My Perfect Night Out Involves Food & Wine

How often do you and your significant other schedule a date night? Meaning no kids tagging along, of course. Just grown-up conversation and a flashback to what it was like BK (Before Kids). I have friends that do this really well and have a date night once a week. Me? Not so much. We need to get better about setting aside time to spend as just a couple. It just seems like life always gets in the way. When we do plan a date night, it generally involves food and wine. Lots of great food and wine. Enter T. Cook’s third annual “Cellar Series.” These special events not only offer an amazing intimate dining experience, but also a great reason to schedule a date night with your guy. Or plan a fun night out with your bestie. Which is what I did since my hubs couldn’t make it for the February event.

Held monthly through May 2018, for each Cellar Series event Executive Chef Todd Allison pairs a custom, prix-fixe menu with a stellar wine offering from French, Napa Valley and Sonoma County winemakers. The dinner my friend Joy and I attended featured wine pairings from Sonoma County’s SIMI Winery. A great value, the $160 per person price tag included a reception with wine and hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, a fabulous four-course dinner, and wine paired with each course.

How pretty is this spot for pictures?! Love is in the air for February.

Joy and I at the reception. The light was a little tricky…

This clutch! Why shine when you can sparkle? It’s fancy and practical for evening as it holds everything I need.

Executive Chef Todd Allison of T. Cook’s working his magic.

We started the evening with Lobster Risotto and SIMI Sauvignon Blanc on the patio. The four-course dinner (pictured above) was served in a private dining room and included: Pan Roasted Monkfish Medallions (my favorite dish!!) paired with SIMI Chardonnay Russian River 2014; Smoked Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast paired with SIMI Cabernet Alexander Valley 2015 (my favorite wine!!); Grilled Colorado Lamb Rack paired with SIMI Cabernet Landslide Vineyard 2014; and for dessert a delectable Dark Chocolate Molten Cake with Tiramisu Ice Cream. Everything was absolutely outstanding!

We also met so many fun and interesting people, including Susan Lueker, the Director of Winemaking at SIMI Winery. She told us all about the winery, its history, and the amazing team led by all women (love it!) that produces award-winning SIMI wines.

Of course, Valentine’s Day is in just a few days and, while the next Cellar Series event isn’t until March, T. Cook’s is one of our favorite places to go year-round for special occasions! I highly recommend making a reservation there asap for Wednesday — the food and atmosphere never disappoints and the resort grounds are so beautiful and romantic.

With three more events coming up in the series, you still have a chance to sign up for this memorable experience.

• March 15: Groth Vineyards & Winery with Winemaker Michael Weis ($160 ++ per person)
• April 12: Verite Wines from Sonoma County ($165 ++ per person)
• May 17: Moet Hennessey Portfolio — Moet, Ruinart & Veuve Clicquot ($120 ++ per person)

Space is limited, which makes for an intimate evening. For details on upcoming events and reservations, call 602.808.0766.

What are some of your favorite things to do for date night? I’d love to hear!

Special thanks to the team at T. Cook’s for a wonderful evening! This post was sponsored by the Royal Palms Resort & Spa.

xo
Angela

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