This Valentine’s Day, step away from the crowded expensive restaurants and create an intimate, upscale dining experience in the comfort of your own home. The Best Stop is renowned for its down-home Cajun cooking, yet our offerings can be effortlessly elevated to fine Cajun cuisine. Read on to build a memorable menu that will impress your special someone with these Valentine’s Day gourmet meals.
For Starters
When creating a multi-course meal, timing is crucial. We recommend mixing in a few quick prep items like the starters below, to ensure there’s plenty of time to work on the more hands-on courses.
Stuffed Mushrooms are a fantastic hors d’oeuvre for a Valentine’s Day menu. The rich seasoned pork stuffing and the earthy roasted mushrooms pair perfectly in each bite. Add some parmesan cheese to provide additional texture.
As a Cajun take on the charcuterie board, Hog’s Head’s Cheese provides a low-effort, high-quality starter. Made from a select blend of pork and seasoned to perfection, this dish is best enjoyed cold, served with crackers, creating a fusion of temperature, texture and flavor to wow the palette.
Memorable Mains
Personal Fowl
With a much richer taste than chicken, our signature Stuffed Duck Breast, wrapped in thick bacon and filled with cream cheese, is seasoned to bring out its natural, succulent flavors. Alternatively, our Stuffed Quail is filled with our signature seasoned pork that provides complimentary levels of savory and spice.
Suggested Wine Pairing
Stuffed Duck Breast, Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley or Burgundy
Stuffed Quail, A crisp Chardonnay or zesty Sauvignon Blanc
Choice Cuts
The Best Stop’s expertise in Cajun Specialty meats extends far past boudin and cracklins. Our full selection of high-quality beef is both grass-fed and locally-sourced.
For a Valentine’s Day classic, try our Filet Mignon. Encased in bacon and seasoned for depth of flavor, this steak is a little slice of heaven. If you’d like to handle the seasoning yourself, the T-Bone Steak is a fantastic canvas for many flavors profiles.
Suggested Wine Pairing
A bold Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa or a structured Bordeaux
Savory Sides
The right accompaniments are key to balancing a meal, here are a few suggestions on how to elevate your standard sides.
Give green beans new depths of flavor with Best Stop Smoked Tasso. This smoky, seasoned ham, a staple of Cajun cuisine, not only complements the main courses with its rich, meaty undertones, but also adds a vibrant layer of smokiness.
Instead of mashed potatoes, try something a little more vibrant. Toss a variety of multi-color fingerling potatoes in olive oil and Best Stop Garlic Seasoning before roasting. Garnish with parmesan and fresh parsley. The color provides a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Decadent Dessert
Conclude your romantic dinner with a touch of sweetness from The Best Stop Pralines. These pralines can be transformed into a luxurious sauce, perfect for drizzling over a delicate mousse or rich ice cream, adding a velvety finish to your dessert. Alternatively, crush them together with graham crackers for a textured sprinkle that adds a delightful crunch to a creamy cheesecake.
Your Valentine’s Day Gourmet Celebration
Remember, the heart of Valentine’s Day is connection, and nothing brings people closer than the shared love of good food. This year, skip the reservations and waitlists and craft an intimate experience with the rich, vibrant flavors of fine Cajun cuisine right at home.
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at The Best Stop. May your celebration be filled with joy, your glasses be full, and your hearts be closer with every bite, Bon appétit!
