A Valentine's Day Menu
For all you lovers out there.
I have always loved Valentine’s Day, and to be honest, I feel a little alone in it sometimes. I am, deep in my bones, a true romantic. I love grand gestures. I unironically love this song. Bouquets of flowers, viles of perfume, boxes of chocolates, jewlery— I want it all. What used to be messy days of glitter covered doilies and heart shaped construction paper has long since been replaced by overflowing platters of red fruit on ice, but the sentiment is still there. While you could try to snag a hard to get reservation somewhere for dinner, I always find the expectation high and the vibe to be awkward on Valentine’s Day, and honestly it’s usually set menus of really heavy food. Cooking is such a beautiful way to show someone you love them.
Making a Valentine’s Day menu isn’t always the easiest thing though, it was one we often didn’t want to get stuck with at Martha’s magazine. I remember one year, my friend Lauryn was stressing about a Valentine’s dinner for two (in July poolside in the Hamptons). What she came up with was fondue— to which Martha responded “What do you want to do get sick with your boyfriend?” But Martha’s right, it shouldn’t be something to rich, but how can it still feel special and satisfying?
Enter paella, a dish I certainly wouldn’t make on just any night. Normally saved for a crowd, I think this vegetarian (ok it’s vegan) version is really a special thing to make your special someone, or yourself, or your family, or your friends. Paired with a really simple salad, and an impressive dessert that is ready in minutes, you can spend more time watching an erotic thriller and eating ice cold fruit than cooking or cleaning up.
But don’t worry, if you don’t feel like cooking I still have a Gift Guide and a sort of sexy playlist.
Or you could subscribe to Karley Sciortino ‘s sexy substack Hotline.
These are a few favorites, but full gift guide is linked below!
DABS MYLA x andSons Chocolates - my sweet friends designed this super cute box of chocolates, and I have tasted every single one and they are all so special and delicious!
Byredo Matte Lipstick in Stomboli- I saw a lot of this sexy orange red shade at fashion week.
ELSE Dahlia Set- I love everything ELSE makes, it’s sexy but still comfortable enough for every day or a night out.
ELM BIOSCIENCES Complete Skin Renewal- I have been using Martha’s skin system for a month now, and streamlined my skincare into a just a few products. Oh, and I’m glowing.
Flamingo Estate Leather Appointment Candle- Make sure to snag one of these limted edition candles while you can— it’s the perfect luxe scent for burning all night.
URBANSTEMS Double the Peony- an oversized bouquet of a single chic flower like a fragrant peony is so much better than a medicore mix.
Oh… and the menu this month…
Chicory and Cara Cara Orange Salad with Pistachios
Vegetable Paella
Chocolate Mousse
Red Fruit on Ice
