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How to put on your best Valentine’s Day yet
Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest dates in the calendar for restaurants, pubs and bars. Your offering needs to be special and stand out. Encourage loved-up vibes by serving a variety of sharing plates.
Starters
Falafels
These delicious spiced bites are simple to make (or buy!) and can be prepped in advance, then baked or fried before serving.
Chicken wings
Make a marinade from soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, sugar and sweet chilli sauce. Pour over chicken wings and mix to coat before baking.
DIPS
Buy readymade or whizz up your own. Cucumber, herb and yogurt sauce works well with falafels, while a spicy tomato dip is a great pairing for the wings.
Cocktails
Welcome customers with a cocktail included in a set menu price. Fizz cocktails are perfect and quick to
prep – try Chambord and prosecco.
Mains
Steaks
Sharing steaks are brilliant for Valentine’s. Offer strong veggie choices too – try plant-based steak, cauliflower or mushroom ‘steaks’.
Chips
Go premium with homemade triple-cooked chips, or choose the simple option of ready-prepped fries. Serve in a big sharing dish.
Sauces
Peppercorn and blue cheese are popular for a reason so don’t miss them off your menu. Look for top-quality readymade versions to save you time.
Wine
Speak to your wine supplier about pairings for steaks and your veggie option. For beef, one of our favourites is Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec.
Top tips for perfect steak
- For sharing steaks, opt for a 16oz (450g) trimmed sirloin that has good marbling.
- For individual steaks, my favourite is bavette – for better flavour and it’s more budget friendly. Go for 8oz (225g) per person and 1” (2.5cm) thickness.
- For perfectly cooked steaks on a busy Valentine’s night, add thyme and garlic, and sous vide in a waterbath at 54C for 1-3 hours (for medium rare).
- Remove from the packaging, dust in pepper and season with a little Knorr Powder Beef Bouillon. If using ribeye, sirloin or rump, render the fat down first in a dry pan. Then turn frequently and baste with butter for 1-2 mins to create that lovely crust.
- Leave to rest for 5 mins, slice and serve.
- Great with Garde D’Or Pepper Sauce
and crispy fried shallots.
Desserts
Fruit mousse
Light mousses are ideal as part of a platter, or try something different with frozen mousse bombes. Scan the QR code below for the recipe.
Cheesecake
This ever-popular dessert needs to appear on your menu. Give a classic and new option – lemon or passionfruit and caramel.
Chocolate tart
Buy mini pastry cases, fill with caramel and top with chocolate ganache, or try a tart raspberry coulis with a white chocolate finish.
Shots
Give customers a surprise and memorable end to their meal
with a free shot. You could offer a chocolate liqueur or limoncello.
Try this recipes on your Valentine’s menu: Falafels
Related
8 wine and cheese pairings
It’s not Christmas without a good cheeseboard. For an easy, low effort course for the busy festive period, try it on your menu for the big day, New Year’s Eve or Christmas parties
