Preparation
There’s no need to sweat the last-minute Valentine’s Day reservation with our deliciously romantic Valentine’s Day dinner ideas. A restaurant is not the place to be on February 14 when every seat is taken, the staff is rushed, and couples are arguing rather than enjoying a special dinner. Instead of fighting the crowds, cook your sweetheart one of these four extra-delicious takes on French-bistro classics. All are perfect for a date night in. Linger over a vegetarian golden gratin or a pot of briny mussels paired with oven fries. Slice into a succulent game hen or steak au poivre. No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed a cozy, romantic Valentine’s Day.
Here, layers of sliced honeynut squash, leeks, and lasagna noodles melt into a luscious honeynut squash, leek, and brie vegetarian gratin. Serve with a crisp green salad and your favorite vinaigrette.
Craving roast chicken but want something that cooks in a fraction of the time? Enter Cornish game hen—a quick turn in the oven yields golden skin and juicy meat. Carrots and celery root are roasted on a rack below until caramelized, then dressed with an irresistible mustard-tarragon pan sauce. Did we mention this Roasted Game Hen with Root Vegetables recipe serves two and comes together in just 45 minutes? It’s perfect for you and your Valentine.
Instead of being coated with peppercorns steak au poivre-style, this pan-seared rib-eye relies on a flavorful butter made with pink peppercorns and Meyer lemon zest. The lemon segments are teamed with frisée and shallots in the lively salad served alongside.
Moules Frites is a bistro classic that will never go out of style. Our riff—Brothy Mussels with Oven Fries—adds cherry tomatoes and garlic to the white-wine broth for more oomph and calls for unfussy roasted potato wedges instead of the traditional fries.
