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To Sum up so far....
1) atmosphere... fresh flowers... pay attention to how the table is set, use good china and cutlery... maybe sprinkle the table top with rose petals. Lighting is important candle light is best but make sure no sented candles they will interfere with the food. Music... nothing overpowering... Ella Fitzgerald is always good but use your best jedgment...
2) Appertif... definately a champagne. For kicks go with the Kir Royale or Raspberry puree and Champagne... they are a little sweeter and fruitier than just Champagne.
3) Appetizer... this can be made in advance and popped in the oven or microwave at the last minute. Good quality soup is nice on a cold February evennig... Salads are always good... The other way to go is light finger foods like bruchetta or stuffed mushroom caps... Remember light and easy you are trying to build an appetite
4) Main -- winedrinker makes a good point... thing of advance preperation where possible. Pasta with scallops, scampi or prawns is very quick and easy to make (use fresh pasta rather than dry)... the oil fondue is good too... hot oil and dipping various meats, cheese and veggies (think tempura as well)... It is a slow and easy way to cook food together the prep is all in advance and you can chat and stare into each other's eyes while your food simmers in the oil...
5) Cheese course. Four or five nice cheeses, some olives and an assortment of crackers. Cleans and revieves the pallate before dessert... Soft- go with a nice brie or camambert Hard - a stilton also go for a blue and a goat... if you aren't too much into cheese or don't like the more exotic types go for an aged cheddar or a smoke Gouda. Try to have a nice port or ice wine to go with this... it would be good if you can have small glasses just for this
6) Dessert. Chocolate dripped strawberries are nice and you can feed them to each other, but trust me on the molten cakes... make them in advance and pop them in the oven at the right time... if she doesn't jump you bones after eating one she's a zombie. You could also serve tea or coffee here if you want... if you can do it, espresso is the most appropriate... strong and in small demitasse (you can buy a small stove top esspresso maker for 10 to 15 bucks at Ikea)
7) wines... don't worry too much about what goes with what with regards to reds and whites etc... go with what you like. The key here is to get one that tastes great... knock her socks off. If you can try to have a different drink for each course as suggested above and try to match them flavour wise not colour wise (if you are in Ontario ask someone at the LCBO if you go to one of their superstores they have wine experts that know how to match) otherwise ask winedrinker or jj rouseau...)
Most important... think it through in advance so you can relax... don't panic ever. if something goes wrong, move on to something else or make the best of what you have... the idea is to romance and charm your date not make her tense. This is why advance preparation where possible is the best course.
Wear an apron in the kitchen... you will thank me for this...
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"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke
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