Chef Schlow’s Recession-Proof Date Advice

Chef Michael Schlow,  chef, restaurateur, and author of the James Beard awarded cookbook, It’s About Time, has some advice for the gentlemen today. Drawing from the vast experience he’s gathered from his work in the restaurant industry, Chef Michael wants you to know that even with the economy the way that it is, it’s still important to take the time to make your date feel special. Recession-proof dating, means wine and dine her, but do it in your home. With Chef’ Schlow’s tips, you can’t go wrong.

Chef Schlow’s restaurants include Alta Strada, Radius, Via Matta, and Great Bay.

*Chef Michael, do you have some meal planning tips?  Do you start with a theme or a main dish and build around it?
 

When planning a meal for that (hopefully) soon to be special someone, regardless of the economic climate, a few things are important to consider.  First, you’re inviting a woman into your home, so make sure it looks like a grown up lives there. Little things like cloth napkins, a few lit candles, soft lighting, and a clean house will go a long way, even if you lack prowess in the kitchen. Oh, and for gods sake, make sure there’s toilet paper in the bathroom; in fact, go one step further fellas and make sure it’s actually on the holder.

 
*In terms of budget, would you please give a couple of examples of low-cost, but still impressive dishes?
 

If you’re not super comfortable in the kitchen, plus on a budget, go with one pot dishes so you’ll stay focused on your girl.  
 
Bruschetta or crostini are really easy first course (its basically fancy toast topped with something delicious like fresh mozzarella or mushrooms with lemon and mint), that, ora great vegetable salad with some shaved Parmigianino. I’d suggest something like shrimp risotto for the main course, its easy, impressive, and won’t break the bank.  Plus, the woman in your life knows you really care if you’re willing to stir 20 min for her dinner.
 
Dessert, if you get that far, you should stick to the “simple is better formula”. Don’t bake. Trust me, don’t.  Buy some great stuff, like all the makings for strawberry shortcake, do a little assembling and take all the credit.
 

*Is it best to keep it simple so that you are relaxed or is this the time to bring out that knock-her-socks-off entree?
 

When it comes to the menu, keep things simple, but tasty.  You’re already way up on the scoreboard by simply inviting her over to your clean, perfectly lit, toilet paper stocked place…..now you’ve got to feed her!

Plan on 3 courses and she’ll be all yours.  The trick to a relaxed, successful meal is to pick 1 of the 3 courses as the showstopper, but remember, creative is not synonymous with complicated, so keep it simple.

Thanks Chef! 

Okay, guys, grab your “Kiss the Cook” apron and get to work. You’ve got a lucky lady to feed.

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