My Bachelor Inspired Date :: San Francisco
Photography by Jamie WongMy boyfriend and I are secretly obsessed with the show, The Bachelor. It's our Monday night traditional to snuggle up on the couch and indulge in the produced drama and over-the-top romantic dates. To celebrate the month of romance, I thought it would be fun to plan a date for my boyfriend inspired by The Bachelor. It was definitely a date to remember: a private plane, a fancy dinner at Alexander's Steakhouse and lots of fine wines.
1. Find a Private Plane
Just ask any fan of The Bachelor, an extravagant date always begins with a helicopter ride. The date card would say something along the lines of: Let's take our relationships to new heights!
I bite the bullet and booked a private lesson to learn how to fly a plane over San Francisco, Bay Area. You can read all about it in my previous blog post here.
Photography by Ally Chen
2. Dress up
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to bring your A game! Try on feminine silhouettes and flirty dresses you might normally not wear. I'm wearing a blush pink wrap dress from Forever 21 that's under $25. Remember, you don't have to spend a lot to look your best!
Photography by Jamie Wong
3. The Art of Food and Wine
I had the pleasure of taking my boyfriend to Alexander's Steakhouse in Cupertino for a 5-course chef's tasting menu. The restaurant is about an hour South of San Francisco and just minutes from the San Jose Airport. It is not your traditional steak house, it has overtones of Japanese influences. I particularly enjoyed the complex flavors and presentation of each dish.
The restaurant has been the recipient of the Wine Spectator Magazine "Best of Award of Excellence" with a list showcasing 600 selections and a total inventory of nearly 5,000 bottles with vintages from California, Oregon and Washington State as well as international wines from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. So trust me when I say, get the wine pairing! Our sommelier was very knowledgable and entertaining.
Executive Chef Jared Montarbo is creating an exclusive Tasting Menu for Valentine’s Day, see it here.
Amuse Bouche: Blue Tuna and Salmon sashimi
Wine pairing :: Champagne, Gratiot-Pillière, Tradition, Extra-Brut, Charly-sur-Marne, NV)
Course 1: Land and Sea Tartare - Filet Mignon/ Kanpachi/ Yuzu/ Dashi Gelee/ Puffed Tendon/ Sansyo
Wine pairing :: Weissburgunder, Franz Gojer, Karneid, Südtiroler, 2014
Course 2: Hokkaido Scallop - Tempura King Crab/ Hijiki Seaweed/ Coconut Lemongrass Espuma
Wine pairing :: Grüner Veltliner Reserve, Weszeli, Purus, Kamptal, 2012
Course 3: Seared Hudson Foie Gras - Port Pear Mostarda/ Pear Gel/ Brioche
Wine Pairing :: Sauternes, Carmes De Rieussec, 2005 (This is the best pairing with Foie Gras according to our sommelier)
Course 4: Miyazaki Japanese A5 Wagyu - Celebration of Seasonal Vegetables
Wine pairing :: Aglianico del Vulture, Grifalco, Basilicata, 2013
In the front of the restaurant, there is a glass-enclosed walk-in dry-aging room, meat display and butcher counter.
Course 5: Vanilla Mouse/ Caramel Cremeux/ Caramel Corn/ Brown Butter Crumble
Wine pairing :: Tokaji-Aszu, Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos, 2008
The dinner concluded with a whimsical touch: a banana flavored cotton candy treat.
I had so much fun planning this Bachelor inspired date. I would highly recommend trying Alexander's if you have the chance. Happy Valentine's Day! Will you accept this rose?
