Let’s say you want to impress her with some culinary skills, which… you don’t really have. But would very much like to. Well, with strong resolve and quick learning abilities, you can still put together a good meal for two. You just need to know the basics. Here are some things to take note of:

1. Pick the right menu for the night.

First, you should know your date well. When picking the menu, consider if she has any food restrictions, such as seafoods. Is she allergic to nuts or certain ingredients? It’s important to know these things early so you can put together a scrumptious meal without worrying on health-related constraints. When choosing a menu, pick something between pasta and chicken or salad and meat. Make some nice dessert like creme brulee. If you can’t pull this off yet, you could opt for a healthy fruit bowl instead.

2. Purchase the ingredients before hand.

Once you’ve picked a good menu for the night, it’s time to schedule your grocery. Everything seems to be on Google these days. So make some research and list all the items you need to buy. You don’t want to go rushing out to grab a few things on the night you’re cooking. If you have friends who really know how to cook, ask them to hang out with you on the grocery store. This can also be a great opportunity to ask for some tips on cooking or selecting the right meat parts.

3. Pair the meal with the perfect bottle of wine.

A dinner date staple: Wine. You don’t need to become a wine connoisseur in order to pair it with good food. Number one, you just need to know the basics of pairing and number two, trust your tastebuds. Chardonnay is normally paired with fish or any seafood in rich sauce. Champagne is awesome with any meal that’s pretty much salty. For red meat, Cabernet Sauvignon would be a good pair. Pinot Noir or Viognier would work well with chicken. Studying wine and food pairing chart will come in handy.

4. Present the food with finesse.

Plating is everything. Of course, we’re not talking about Gordon Ramsay level of plating. But present the food in such a way that your date will be enticed to immediately sit down and try it. Plating essentials or rules include (1) Highlighting the main ingredient, (2) Getting the right portion size, (3) Balancing the dish, and (4) Keeping everything simple. Also, don’t forget to clean the sides of the plate with some tissue paper. Make sure the kitchen counter where you cooked is also clean and fresh.

Last tip: Taste your homemade dish. Some people are so eager to surprise their dates that they end up surprising themselves more. Check if the food needs some more salt or pepper. Once you’ve prepared the food and wine, you’re all set. You can play some music in the background or turn it into a candlelight dinner in the backyard. However you choose to play it is up to you. Just don’t forget to grab some flowers to give to your girl once she arrives. Have fun!

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