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Curtis Stone Says Valentines Day Is the Perfect Time to Express How You Feel Through Food

Being skilled in the kitchen is a true art form. Whether it’s crafting a soufflé or just scrambling some eggs, producing a dish that is appealing on the eyes (and won’t give the consumer food poisoning) is quite the accomplishment. And while food certainly has a huge impact on our day-to-day, its spotlight shines just a smidge bit brighter when Valentine’s Day rolls around. 

Do you make an elegant dinner reservation for you and your partner? Do you stay in and cook each other's favorite meals? Are all those classic aphrodisiacs — oysters, champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries — too cliche, or at this point, a requirement of the occasion?

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To answer all those questions, plus a bunch more food-related insights perfect for anyone trying to schmooze a special someone, AskMen referred to an expert: none other than professional chef Curtis Stone.

AskMen: So what is it that makes food such an important part of Valentine’s Day?

Curtis Stone: If you think about it, so many dates (especially early in a relationship) revolve around sharing a meal together, so Valentine’s Day really is the chance to go the extra step and do something special. Whether it’s snagging a reservation at the restaurant you’ve been wanting to check out, or cooking your significant other’s favorite dish at home, you can express a lot about how you feel through food. 

Aphrodisiacs are a thing of the past — is that an unpopular opinion or are you someone who is all about ‘em?

I’m certainly not going to stop anyone from eating oysters and chocolate if that’s what feels right to them! They’re both classics, but I also encourage people to mix it up and rethink what kind of cuisines and foods are romantic. Perhaps there’s a dish that has sentimental value to you and your partner. 

For me, Valentine’s Day is about the whole family so I love cooking up my favorite Croque Madame recipe – it's cheesy and delicious but it’s also easy enough that the kids can jump in. 

What are some foods or dishes that kill the vibe of a date night because they’re so messy?

Well, ribs, burgers and foods you eat with your hands probably aren’t a lot of people’s first choice for date food, but I think there is something romantic when both people are that comfortable together. That being said, if you’re in a new relationship, you may want to opt for fish, chicken or dishes you can cut into or eat in small bites. Think risotto versus spaghetti. 

For a total kitchen novice, what’s one rule (whether cooking for yourself or someone else), that you should always abide by?

I recommend avoiding a sink full of dishes and cleaning as you go. Truth be told, I’m a bit of a clean freak and just discovered Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray. No need to soak and wait, just spray, wipe and rinse no matter how messy, and you can put that pan back to use or in the drying rack. 

If you do decide to cook for someone else, is there such a thing as doing too little or too much?

If you’re going to cook for your date, you need to be willing to put in the effort while being realistic about your skills. If your cooking experience is limited to pasta and eggs, don’t promise a coq au vin to your partner. 

A general rule is to keep it simple, use high-quality ingredients (this is the moment to splurge) and then you don’t have to worry about putting together a five-course tasting menu. You can make a simple cacio e pepe, but maybe on Valentine’s Day top it with caviar. 

At what point of a relationship do you think it’s OK to cook for the person you’re seeing?

Every relationship is different and it really depends on your personal dynamic, so I would say trust your gut on the right moment. Ignore the naysayers who say it’s too soon if you want to go for it early on. It shows you care about the person.  

Do you think even the pickiest of eaters should venture outside their food comfort zone for love?

Absolutely. I think it’s a great idea for couples to try out a new or different cuisines together, and the shared experience is a memorable bonding moment. Also, I think a lot of partners appreciate the willingness to try new things. 

Are food choices as important as topics like politics and religion when it comes to finding “the one?”

Everyone will put a different weight behind how important food choices are to them. But, in general, if you’re going to be spending a lot of time with someone, having a shared love for a certain kind of food certainly helps.

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Sean Abrams, Khareem Sudlow