As long as I can remember, Valentine’s Day dinner out meant one of two things: being one of the lucky ones who snagged a reservation at your favorite fancy restaurant or standing around awkwardly waiting forever for a table, hungry and slightly annoyed, trying to convince yourself it was still romantic.
Somewhere along the way, we decided that love had to look a certain way on the fourteenth of February. (Which, this year, just happens to fall on a Saturday.)
But what if you ventured into something new this year? Some of the best date nights can happen right at home, ya know. Whether you’re sharing it with someone you love or enjoying your own company, this year, stay in and make the evening just as special as a high-end dinner reservation.
If you’re cooking, keep it simple but thoughtful. This isn’t the night to tackle a brand-new, three-hour recipe—unless that’s your thing. Here are a few low-effort, high-reward menu ideas to consider:
- Fresh pasta tossed with butter, garlic and Parmesan, finished with lemon, Italian parsley and oregano. Chicken scallopini is one of my favorite at-home meals in rotation.
- A nice beef filet, ribeye or beautiful piece of fish cooked simply and served with roasted baby carrots and a winter greens salad with blueberries, crispy green apple and gorgonzola.
- Roast chicken with crispy skin, silky parsnip-potato mash and roasted Brussels sprouts.
Light a candle, put on music and open a bottle of your favorite spirit. And if cooking isn’t the vibe, staying in doesn’t have to mean settling. Amarillo has some excellent local spots that make an at-home Valentine’s dinner feel special with minimal effort.
Order something rich and comforting from Punjabi Affair. I love their buttery chicken tikka masala or lamb curry with fragrant basmati rice and warm naan for scooping. Serve it family-style on your living room coffee table with pillows for your behind and enjoy.
If you’re craving something lighter but just as indulgent, a gorgeous sushi spread from Bangkok Tokyo is hard to beat. A mix of rolls, sashimi and a seaweed salad makes for a beautiful, shareable dinner that feels celebratory without being heavy.
And for those just-one-more-thing moments, adding a favorite dish or two from OHMS (ahem: the Crispy Sweet Chili Broccoli is perfect) can turn takeout into a thoughtfully curated meal. Plate everything at home, use real dishes, pour a glass of wine and suddenly staying in feels like the one and only choice.
Dessert doesn’t need to be fancy, either. Chocolate-dipped strawberries, a slice of cake from your favorite bakery, or even ice cream dressed up with store-bought caramel and chocolatey, ooey-gooey drizzle. A little effort goes a long way. And, in my opinion, you should always eat dessert first!
If you’re spending Valentine’s Day solo, hear me: You still deserve a date night if you want one. Cook what you love. Set the table for one and make a craft cocktail to go with your favorite meal. Watch a movie you’ve already memorized, or sit quietly and enjoy not having to compromise. There’s something deeply romantic about choosing yourself and slowing down for an evening. I do it all the time.
Valentine’s Day at home is about creating a moment that feels good to you, your body, your space and your heart.
Stay in. Support local. Light a candle. Make the night yours.
Xoxo,
Ruthie
