A Romantic Dinner For Two - Inspired by My Restaurant Favorites



There is just something about food that excites our senses and makes us feel good. When you really think of it eating food involves at least 4 out of 5 of our senses (sight, smell, taste and touch), so in that sense (no pun intended) it's a total body experience. Food has the ability to comfort us, and get us in the mood for love.

Since I know that right now, many are looking for ideas and inspiration to craft the perfect romantic dinner, I have picked my favorite restaurant foods (that I have tried so far) and created a menu that I hope will tantalize your taste buds as much as it has my fiance's and mine. Whether it's a special occasion like your anniversary or you just want to surprise your sweetheart, give this menu a try!
Appetizer
Photo Credit - Olive Garden

Lasagna Fritta - The absolute best appetizer that has ever caressed my taste buds came in the form of a Lasagna Fritta, from Olive Garden. These little morsels are fried Lasagna pieces breaded with Parmesan cheese on top of Alfredo sauce served with marinara sauce and more parmesan cheese on top. Oh words cannot give justice to how good these Frittas are!

Salad
Photo Credit: Flickr user JD

Spinach Salad with apples, almonds and dried cranberries. This fresh crisp salad can be served with your favorite sweet vinaigrette dressing.

Entree
Photo Credit: Flickr user Another Pint Please

Roasted Rack of Lamb with rosemary-mint glaze inspired by Carvers Steaks & Chops Restaurant, Rancho Bernardo, CA. Serve with Roasted Potatoes, Rice Pilaf or Sauteed Asparagus.

Dessert
Photo Credit: Flickr user Rae Vasky

Belgian Chocolate Truffle Cake inspired by Hans and Harrys bakery in Bonita, CA. Layer upon layer of rich, moist chocolate cake with truffle filling. A raspberry sauce would be the "cherry" on top!

Wine
Photo Credit: Flickr user schonwandt

A Shiraz or Syrah wine would pair well with the Lamb and Chocolate Truffle dessert.

7 comments:

cookinglady.bell5@gmail.com said...

What a romantic dinner you are right about that.

Thanks for sharing

http://thecookinglady.com

Unknown said...

Glad you love it, Angela!

Markiesha said...

Lovely menu. I must visit Olive Garden and try that appetizer.

Delicious Dishings said...

Ooh that truffle cake looks mouthwatering. Definitely the perfect ending to a romantic meal.

I love Olive Garden, but you must have had a better version of that appetizer than I did because I really wasn't impressed. It's a great concept though, and I bet a homemade version would be delicious!

Unknown said...

Markiesha: Thanks! I hope you do try it out. Let me know what you think!

Megan: Yes Truffle cake is so good! I tried the Olive Garden Lasagna Fritta in Branson, MO for the first time and I was so impressed. Sorry your experience was just so so. I did come across a recipe online,though that looks like it would be good.

Linda Thompkins said...

Ohh, looks delicious!! I must get over to Olive Garden :)

Unknown said...

Thanks, Linda! It tastes just as delicious as it looks! :)