The most romantic day of the year is nearly upon us and if you don’t have a dinner reservation now, you definitely need a plan B! We’ve put together a collection of menus to prepare at home that will please the most discerning tastes and we’ve even added our favorite Valentine wines so you have something special to sip on. Check We Olive & Wine Bar locations for availability of recommended wines.
For the veggie lover…this menu starts with a silky Snap Pea Soup topped with an Asiago Cheese Crisp. It has a subtle mint flavor and is finished with We Olive Lemon Olive Oil for a bright citrus punch. Follow that stunning soup with handmade Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Crispy Kale and Arbequina. For a sweet ending, serve up this Citrus-Infused Fig Olive Oil Cake. The recipe, a submission from our annual recipe contest, is moist and delicious and is topped with a zesty Lemon Curd Creme Fraiche.
Wine pairing: Try a classic California Chardonnay with this menu, like the 2011 Lost Canyon from the Russian River Valley. A beautiful single vineyard Chardonnay from the Ruxton Vineyard planted in 1977. This wine starts off with notes of lemon and creme brûlée leading to a buttery, oaky finish with hints of citrus. Less than 550 cases produced.
For the clean eater…this menu is heavy on flavor but easy on the waistline and features some of our favorite super foods. Start with this beautiful salad of colorful beets, baby fennel and tangerines. Next serve up this satisfying salmon featuring blood oranges, bok choy and soba noodles. Finish with a dessert of Roasted Pears glazed with a sweet balsamic vinegar.
Wine Pairing: Try a dry Riesling like the 2010 Tatomer “Vandenberg” from Santa Barbara with this menu. A delicate, floral nose with notes of honeycomb gives way to a clean, bright palate finishing with soft acidity.
For pure decadence…kickoff this indulgent menu with an adventurous recipe like this salad featuring a Chocolate Vinaigrette. Next serve your sweetheart this sweet and tangy Chicken with Cherries. Finally, finish with a perfect Chocolate Blood Orange Tart with an EVOO Crust for the sweetest ending.
Wine pairing: Chocolate and cherries cry out for a full-bodied Pinot Noir, like the 2011 Bluxome Street from the Russian River Valley. Made using 100% native yeast, this wine starts off with cherry, rose water, and cola notes. Fruit forward but with
well integrated acidity.
Leave a Reply