Dinner for Two

Ahwatukee Monthly
February 2004

For a romantic meal, there's no place like home.

Have you heard the saying, "The way to your lover's heart is through his or her stomach?" Like kisses, foods are sensual and speak to one's heart and soul. It has been said that couples fall in love by eating together, but they stay in love by cooking together! By preparing and sharing an intimate dinner for two at home, romance ignites, laughter is sparked, and just the right conversation is stimulated for couples.

With a little advance thought, planning, and imagination, you will be able to create the perfect ambience in your own home that will be particularly conducive to romance. Imagine creating an atmosphere of intimacy and mystery to enchant your love before the main course is even served. Prepare for an evening of seduction and let the sparks fly.

Start by considering the mood for the evening. When most people think of a romantic meal, they think of a candlelight dinner with fine linens and their best china adorning a table set for two. But there are so many more ways to enhance your dining experience. Consider your love's interests.

Would she like to curl up in front of the roaring fireplace and dine on the floor relaxing with pillows all around? Is something more elaborate required? Let your mind wander to the surf and sand, sipping pifia coladas in the tropics. Or to toasting champagne at a bistro in Paris. Or eating caviar at an elegant restaurant in "the City by the Bay." If you can't jet to Europe or cruise to the Caribbean, with a tiny bit of effort and a little imagination, you can create these exotic settings in your own home. Coordinate everything from the decor to the table setting to the flowers to the music to the cuisine of the region.

For a steamy, sultry theme of the tropics, fill the room with flickering candles and exotic fresh flowers (Bird of Paradise, red Anthurium, Ginger, and Heliconia can usually be ordered online and delivered to your doorstep.). Share mouth-watering mangoes, dine on Ahi with Wasabi Sauce, have Keola Beamer playing softly in the background, and dress in your favorite tropical attire. It's easy!

Or, for something a oui bit French, choose your favorite champagne, nibble on truffles and indulge in a deliciously decadent chocolate souffle. Dine at a later hour by candlelight, under the stars. That's amour!

Select patterns and colors for table settings, flowers, and candles that match your mood, whether it be playful and seductive, or passionate and daring. If you really want to heat things up, red is the perfect color.

The menu can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. You don't have to be a gourmet chef. You will find many dishes are relatively easy to prepare. Cooking simply offers couples a way to reconnect and unwind. But keep in mind, aphrodisiacs are known to excite the passions within. So, you may want to plan to experiment with some of these legendary foods of love. Some thought to intensify passion includes chocolate, strawberries, caviar, oysters, asparagus, honey or figs.

If cooking isn't your strong suit, don't hesitate to take lessons. Classes are offered throughout the Valley at kitchen shops and cooking schools. You can learn from award-winning chefs at some of the resorts in town. Each will have their specialty.

For instance, chef Douglas Rodriguez from the Westin at Kierland will entertain you with his "Nuevo Latino" dishes and tasty mojito cocktails. Classes are held one Saturday per month. Call the hotel at (480) 624-1000 to get details. Whatever you crave, you will be able to find a class to match. Taking cooking classes together can be very romantic in and of itself. But take a few moments to consider how much fun it will be to prepare and share that succulent meal over the bottle of wine you saved for just such a special occasion - in the privacy of your own home.

If you are not in the mood or too tired to cook, you can still plan a romantic dinner for two. Pick up your favorite takeout or prepared foods from a gourmet grocer and just be certain to set the stage in your home for a romantic evening.

Have plenty of candles at the ready; they are wonderful mood enhancers. Whether it be for candlelit dinners or candlelight caressing, they are essential for any romantic evening.

Music will make the evening even richer. Plan your selection of music ahead of time. Complemented by soft lighting, music will help capture memories of time spent together for years to come.

Flowers have long been linked with romance. Scents capture moments and emotions like nothing else, sparking love and desire. Everyone knows that a rose is the symbol of love. Its scent is considered intoxicating. Lilies and orchids are celebrated for their potent aphrodisiac properties.

Keep your romance sizzling by preparing and sharing your own deliciously seductive dining experience.

Pam Swartz is noted romance expert and author of Arizona Getaways for the Incurably Romantic. Her book is a leading resource for romantic couples everywhere. She can be reached at 480-609-0426 or pam@cloudninepress.com. Her book is available at your favorite local bookstore or online at www.arizonagetaways.com or www.amazon.com.