Even if a night out isn’t possible right now, you don’t have to skip date night. Turn your evening into a friendly competition with your own version of Chopped, or take turns preparing restaurant-quality meals at home.
Here are several luxury-resort inspired recipes to recreate a special evening in:
Start with cocktails. Try a robust Heavy-Handed Gin and Tonic inspired by the version served at the KANU bar at Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York. It’s a grown-up take on a classic that pairs well with the rest of the meal.
For a light, elegant starter, serve a cucumber and zucchini salad with hearts of palm, like the refreshing appetizer on the menu at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Its crisp textures and bright flavors make it a perfect palate opener.
For the main course, consider the Prime Delmonico from the Tap Room at Pebble Beach Resorts in California. This preparation highlights a high-quality cut—seasoned simply with salt and pepper and finished on the grill—so focus on technique and temperature for restaurant-quality results.
The Tap Room – Prime Delmonico. Photo: Pebble Beach Company
Don’t forget sides. A potato and broccoli gratin with garlic—similar to the dish at Gaby Brasserie Française in Sofitel New York—makes a comforting accompaniment. Make the gratin heartier to serve as a vegetarian main, or pair it alongside the steak for a classic combination.
Finish the meal with a bright key lime tart inspired by the flavors of Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa in Riviera Beach, Florida. This dessert delivers a slice of sunshine and a clean, citrusy finish to the evening.
Key Lime Tart. Photo: Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island
Set the mood: stream a scenic feed—such as the live view from Pebble Beach Golf Links—and enjoy the ambiance while you dine. Below are the recipe images and notes to guide your cooking.
Heavy-Handed Gin and Tonic recipe by Whiteface Lodge
Keep the preparation simple and focused on quality ingredients: a thoughtful cocktail, a refreshing vegetable salad, a perfectly grilled prime cut, a creamy garlic gratin, and a zesty key lime tart. Together they recreate a luxury resort dining experience at home without unnecessary fuss.
Cucumber Zucchini Salad with Hearts of Palm recipe by Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
Prime Delmonico preparation tips by Pebble Beach Resorts
Potato Broccoli Gratin with Garlic recipe by Sofitel New York
Key Lime Tart recipe by Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island