Paris On A Platter: French Treats And Drinks For A Romantic Valentine’s Day Surprise
Introduction
Being the city of love, Paris is a theme in itself for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Its cobblestone streets, cafés brimming with ambience and quiet, soft-lit bridges can evoke the perfect setting for a love story.
Paris may serve as the perfect inspiration for crafting a romantic Valentine’s Day surprise. This is due to the city’s unique culinary offerings and aesthetic drinks. Whether you are planning a cocktail dinner for two or a brunch with all your couple friends, French drinks and treats can be a great choice.
Before bringing Paris to your dining table, it is ideal to set the ambience of the room according to the theme. For example, you can light some candles, play some French jazz in the background and have a simple yet chic table arrangement. Some fine cutlery or rustic plates, a vase of freshly bloomed roses and blush or pastel-hued linen tablecloths will complete the scene.
Remember, you do not need to have a fancy budget and gourmet menu for a romantic, Parisian-style Valentine’s Day surprise. A bit of advance planning and preparation with a touch of creativity will be more than adequate.
Serving A French Menu For A Romantic Valentine’s Day Surprise
France is known for its champagne, wine and aesthetic cocktails. Their approach to the culinary arts and mixological scene is unique. They pair every meal with a beverage. Be it a nice cup of coffee with their breakfast croissant or a glass of crisp wine with their early lunch salad. The selection depends on complementary core flavours and personal preferences.
Similarly, for hosting a delicious Valentine’s Day surprise, you can plan a menu in advance. It can be simple or elaborate, depending on convenience. A normal menu for a party could comprise a small selection of cheese, an entree or two, a main dish with one or two sides and respective desserts. For example, an assortment of creamy and blue cheeses, a light salad and grilled oysters can be a great start to a Paris-inspired dinner. They can be followed by a simple ratatouille or duck confit, along with grilled vegetables, before savouring macarons and espresso for dessert.
The drinks menu could include two kinds of aperitifs and at least one after-dinner drink. This approach makes it easy to pick dishes and drinks accordingly without any last-minute rushes.
Here are some iconic French treats and drink options that can be a nice Valentine’s Day surprise for your Francophile partner.
A Selection Of Cheeses And Kir Royale Cocktail
Set out a cutting board for a simple presentation and place your choice of cheeses. Popular French cheese choices include Brie, Camembert, Roquefort and Comté. Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a buttery flavour and Camembert is a rich, tangy cheese with an edible rind. On the other hand, Roquefort is a sharp, blue cheese with a distinct flavour while Comté is a firm nutty cheese. An assortment of different cheeses ensures every nibble is unique and tasty. When paired with a bubbly, rich Kir Royale cocktail, the combination can be an ideal culinary match.
Pan-Seared Scallops And French Rose Cocktail
Pan-seared scallops and leeks in white wine sauce make an elegant French-inspired appetiser. The sweet, buttery taste of scallops pairs beautifully with the slight tang of leeks. The dish is easier to make than it impressively seems. When paired with a rosy-hued French Pearl cocktail, the flavour combination can be quite remarkable. Slightly and buttery scallops with a mellow, floral drink. This famous cocktail is made using gin, dry vermouth and cherry brandy. It offers a nuanced taste with lots of floral notes and subtle hints of sweetness.
Coq Au Vin And Pinot Noir Wine
This hearty chicken dish is slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms, onions and bacon. Its simple preparation and robust flavour profile make it a suitable choice for romantic dinners. The rich, flavourful sauce might pair very well with a glass of Burgundy red wine or Pinot noir. The wine’s earthy and fruity notes complement the mushrooms and bacon. While its bright acidity balances the decadent sauce, adding layers to the resultant flavour combination.
Crème Brûlée And Espresso Martini Cocktail
A crème brûlée and an espresso martini cocktail could make an excellent pairing due to their complementary textures and flavours. The rich, creamy sweetness of the crème brûlée’s custard pairs well with the bitter espresso notes of the martini cocktail. In comparison, the caramelised top of the crème brûlée provides a delightful contrast in both flavour and texture to the cocktail. The combination also does not let either the dessert’s sweetness or the espresso’s roasted astringency become overpowering.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
