A Dinner Date Inspired By Chef Robert

These days, we can’t think of a better way to spend an evening than by enjoying a romantic dinner with someone special. And we’re not the only ones — our very own Chef Robert has the same idea! Recently, we caught up with Chef Robert, and he was very excited about his upcoming dinner plans. “I’m planning a nice romantic dinner for my wife and I,” he said. “It’s going to include some favorite dishes that we both will enjoy.” Of course, we simply had to know more, and lucky for us, Chef Robert was happy to share.

So if you’re looking for a little romantic dinner inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Check out Chef Robert’s dinner plans. 

To Begin

Chef Robert’s romantic dinner for two will be kicking off with an absolute favorite, oysters! Chilled fresh oysters, to be precise, complete with mignonette — a flavorful French sauce made with shallots and vinaigrette. He’ll be pairing the oysters with a delightful Mer Soleil 2017 “Silver” unoaked chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands. Santa Lucia, located in Monterey County, is a region known for producing California’s finest chardonnay. Chef Robert perfectly described this chardonnay to us when he referred to it simply as a “winner”. We certainly have to agree!

The Main Course 

For the entrée, Chef Robert has chosen grilled ribeye steak, which is one of his personal favorites.” Ribeyes are simply delicious,” he told us. “I love the wonderful marbled fat running through the meat, And once it’s cooked, it begins to melt and renders into the steak — there’s nothing else like it. It provides extra beefy flavor and a juicy, moist, and tender texture that is second to none.”

Chef’s rib eyes will be paired with roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, and creamy peppercorn sauce. And to drink? One of his favorite red wines, a Preludio Barrel Select Tinto 2018 from the Familia Deicas winery in Uruguay.

What’s a Meal Without Dessert?

When the main course is through, it’s time for one final flourish. Chef Robert is planning chocolate-dipped strawberries to finish. And the reason why is simple. Beyond being both romantic and delicious, “They will go well with the beautiful red wine we opened for our steak.” Who says romance can’t be practical? 

Best of all, Chef Robert has graciously shared his chocolate-dipped strawberries recipe with us, and we’re excited to share it with you. It’s an easy (and delicious) way to make your meal one to remember.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb strawberries

• 8 oz chocolate of your choice (Chef Robert suggests 60% bittersweet, semisweet, milk, or white)

• 1 tsp neutral oil (light olive oil or sunflower oil will do)

• Chopped nuts or shredded coconut (Chef Robert says both of these are optional)

Directions:

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse your strawberries and pat gently pat them dry with paper towels.

• In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine your chocolate chips and oil. 

• Microwave the chocolate and oil mix in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the contents of your bowl are completely melted.

• Dip your strawberries in the chocolate, then the optional chopped nuts or shredded coconut.

• Place your strawberries on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate them until the chocolate is set. This should take about 30 minutes.

Chef Robert told us he likes to mix and match. Some of his strawberries will be dipped in chocolate and chopped almonds. Others will be chocolate and chopped pistachio. Some will include shredded coconut, and others will be only chocolate. You know what they say, variety helps to keep things interesting!

Love is in the Air (and on the Plate)

We hope Chef Robert’s dinner date plan has inspired you to spice things up in the kitchen! Do you have a romantic dinner date of your own planned? We’d love to hear all about it. Share your recipes (and photos!) with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We’re getting hungry just thinking about everything you’ll be cooking!