I bet when you started reading these over a year ago, you never expected a COOKING article! Neither did I! However, most guys, actually ALL GUYS, should have a few key dishes in their bag of tricks. Women love a man that cooks and cooks well. Trust me, reservations at that fine restaurant are great and all but put a full menu together from apps to dessert and you will have them, literally, eating out of your hands…
What if I’ve never cooked?
If you are in your 20 and 30’s, you might get a pass but any Gentleman older than that should have a short list of dishes ready to go. You Tube, The Food Network and countless other places can give you some basic pointers. I’m not suggesting you need to be a Chef but you should be able to throw something together with a little imagination. Hey Gen Z and younger, take the time to build your repertoire while you still have time!
- Write it down. Everything from the grocery list to the recipes, put it on paper, or your phone. A well laid out plan will reduce the risk of a failed evening. Follow the plan and the plan will work for you.
- Know her preferences and allergies. The last thing you want to do is put together this whole thing only to find out she has an aversion to meat or a peanut allergy. That will not go well. Getting just a few critical questions answered beforehand, will help make this a night she will not soon forget. Don’t be afraid to try some new stuff too!
- Give yourself plenty of time. If this is your first rodeo, build in an extra hour. You never know what could happen and you don’t want to be putting out the flames as she comes walking in. Planning ahead, with extra ingredients could very well save the day.
- It’s just as much about the presentation as it is taste. Balancing the plate with a few different items, preferably of different colors, is visually appetizing. Before they even grab the fork, you will get the, “This looks amazing’ comment right away. Be gracious but not cocky. Let her taste it first. Quick hint. Make sure the plate is clean all the way around. All of the famous chefs give their plates one last check before it hits the table.
- Pair it with a beverage that fits. I’m no wine sommelier, we have one of those on staff here at LKN Connect. Check those articles out as well. When you plan the menu, do a little research. Should you offer red, white, sparkling or possibly a mixed drink? Here’s another point in the process where knowing what your significant other enjoys as well. You can’t force red wine on someone who doesn’t care for it. Regardless of the meal. Have a few options ready, just in case.
- Go with what you know. We all have a favorite dish or two or five. Preparing a dish that YOU enjoy means you will have a feel for what it should look and taste like. That’s half the battle. Making it the way Mom used to is never a bad idea. Many generations have probably perfected it. No need to recreate the wheel.
- Here’s a few favorites of mine that don’t break the bank, take a ton of time and have gotten rave reviews in the past:
- Chicken Parm. I’m half Italian so you’d expect this one. A few boneless breasts, a jar of quality sauce, some egg and breadcrumbs and you are almost there. Sautee the breaded chicken to a golden brown. Cut them thin or pound them out really well. Throw them in a baking pan with some sauce on the bottom, so they won’t stick, and as much mozzarella and you can handle. Bake it on 350 for 20-30 minutes while you boil a pound of spaghetti. Don’t forget to salt the water! Have a nice loaf of crusty Italian bread and you will look like a real chef!
- Linguini in Clam Sauce. This is even easier. Buy a few cans of baby clams and chopped clams. Sautee them in olive oil, butter and garlic. Toss in some lemon and white wine at the end. Boom! Majic on a plate. The key here is to time the pasta and the clams the end around the same time. Generally speaking, the pasta takes a little longer.
- Taco Night. Surprise! This is probably one of the easiest and most fun meals to make. Set up your own little taco bar with pico, lettuce, cheese, beans, rice, hard and soft shells and maybe some hot sauce. Brown up some beef or chicken, toss in the packet of seasonings and BAM, you are South of the Border!
What do I do now?
It wouldn’t be a Gentlemen’s Corner story without a reference to your Brotherhood. Ask around. See what your brothers have done, with success or failure. Maybe you can ‘double date’ in the kitchen and impress them even more! At the end of the day, your significant other will appreciate any attempt you make to put something nice together. Even if you screw up, you can both laugh about it and then head to McDonald’s if it’s too late. The bottom line is, do your best and maybe even have fun with it!
Take care of yourselves and your brotherhood!
Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO
Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop
