piece of fish with a side of salad or veggies. Wine is the drink of choice for a romantic
evening – red is good with meats and rich pastas, while whites are perfect with fish.
Prepare in advance
Do as much advanced preparation as you can so that you’re not rushing around on the night of the
dinner. Look for recipes that don't require you to do everything right before you cook the meal. Foods
that need to marinate overnight before being cooked can be a great option. Prepare it a day ahead, stick
it in the fridge and then cook it right before you serve. You can also start chopping vegetables and
mixing sauces the night before so you’re not going crazy the next day. Advanced preparation can also
make it easier to clean up after cooking on the night of the dinner. Filthy kitchens are pretty
unromantic.
Create a mood
You don’t need Martha Stewart’s skills to set an impressive table romantic evening. Soft lighting and a
few candles should suffice. Keep table settings clean and simple. Quiet music can add a nice touch as
long as it doesn’t hamper the conversation. While scents such as vanilla and cinnamon always seem to
inspire feelings of romance, they can also interfere with the taste of your meal. The scent of your
delicious meal should be enough.
Try a dry run
Not everyone has the time or budget for a practice dinner, but if this is a really important evening, try a
rehearsal evening. Invite some friends over and cook the meal, set the table, light the candles, and put
on your best outfit. This will take some pressure off you for the big day.
Remove distractions
When it’s finally time for you and your special someone to sit down to dinner, don’t let the outside
world get in your way. If you have children, let relatives take them for a night or hire a babysitter.
Unplug the phone and the TV and turn off the computer. Daily life can wait, tonight is about the two of
you.
---

3. Terry Telford is the publisher of Kingston East News and an avid promoter of Kingston Ontario. He highly
recommends the fine dining experience at <a href="http://www.bistrostefan.com">Bistro Stefan
</a>http://www.BistroStefan.com
Keywords
romantic dinner,top tips,perfect romantic evening,romantic evening,kingston ontario restaurant