What Do Men Want to Eat for Valentine's Day?

Last week, we examined the Valentine's dinner preferences of our female readers, and we found out that most of them want to eat big, hearty meals. Valentine's Day is all about indulgence, after all. (Wait, we thought that was Thanksgiving?)

It's only fair we asked our male readers (and a few guys around the office) the same question. Here's what they had to say:

-Alex Vielbig prefers a simple but sophisticated spread of "oysters, champagne or sparkling wine, and chocolate."

-Roberto Cesar, on the other hand, wants to have a "juicy rib-eye, garlic mashed potatoes, some fresh bread from the oven. Something chocolate. And a great bottle of wine."

-Bon Appétit staffer Barrett Baffert says he "wouldn't mind being fed ... How about a nice little pizza/flatbread thingy? That with a simple salad and enough booze to blind a pirate..."

-Another BA staffer, Michael Singer, tells us that his wife is a vegetarian so he has "more of an excuse to desire the total cliché v-day meal of a seared porterhouse accompanied by creamy spinach, some nicely seasoned potatoes, maybe home fried, and something made of dark chocolate, preferably oozing with molten fudgy liquid."

-Another reader, Patrick Paul, requests a straightforward meal consisting of "grilled fish, salad, and lots of wine."

In conclusion, despite the opportunity to request an over-the-top meal, men indicated that they like to keep it simple. A classic rib eye or seafood entree, good wine, and a little chocolate in the end. Below are a few recipes we're sure any man would love.

And as our own Restaurant Editor, Andrew Knowlton puts it, "This might sound cheesy, but if someone's cooking for me, that's enough already."

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

--Diane Chang

Pan-Seared Rib-Eye Steaks with Porcini and Rosemary Rub

Grilled Rib-Eye Steaks with Parsley-Garlic Butter

Grass-Fed Strip Steak with Spicy Hoisin Sauce and Cucumber Relish

Whole Striped Bass with Lemon and Mint

Herb-Roasted Whole Branzino with Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Olives

La Bête Noire

Chocolate Stout Layer Cake with Chocolate Frosting


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