As wonderful as an expensive dinner at a five-star restaurant can be, nothing says romance like a home-cooked meal. And a romantic evening is surprisingly simple to achieve, suitable even for those whose only culinary experience is microwaving a frozen pizza.

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or a first date, there are a few easy things you can do to create an intimate dinner without spending a fortune.

But here are some tips for pulling off the perfect romantic evening. Don’t worry if everything doesn’t go as planned. For most partners, it’s the thought that counts.

Keep It Simple

A simple meal, a few candles, a great bottle of wine and a bouquet of fresh flowers are often all that’s required for a memorably intimate evening.

Think you want to impress with boeuf bourguignon when all you’ve ever cooked is Chef Boyardee? Think again. Tonight is not the night for wild experimentation. A nice cut of beef, a fresh salad, a great bottle of wine and a few candles scream romance more than an elaborate seven-course menu ever can.

Do your research

What are your sweetheart’s favourite foods? What are his or her allergies (nothing kills romance quite like anaphylactic shock) While the perfect meal may be a no-brainer if you’ve been with your partner for years, it can be hard to figure out what to cook on a first date. So stick with a simple staple meal like a chicken or fish dish. Or you could prepare a variety of small, simple dishes that give your date some variety to choose from.

Don’t forget about dessert – the most romantic of them all. When in doubt, go for chocolate. A bowl of fresh fruit is also a no-fail dessert if you’re trying to keep things light. Pair dessert with some coffee or tea, or an aperitif.

Go Light

Really rich dishes can also be overwhelming and hard on the stomach. Indigestion is hardly the ideal end to a romantic evening. Pasta dishes with light sauce and plenty of vegetables are good options, or a nicely grilled piece of fish with a side of salad or veggies. Wine is the drink of choice for a romantic evening – red is good with meats and rich pastas, while whites are perfect with fish.

Prepare in advance

Do as much advanced preparation as you can so that you’re not rushing around on the night of the dinner. Look for recipes that don’t require you to do everything right before you cook the meal. Foods that need to marinate overnight before being cooked can be a great option. Prepare it a day ahead, stick it in the fridge and then cook it right before you serve. You can also start chopping vegetables and mixing sauces the night before so you’re not going crazy the next day. Advanced preparation can also make it easier to clean up after cooking on the night of the dinner. Filthy kitchens are pretty unromantic.

Create a mood

You don’t need Martha Stewart’s skills to set an impressive table romantic evening. Soft lighting and a few candles should suffice. Keep table settings clean and simple. Quiet music can add a nice touch as long as it doesn’t hamper the conversation. While scents such as vanilla and cinnamon always seem to inspire feelings of romance, they can also interfere with the taste of your meal. The scent of your delicious meal should be enough.

Try a dry run

Not everyone has the time or budget for a practice dinner, but if this is a really important evening, try a rehearsal evening. Invite some friends over and cook the meal, set the table, light the candles, and put on your best outfit. This will take some pressure off you for the big day.

Remove distractions

When it’s finally time for you and your special someone to sit down to dinner, don’t let the outside world get in your way. If you have children, let relatives take them for a night or hire a babysitter. Unplug the phone and the TV and turn off the computer. Daily life can wait, tonight is about the two of you.

I highly recommend the fine dining experience at Bistro Stefan in Kingston Ontario

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Pancakes are the staple of a delicious breakfast and the highlight of a casual brunch. But for many weekend chefs, the first pancake inevitably ends up in the trash can or the belly of the family pet.

So what’s the secret to perfect pancakes? How can you master the art of cooking right from the very first pancake?

Here are a few of the most frequent pitfalls of the pancake artist:

* Leaving lumps in the batter. Although many people feel that good pancake batter should be lumpy and uneven, many chefs actually encourage cooks to completely mix the batter until it’s the consistency of rich cream. This allows the gluten to be released from the flour. For best results, whisk the batter thoroughly for several minutes to allow air into the mixture.

* Cooking right away. It’s hard to wait for breakfast, especially when it’s something as delicious as pancakes. But batter needs some time to set - at least one hour minimum, but three hours is ideal. This allows the starch to grow and expand and air bubbles to release. For lighter, fluffier pancakes, mix your batter and then cover the bowl with foil or plastic wrap and let it sit for a few hours in the fridge.

* Using a pan that is not properly seasoned. For best pancake results, start with a flat non-stick frying pan. Season the pan with a bit of vegetable oil first by heating the pan and then roll up some paper towel and carefully rub the oil into every inch of the heated pan. Leave the pan to cool down and then remove the unused oil. While not everyone can devote an entire fry pan just to pancakes, you’ll find the most success if you never wash a seasoned pan. Instead, wipe it down after cooking with a wet cloth.

* Using a pan that is either too cold or too hot. Stove temperatures vary, so there is no “perfect” setting to make pancakes. Ideally, the frying pan should be so hot that it almost smokes. But if it’s giving off plumes of bluish smoke, then it’s too hot and your pancakes will burn.

If you’re not sure if your pan is ready for cooking, throw on a few drops of water. If the water instantly evaporates on contact, your pan is too hot. If the water sits for awhile and takes its time to boil, then you need to turn up the temperature a few notches. You’ll know the pan is the right temperature when the water droplets sizzle on contact and then evaporate after a few seconds

* Pouring too much batter. Most amateur pancake chefs make the crucial mistake of overdoing it on the batter for the first pancake. This usually results in a thick, oily cake that is burned on the outside and raw in the middle. For thin crepe-style pancakes, use just enough batter to coat the bottom of the pan by turning the pan in circles. For thicker pancakes, use about half a ladle or about two or three tablespoons.

* Flipping the pancake too soon. Once you’ve poured the batter, let the pancake set for a few seconds, or until small bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges begin to look solid. Then take a spatula and gently jostle the ends of the pancake before shaking the pan to jar the cake loose. Firmly place the spatula under the entire pancake and then flip it in one quick motion. Stack pancakes on top of each other to keep them from cooling down too quickly while you continue cooking.

Follow these tips and your first pancake will wow your guests and loved ones - instead of your dog.

For the perfect breakfast in Kingston Ontario, visit Bistro Stefan

Kingston Ontario Canada has many fine dining establishments. Some cater to eccentric tastes, some to an eclectic mix of  atmosphere and palette, and some cater to the fine diner who’s interested in comfort, style and elegance.

Bistro Stefan in Kingston Ontario, is a fine example of the later. Upon entering the restaurant, you’re greeted by the maître d who seats you and introduces you to your waiter or waitress. He offers you a wine list with a selection of regional and international wines, available from the vast wine cellar.

If you find it hard to choose from the succulent selections, your waiter or waitress will make suggestions based on what your preferences are. Whether you like meat, fish, poultry or even gourmet pizza, Bistro Stefan has a dish that will inspire your taste buds.

The ambiance of the restaurant is contemporary with a very elegant aura, the perfect setting for a fine dining experience. Men will feel comfortable in a shirt and sports coat and women in an evening dress.

The menu offers a delectable selection of appetizers, soups and salads, entrees, and even gourmet pizza. In addition, there’s a breakfast menu and even a Kid’s menu.

From personal experience, I highly recommend the following:

Appetizer:
Coconut Crusted Shrimp With Vietnamese Dipping Sauce

Soup:
Curried Apple Squash Soup

Entree:
Centre cut 8oz AAA Filet Mignon, Grilled to Taste, Herb Forest Mushroom, Garlic Mashed Potatoes,  Lemon Rosemary Jus

Dessert:
Chocolate Fondue

Whether you live in Kingston or you’re visiting, you owe it to yourself to experience the culinary pleasures and fine dining experience of Bistro Stefan.