What better way to celebrate independence day then sharing a blanket and tasty delights under the stars. But then again, July 4th weekend is ripe for many opportunities for food and romance. The perfect set up--a picnic for two. The  time of day is up to you, a lunch time fiesta in the shade, a blanket under under the explosive colors of fireworks, or a serene sunrise on the beach. Whatever your style, the magic will be  there as you revel in each others company while sharing edible delights. Don't forget to bring a few sparklers

Grab your favorite picnic blanket, a basket equipped with wine glasses, corkscrew, silverware, cloth napkins, salt, pepper and smartly wrapped foods; complimented by your favorite wine. You might want to also bring a small cooler filled with ice for the items that need to stay chilled.

 

I like to keep things simple. Finger foods, prepared foods, even take-out should all be considered when assembling your tasty treats. And be creative. Do something different. Shower your date with dazzling surprises. Instead of a bottle of wine, try whipping up a couple of martinis beautifully topped with slivers of hand-chipped ice. The possibilities for culinary magic are endless. Below are a few suggestions for the type of picnic you can assemble. If you plan on enjoying a long day or night together, bring fun things you can both do together: scrabble, share your favorite poetry, binoculars for people watching, or the NY Times crossword puzzle.

elegant picnic for two

• martini topped with hand-chipped slivers of ice
• endive leaves with taramasalata, red caviar, topped with a thinly sliced black olive ring
• kalamata olives
  
• octopus salad with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, with thyme
• chilled strawberry soup (served in the cleaned martini glasses)
• blueberry peach galette

To keep thinks simple, go to your favorite Greek restaurant or market for the taramasalata, octopus (ask them to slice it), and olives.  For a more hearty meal, instead of strawberry soup, you can buy spinach pies.

Japanese elegance

Perhaps you are near a really good Japanese restaurant; think of the beautiful presentation this food brings. All you need to do is be creative with the colors of your set up. A beautifully patterned or bold colored blanket, red candle holders, plates for the sushi, and a good quality bottle of sake, chilled.

• an array of color sushi and sashimi
  
• a bowl of edamame
• mix of chicken and beef yakatori (skewered meats)
  
• chilled saki served with thin slivers of cucumbers slices
• watermelon
  

casual picnic for two

• smoked salmon served on black bread, with sweet butter, freshly squeezed lemon, and cracked black pepper
• sesame chicken skewers with peanut dipping sauce
• fig n frisee salad
  
• pre-prepared creme brulee served with strawberries in good spirits on the side

Have a wonderful July 4th Weekend!

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Kudos for your spontaneity. Two hours ago you made plans with dream-girl / dream-guy...dinner at our place and then some. The very thought of your bold move causes your right eyebrow to raise as a lascivious grin spreads across your face.

Suddenly your mind races. Hmmm, what will I wear?  I need wine.... and flowers. And dinner...what to do about dinner!

Let's face it, for most of us 2 hours is not enough time to show off our culinary prowess in the kitchen and get ready for this special tryst. Don't let that get in your way. You can still share a great savory Seduction Meal before your evening workout. Remember: great food, creative presentation, sultry music, good drinks, a warm, welcoming set-up, and you are golden. 

Enter Risotteria Restaurant. With no time to cook this gem of a place serves up food so good you'll keep this filed in your little black book for emergency moments just like this. Order your meal and have it delivered while you set the table, put out fresh flowers, light the candles, get your music play list going, and spray a little perfume on your pillows.

I will start by saying the food is addictive. I innocently ordered in one night-- risotto and salad, and was blown away by the amazing taste. Risotteria offers three different risottos: Arborio, Vialone Nano and Carnaroli "the caviar of rice". Select the risotto of your choice and top it with any of their 35 unique combos. Whatever you choose will easily set the tone for a Seduction Meal extraordinaire.

 

Here are a few of there tantalizing selections- my all time favorite is listed first and presented in the photo above:

• Arborio risotto with porcini mushrooms, sweet corn & white truffle oil
• Arborio risotto with shrimp, garlic, hot peppers and arugula
• Vialone nana risotto with fontina, zucchini, tomato and parsley
• Vialone nana risotto with gorgonozola cheese and walnuts
• Carnaroli risotto with roasted chicken, kalmata olives and peppers
• Carnaroli risotto with roasted pork shoulder, garlic and Italian parsley
• Carnaroli risotto with Parma ham, fontina and arugula

Prices for risotto range from $10 to $16. One order of risotto is plenty for two--it is so rich, and when complemented with one of their salads, you will more than satisfy your partner. My favorite salad, photographed below, is so good! Mixed Greens with mozzarella, asparagus, and oven-roasted tomatoes. They deliver it dry with the dressing of your choice on the side. Pass on the dressing and use your own extra-virgin olive oil with a little balsamic vinegar or fresh squeezed lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Uncork a good bottle of wine, dim the lights, and you are good to go.

The New York Times review says it all  "... Risotteria has boiled it down to a science, using just the right ratio of butter and oil to flavorful chicken stock, producing risotto that stays creamy not only over hours but overnight, and also reheats well".

Good to know should you wake up ravished the next day wanting more....and then some!

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Risotteria Restaurant

270 Bleecker Street, NYC

212.924.6664 

On a last note. I learned of Risotto Restaurant from my friend who wanted to try the extensive gluten-free menu offered here. I shared a pizza meal with her and it was really good! So if you need to eat gluten-free go online and check out their menu for award-winning gluten free breads, pizza, paninis, beer and more. Or just stop by when you are in the West Village. The restaurant itself is small, very noisy and cramped--it's no wonder they have such a big take out business. Thankfully risotto travels well.

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