Each month, the DinnerBeat Blog will be featuring a special meal plan just for guys – easy to prepare with some tips for those not-so-culinary inclined. Not to say that guys don’t know how to cook, but, as wives and girlfriends may agree with me, some (or most!) do need a bit of help every now and then.

Since it’s February, we here at DinnerBeat would like to help the guys prepare a treat for the special women in their lives. And ladies, if you’re reading this, you might want to send that guy of yours a link to this blog…just to give him a nudge in the right direction.

Surprise her…
Most girls love a surprise! Try to let her know in advance, but don’t give away anything. A romantic handwritten note or (since this is the 2000s) a quick and mysterious email/text message saying that you’re planning something special at home should pique her interest, without giving it away.

Think green, as well as red…
Homemade cards, organic ingredients, using cloth napkins, are just some ways to help the environment. You can also find her some “green gifts” this Valentine’s, such as eco-friendly clothing and accessories. White Apricot and The Green Loop are some good online sources, but then if you really want to go green, you’ll look around for some locally made items in your area.

Skip the restaurant, stay at home…
While normally, a girl would appreciate going out to an expensive restaurant, there’s nothing romantic about sharing a public place with about 20 other couples. Valentine’s Day (and night) is a notoriously crowded holiday for restaurants. Even if you’ve made your reservations way in advance, restaurants will tend to take tighter reigns during this busy night – an intimate conversation while lingering over dessert or coffee might be spoiled by a hasty server wanting to turn over the tables as quickly as possible.
This being said, a romantic meal at home would definitely be a great alternative, if done properly.

Setting the mood…
A few changes can make all the difference in the world. Do something a little different from regular nights when you eat at home. Set the table with some special china, a formal setting, with candles and flowers. If this is too cliché, then maybe set up the living room with a picnic blanket, turn down the lights (use some lamps or candlelight) and spread some pillows around for you to lounge on.

Prepare a simple meal…
Sure, it would be easier to pick up the phone and have something delivered, but where’s the fun in that? Also, most women will agree that there’s nothing better than watching their man in action, with all the wonderful cooking aromas filling the kitchen. Here’s a very simple recipe to prepare, that’s delicious and will make you look like an expert:
Sautéed lemon garlic chicken
Suggested Side dish: White rice and broccoli.
Suggested Wine: Cuvaison Pinot Noir or Kendall Jackson Chardonnay.
Thanks to askmen.com for this super easy recipe!

Whatever you may have planned for your special someone, we hope you have a very happy valentine’s day!

Labels: For the Guys