Seduction Meals is about food + romance and the premise that everyone should learn to master one dish that is their signature dish—a Seduction Meal, to enchant and captivate that special someone in your life...
One of the most alluring aspects of Asian food, beside the exotic flavors and spices, is the elegant presentation that chefs skillfully employ to seduce our senses, even before taking a first bite. The Asian theme allows you to have fun when crafting your romantic soiree. Go for bold colorful serving platters, soft lighting, and lots of color. And my all means aim for creative presentations of each dish that have that "wow" factor. Select music
that will complement the desired tone of the night; dim the lights,
bring out candles or Japanese paper lights, go for exotic flowers, and
be sure to have on hand chop sticks and saki serving vessels.
For our Asian Valentine's Day Menu we have chosen to rely on the skills of your local Japanese restaurant for the main course and an appetizer. An hour before your meal is to be served, after you have taken care of everything else: the ambiance of the room, setting the table, putting together your music play list, cooking the dishes you have selected, and selecting the cocktails you will serve; go to your favorite Japanese restaurant (or have them deliver) a serving of edamame and a selection of your favorite sushi so you can create a sushi/sashimi platter. When ordering out, be sure to get plenty of soy sauce, wasabi and extra ginger. Serve each course with your choice of Hot or Chilled Saki, Prosecco, Champagen or Asian Beer.
A medley of delicious foods and flavors, this meal boasts a hearty main course with delicious bites before and after. Start your Valentine's Day mean with the sexy cocktail like an Agave Kiss. Then proceed with your starter--Baked Shrimp Toast from Gourmet.com. Shrimp toasts are traditionally fried, but Gourmet's version of this classic Asian appetizer is baked, so you won't have to worry about messy, oily fingers. We then move on to the main course--an incredibly succulent, tender Veal Chop served with Ratatouille; pair this with a bottle of bubbly. Save one glass of champagne to celebrate the finale of this menu, a beautiful strawberry cheese cake.
Valentine's Day Menu A Romantic Meal for Two
Baked Shrimp Toast Veal Chop and Ratatouille with Herb Butter Celery and Octopus Salad Strawberry Cheese Cake Click on the Titles for each dish below to access Recipes
Baked Shrimp toasts This recipe is from Gourmet.com. Shrimp toasts are traditionally fried, but our version of this classic Asian appetizer is baked, so your guests won't have to worry about messy, oily fingers.Makes32 hors d'oeuvres .
Veal Chop & Ratatouille with Herb Butter Recipe Below
Strauss Free Raised Veal is a healthy beef alternative that is lower in
fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Full of authentic flavor, the way
all-natural, pasture-raised veal should be. Strauss products can be
found in Whole Foods Market and AllenBrothers.com
Celery & Octopus Salad We end the meal with a light, palette cleansing salad. Another recipe from Gourmet.com, this dish was Inspired by a salad of grilled octopus, celery, fresh chiles, and candied lemon peel that food editor Melissa Roberts. enjoyed at The John Dory restaurant, in New York City. She set about making a more accessible version for the home cook. This lively take is full of crunchy celery, parsley leaves, olives, and lemon zest. Using canned octopus packed in oil allows the whole thing to come together in a flash. Click on the title above for the recipe.
No Bake Strawberry Cheese Cake From Women's Day, this recipe is made in no time and with little fuss, leaving you more time with your loved one and less in the kitchen. Happy Valentine's Day.
This Seafood Seduction menu for Valentine's Day will dazzle your date from start to finish. What better way to sound off this special occasion than with the "pop" of a champagne bottle being opened. Pour two glasses of sparkling deligt as you settle in to your romantic dinner for two. Sultry music softly sets the tone, the table is perfectly set with beautiful flowers and candles aglow; the setting is warm and inviting. With your second glass of champagne, bring out the first course--grilled oyster with roquefort cheese. Arriving just in time for Valentine's Day, when you purchase a bottle of Veuve Clicquot
Rosé you also get the limited edition Sakura Blossom Ice Jacket (see below) which makes for a lovely presentation and and keeps the
bottle of Rosé fresh for two hours...should your bottle ever
last that long (can't imagine that).
The main course is a classic seafood entree--Bouillabaisse made with a combination of white fish, clams, mussels, and shrimp. For a special dinner like Valentine's Day I would add lobster as well. We end this seduction meal with a 25 layer crêpe cake that combines delicate crêpes layered with a light
filling of chocolate pastry créme and finished
with a beautiful bruleed top. Just click on the title of each dish to be taken to the recipe.
VALENTINE'S DAY MENU SEAFOOD SEDUCTION Grilled Oysters with Roquefrot Cheese & Red Wine Vinaigrette Vueve Clicquot Rose Seafood Bouillabaisse 25-Layer Crepe Cake with Chocolate Ganache
DESSERT 25 layer Chocolate Crêpe Cake - $50 For something decidedly different and ready to order, try Charleston Crêpe Company's sensational chocolate cake. Bringing the tradition of crêpe making from the City of Light to the Holy City, the crafty couple behind Charleston Crêpe Company traveled the world perfecting their recipe. Their signature 25 layer crêpe cake combines delicate crêpes layered with a light filling of vanilla or artisanal chocolate pastry créme and finished with a beautiful bruleed top. Also available in vanilla.
The act of gifting can be fun, exciting and extremely satisfying especially when the person receiving the gift is blown away with delight. This Valentine's Day, celebrate the joy of knowing each other with gifts that makes him feel special and adored.
Gotham Dream Cars - starts at $499 a day Give the gift of driving around for a day (or longer) in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or other high-end super sports car. There's nothing more thrilling than the speed and power of an exotic car, and what better way to enjoy Valentine's Day as a couple than in one of the world's most sought after and exclusive vehicles? Gotham Dream Cars is the country's leading source for exotic and luxury vehicles, and has a fleet of more than 18 top-of-the-line cars to choose from, such as the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 Roadster, the Ferrari F430 Spider, Aston Martin DB9 and Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren.
Golf Lesson with a PGA Pro - $150 Take your golf game to the next level with a private lesson from a PGA® Professional Instructor! After receiving this golf lesson certificate, the recipient may select a course location and lesson date most convenient for them. Private lesson customized to your skill level and will focus on areas of your game you want improve. Perfect gift for the golf lover!
Coco Luxe Nuts For You - $75.50 The perfect combination. Our 10" suitcase with a box each of our Country Fair Peanuts, Block Party Almonds and a fabulous eighteen-piece box of truffles or caramels.
Sweet for you - $45.50 Our 8" suitcase stuffed with a delicious bunch of bars paired with a nine-piece box - please select from the listed collections. Includes one each of our three chocolate bars, Monkeyin' Around, Good Fortune and Happy Trails. Christopher Elbow Drinking Chocolate - $16 These European-style drinking chocolates blend pure dark chocolate with two unique flavors for an unforgettable cup of real hot cocoa. Choose from Venezuelan Spiced Drinking Chocolate, Peppermint Drinking Chocolate, Mocha Drinking Chocolate, and Cocoa Noir Dark Drinking Chocolate.
Knipschildt White Chocolate with Butterscotch & Whiskey - $4 Why settle for ordinary coffee when you can have something extraordinary? For an instant chocolate experience, simply stir the pyramid into a small cup of hot milk or coffee. A white chocolate shell is filled with butterscotch and whiskey. This stick is a "modern version of Irish Coffee" - just stir into your coffee and add a little bit of whipped cream.
Better Together Brownies Better Together Brownies make an ideal Valentine's Day gift. These delicious brownies are made by a husband-wife team using organic ingredients and fair trade chocolate. Not only are the brownies scrumptious but you can feel good about giving these treats. Brownies can be ordered online and come packages in B.T. Baking's signature box.
Barneys New YorkFaux Crocodile Domino Set - $395.00 Handcrafted embossed crocodile leather box houses 28 white domino pieces embellished with white Swarovski Crystals. 9.5" x 5.5" x 2". Available in White. Handcrafted in Italy.
Kama Sutra Lover's Paintbox - $39.95 A chocolate lover's wildest fantasy come true, these silky, sultry body chocolates are made to brush on and lick off. The ultimate in sweet indulgence, they make a sinfully sensual midnight snack. One each of Milk, Dark and White Chocolate, plus a paintbrush to inspire creativity, all artfully presented in a clever paintbox. Treat both of you to a sweet feast for the senses! JBL Creature III - $129.95 Brand new re-design of cult-favorite sci-fi speakers. Perfectly sized for dorm room desks and small spaces with uniquely designed sub-woofer and satellite speakers. Compatible with all desktops, laptops, MP3 players, and gaming systems. Available in white or black
Pin-Up Girl Chocolate Bars - $16 per bar These delicious chocolate bars are wrapped with a selection of Classic Calendar Girl Pin-Up images. Each timeless, sexy, and fun photo complements the dark or milk chocolate bar perfectly. Unwrapping the treat reveals an embossed bar with our signature logo, and each nibble yields delightfully rich yet smooth chocolate. These bars make a wonderful gift idea for any vintage pin- up fan.
Hand-Dipped Football Berries - 1/2 Dozen: $24.99 What food could be better for a football party than gourmet dipped strawberries decorated like footballs? Each sweet strawberry is hand dipped and decorated with white stitches simulating the gridiron pigskin. Send these to your favorite football enthusiast or order them to arrive for your football halftime party. Either way they will be remembered like a famous touchdown.
Garmin 755T GPS, nuvi - Sale $399.99 http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=424081&CategoryID=49538 Stop for food. Stop for gas. But never stop for directions again. The Garmin nuvi 750 leads the way with advanced GPS technology, offering turn-by-turn voice directions, live traffic alerts and points of interest by the millions... and that's just the beginning of your journey!
Italian cuisine is a top choice for many first dates, special romantic meals for two, and just a favored comfort food of men and women, young and old. One of the first things that grabs your attention is the pleasing aromas that fill you home as you cook Italian style--onions, garlic, tomato sauce, wine, it all comes together to seduce the senses. And the best part--typically there are few ingredients and not many steps to make the perfect Italian dish. Here is our Italian Menu for Valentine's Day: Just click on the title of each recipe for ingredients and directions.
Valentine's Day Menu ITALIAN SEDUCTION Spicy Garlic Shrimp Tomato Basil Bruschetta Pasta Carbonara White Chocolate Parfait with Flambeed Cherries
Let's start backwards. I will share with you a gorgeous dessert that is a true show-stopper and a prefect end to your Seduction Meal. This dessert was created by a fellow food blogger - Scarlett of Desert.net.eu. Her creations are magnificent. This is one recipe that is not a simple Italian recipes -but one look at this phone and you should be seduced to give it a try. Click on the Title to be taken to Scarlett's recipe.
The Main Course is a very easy dish to make, and is an Italian Classic, with a twist. Our Spaghetti Carbonara blends the sweet taste of sun dried tomatoes and
salty pancetta with a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce I like to serve
this with a tomato basil bruschetta (see below) and a bottle of chilled white
burgundy like Domaine Vocoret 2006 Chablis. I typically do not add salt
to this dish as the pancetta is salty. Click on the title to be taken to the recipe.
I have selected two starters, another classic--tomato basil bruschetta, and Spicy Carlic Shrimp. Who can resist hot and spicy? This shrimp dish is a guaranteed hit and very easy to
prepare. Serve this with fresh French or Italian bread to soak
up the garlic flavored olive oi. Serve your starters with chilled white wine or champagne.
Coming up with unique gift ideas for your lover isn't always as easy thing to do. While receiving a gift is a wonderful thing, the act of gifting can be fun, exciting and extremely satisfying knowing you just made someone's day. This Valentine's Day, celebrate the joy of knowing each other with gifts that warm her heart.
Chocolat Moderne For Her - $65 Our most feminine assortment, in a delicate pink faux lizard box. 20 bonbons molded as hearts, shells and gemstones in flavors ranging from dark ganaches, scented caramels, salted caramels to our signature Amarena Cherries.
California Roses - $39 for 12 Long-Stem Roses The finest & freshest boutique-grown California roses - one of the most common Valentine's Day gifts there are. However, our roses are not just the run of the mill that you find at your local florist. Our roses are "boutique-grown" and in a very eco-friendly environment. I hope you find they are worth a mention.
Rose Chair by Masanori Umeda for Edra Rose-shaped, it can be seen as a haute couture item. The petals, which form the padding and make the seat welcoming, are hand made one by one. The frame is in molded metal with small parts in shaped wood. The filling is in polyurethane foam and Dacron® and the legs are in turned and brushed aluminum with a kiln-dried transparent finish coating. The upholstery is in velvet in the colors available in the catalogue.
Silver Personalized Charm Pair Pendant - $100 Pamper your sweetheart without spoiling the planet. All Brilliant Earth products use ethically-sourced conflict-free diamonds, fair-trade gemstones and 100% recycled metals. And 5% of profits are donated to African communities that have been affected by the jewelry trade. For a truly personal touch, pair an initial charm with one of our unique icon designs to create a special, one-of-a-kind recycled sterling silver personalized necklace.
Love Letter Perfume / Sparkling Rose - $15 Sparkling Rose Notes with notes of fall fruit and summer berries. This is a delicious crisp and modern rose fragrance. Heme Fragrance, 5 ml Original formulation concentrated perfume roll-on without messy oil or stickiness, chic and portable.
Elizabeth ArdenRed Door Gift Certificates Treat that special person in your life to a gift they will truly enjoy, and remember. Red Door day spa gift certificates and gift cards come beautifully wrapped in our signature gift boxes, complete with gift tag and ribbon! Choose a seasonal specialty spa gift packages, select a service from our distinct menu, or create your own unique spa experience for someone by combining several services. Gift cards are available in varied denominations starting at $25. Kaleidoscope Heart Cake Mold - $26.95 The Kaleidoscope Heart mold can be used for traditional baking and cold molded desserts. This flexible silicone mold is 9" in diameter and is divided into eight equal heart-shaped slices. Perfect for engagement parties, showers, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or just to say "I love you!"
Pretty Woman Perfume - $80 Barbara Orbison (wife of the legendary Roy Orbison) has just launched her new perfume, appropriately entitled Pretty Woman. Pretty Woman is a complex melody of floras, spices and woods. Its crisp, luminous bergamot top note evolves to reveal a full, vivacious middle note accord of stargazer lily, red rose and carnation. The base note combines fresh amber, patchouli, vanilla, atlas cedar and sacred incense.
YourNovel.com: $25 - $95 Valentine's is coming. Forget candy, flowers and the same-old, same-old. Be memorable: Star together in a romance novel "wild" or "mild." Each book is personalized throughout with more than 25 details about the starring couple. Depending on the title selected, the starring couple finds themselves skinny-dipping in the Caribbean, frolicking under a waterfall, or making love none-too-easily in a swinging hammock. And, because these novels are adventure romances, they'll also be chasing bad guys on wave runners off the U.S. coast, foiling a stalker on a luxury cruise ship, tangling with a cougar in the wild, fighting off bad guys near Rome's Coliseum or confronting black pearl thieves in Tahiti.
Oliver Kita Valentine Collection -$40 16 piece Valentine Collection, wrapped in coral red paper with a coral red bow. "To arouse pleasure, chocolates must be jewel-like and filled with the perfume of cacao" - Oliver Kita Great Gatsby Collection - $42 Inspired
by the famous love story of the Great Gatsby and the love of his life,
Daisy, I created a collection of two decadent truffles. Rich dark
chocolate swirled with bubbly brut Champagne and topped with a red rose
petal completes the Gatsby truffle. The delicate Daisy truffle pairs
white chocolate with pink rosé Champagne from Might I treat you to some
decadent champagne truffles kissed with a rose?
Harmony Scott, White Dew Drop Necklace - $180 / Earrings - $66 Shimmering, luminous drops of Moonstone, White Topaz, Quartz and Pearls
dance and sway elegantly from the suspended chain above. This angelic
necklace will be sure to be noticed. Available in 2 lengths, each with
2" of adjustment at the back for a perfect fit. Short is 15-17" long,
and medium is 17-19" long.
Chocolat Moderne: Amarena Mon Amour- $65 Spoil yourself, or someone you love, with our discrete object of desire ~ chocolate covered cherries taken to new heights! Big, tart, juicy Italian Amarena cherries finished with a sophisticated vodka-infused syrup. A sexy red crocodile gift box opens to reveal bonbons presented as rubies tucked into cascading gold tiers. Or keep some within reach at all times in our convenient four-piece case! Irresistible... addictive... a far cry from merely cordial!
Painting: The Kiss Looking for a unique, high-end Valentine's Day gift that shows a true expression of your love? The popular online gallery, overstockArt.com, is offering a selection of hand painted oil painting reproductions that are perfect for Valentine's Day gifts like the bestselling oil painting "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt; a 30" x 40" hand painted canvas of this timeless masterpiece. From Monday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Feb. 14, overstockart.com will be offering a discount of 40% off oil paintings featured in the romantic gallery (including paintings and frames), just use the coupon code ROMANCE40 at checkout.
Valencia Earrings - $88 The Valencia Earrings suspend vibrant clusters of faceted pink garnet, light green and peach tourmaline, and ruby red garnet gemstones from lovely 24 karat gold vermeil matte hoops. These earrings measure two inches in length. 10% of the sale of this bracelet will go to the UN World Food Program to assist in the Haiti Earthquake Relief efforts.
Chocolate and Valentine's Day go hand in hand. For me, the most captivating, sensual creations this year by a artisinal chocolatier come from Roni-Sue's of New York City. Take a look at these truffles! I could not help myself--I was immediately seduced. After seeing the photos and reading the ingredients---I was mesmerized to learn about at each and every truffle.
Dark & Stormy, Diablo, Fresh Coconut, Pecan Pie, Portly Fig, Cherries Jubilee, Carrot Cake, and Sesame Cardamon Truffle. There is also a cocktail based collection: The Manhattan, Champagne Mimosa and the Margarita. Naturally, I had to order a box for myself. I will give you an update as soon as they arrive.
Take a look below for a journey of pure Chocolate Seduction! And, due to the recent fascination and enthusiasm for the peculiar mix
of chocolate and bacon (I shouldn't say that until I have tried it), be sure to check out Roni-Sue's Bacon ButterCrunch and Pig Candy. If you try
it please let me know how it is.
Zydeco Handmade perzipan blended with red chile
confit, sweet red pepper leather, red chile jam, fresh chile infused
tequila, sea salt and ground mixed dried pepper mélange topped with
dried jalapeño pepper flakes.
Dark & Stormy Part of Roni-Sue's Cocktail Collection, this Callebaut bittersweet chocolate ganache has dark rum, fresh ginger and lime zest--echoing the flavors of the Caribbean.
Pecan Pie Handmade perzipan with chopped, toasted pecans infused with Knob Creek bourbon
Fresh Coconut Handmade perzipan blended with fresh coconut and dried coconut, infused with coconut rum
Sesame Cardamom Truffle This exotic savory/sweet treat starts withTahini that gives this smooth milk & dark chocolate ganache a particularly creamy texture infused with the incomparable flavor of cardamom pods. Lightly coated in dark chocolate Callebaut couverture and rolled in toasted sesame seeds with a hint of lemongrass--this is a truly unique combination! Absinthe Truffle Callebaut bittersweet chocolate ganache with pear, fennel & anise seed confit and genuine Absinthe liqueur.
Manhattan Part of our Cocktail Collection, this Callebaut bittersweet chocolate ganache features Knob Creek bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters & a cherry
.Roni's Roses: Red Rose Produced for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day only [also a popular choice as a special order for weddings!] Callebaut bittersweet chocolate ganache center blended with rose petal jam, powdered fresh-dried rose petals & homemade rose liqueur, dipped in dark chocolate and topped with a fresh-dried rose petal.
"Inna' Pickle" Truffle "We sell this one day only, and only
in person at the NYC International Pickle Day Festival on the Lower
East Side! Yes, it's true! If you want to try this fresh &
delicious green gem you'll have to come down to Orchard Street in
September". Handmade perzipan blended with dehydrated cucumbers, Guss's
fresh pickles, and organic cucumber vodka. "Surprisingly good!!"
When you want to truly express your gift giving flair; let your imagination soar with ideas that are anything but ordinary. Imagine giving a gift that will be remembered long after the wrapping paper has been thrown away and talked about for years to come. Whether it's watching the sun rise from a hot air balloon, learning to sail, or feeling the adrenaline rush of driving a sprint cup style stock car, the recipient of an extraordinary gift will be on cloud nine. I will never forget my first hot air balloon experience gliding of the magical moonscape of Cappadocia, Turkey.
Private DJ Lessons - $135 Show off your rhythm and hone your DJ skills in this private DJ lesson package. Whether you have never stepped in front of a turntable, or are an aspiring music enthusiast, you will learn tricks, styles and formulas from the best in the business. The school was founded by Jam Master Jay, legendary DJ of Run DMC.
Private Balloon Ride for 2 - $590 A romantic day that you'll remember for a lifetime. Experience the tranquility and romance of your very own private hot air balloon ride over the magnificent Virginia countryside. Enjoy stunning views of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah River and much more. Embrace the serenity as you float effortlessly 1,500 - 3,000 feet above the ground
Personal Chef for an Evening - $465 Host a lavish four course Dinner Party in your own home without lifting a finger! Your personal Chef has been featured in the New York Times, USA Today and the Wall Street Journal. Discuss with your chef food preferences, dietary concerns & menu options during an initial consultation. Relax and entertain in style with exceptional cuisine & personal attention all in the comfort of your own home. And to top of your glorious night...your chef will clean up too!
Chocolate Making 101 - Gift for Two $425 http://www.cloud9living.com/experience-gifts/new-york/chocolate-making-101-for-2 Whether chocolate is a hobby or an obsession, you will love this lesson from a 3rd generation chocolate maker on how to create this ancient indulgence. Private, 3 hour, step-by-step introduction to chocolate making with your instructor and his 33 years of experience. Learn how to buy, taste, temper, coat and decorate with chocolate. Following a demonstration, go hands-on to temper and hand dip your own chocolate creations
Stock Car Ride Along- $139
Experience
real life racing thrills by riding as a passenger with a professional
driver at top speeds of 180 MPH, in a meticulously prepared 600 horse
power Sprint Cup style stock car. Full size, Sprint Cup stock cars that
have been raced by the likes of Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Carl
Edwards and Dale JR.
Be a Model for a Day - $1680 A two day experience perfect for both aspiring models and those wanting to be immersed in the fashion industry. Initial consultation uncovers exactly who you are and who you want to be. Rejuvenate with an inspirational fashion road map customized to your personality and style. Visit the salon for a beautifying revamp, your closet for an overhaul, and a makeup boutique for a consultation. Finish with a photo shoot to capture the new you
Tandem Skydiving - $270 Experience the thrill of Sky Diving over the beautiful Virginia countryside. 13,000 feet, 60 seconds of free fall, 120mph! After your parachute has been deployed, enjoy the stunning views of the Virginia countryside for 4-5 minutes before returning safely to Earth
Couples Massage - $205 Experience the pleasure with the one you love in our signature couples massage! Enjoy the relaxation of a Swedish massage in your own private couples massage suite. Create sensual memories as two expert therapists pamper you and your partner. Soothing strokes are applied to increase circulation and improve skin and muscle tone. Enjoy ; )
Elegant Dinner for Two - $400 Enjoy the wonderful experience of having a professional chef prepare a gourmet 5-course dinner for you in the comfort of your own home.. Custom 5-course menu paired with wines from your cellar or chef's suggestions. The menu is inspired by classic French and regional Italian recipes. Tastefully prepared, Elegantly presented, Effortlessly enjoyed
Private Sushi Lessons for Two - $380 Featured in the LA Times, Trump Magazine and Variety, your private Sushi Lesson for Two will bring the art of sushi making to your home and create a truly memorable night. Great date night learning more than just how to make sushi, but also learning history, vocabulary and etiquette. Learn how to purchase the best fish, how to slice it, cook the rice and roll your favorite dishes.
E-mail Me
RSS Feed
