A Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner

A Dish to Delight the Senses

From the tender, herb-infused lamb to the creamy celery root mash and the bright, zesty chimichurri, every element of this dish is carefully curated to create a harmonious balance of richness and freshness. With a stunning presentation, it’s the perfect main course for an intimate evening filled with love and indulgence.

Celery Root Mash

A velvety, subtly sweet alternative to mashed potatoes, celery root mash offers a smooth and creamy texture with a light, nutty undertone.
Ingredients:

• 3 large celery roots, washed, cleaned, and cut into large pieces
• ½ cup half-and-half (substitute coconut milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option)
• ¼ cup avocado oil
• 2 bay leaves (fresh or dried)
• 1 tablespoon salt, plus additional to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, add celery root, bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
2. Cook until the celery root is fork-tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
3. In a food processor, blend the celery root while gradually adding the warmed milk until smooth and fluffy. If needed, add reserved cooking liquid to reach the desired consistency.
4. Season with salt to taste and set aside.

Sautéed Broccolini

A simple yet elegant vegetable with a slight crunch and vibrant color.
Ingredients:

• 3 bunches of broccolini (about 12 florets)
• 1 cup water
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In the same pan used for cooking the lamb, leave about 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Once hot, add half the broccolini, season with salt, and quickly sauté.
3. Add a small splash of water and cover immediately to allow steaming.
4. Stir occasionally, adding water as needed, until broccolini reaches desired tenderness.
5. Repeat with remaining broccolini and set aside.

Roasted Rack of Lamb

Perfectly seared and roasted to perfection, this rack of lamb is the star of the show.
Ingredients:

• 2 racks of lamb (8 bones each), trimmed and Frenched
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 bunches fresh rosemary
• Kosher or sea salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Season lamb generously with salt and pepper.
3. In an oven-safe sauté pan over medium heat, add avocado oil and sear lamb for 3 minutes per side until caramelized.
4. Remove lamb from the pan, place rosemary on the bottom, and set the lamb on top.
5. Transfer to the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes (depending on the size).
6. Remove from the oven, let rest, and discard used rosemary before serving.

Roasted Baby Carrots

A naturally sweet and tender side dish.
Ingredients:

• 12 baby carrots, peeled and trimmed
• 1 teaspoon avocado oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Toss carrots with avocado oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange on a sheet pan and roast for 15 minutes.
4. Check and stir, then continue roasting for another 5-8 minutes until tender.

Vibrant Chimichurri Sauce

A fresh, herbaceous sauce that adds a burst of flavor to the dish.
Ingredients:

• ¾ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ cup oregano, finely chopped
• ½ cup parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 Fresno chili, seeded and minced (or your preferred chili pepper)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Adjust seasoning and oil as needed.
3. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Plating the Perfect Valentine’s Dish

Presentation is key when setting the mood for a romantic dinner. Here’s how to plate this exquisite meal:

1. Spoon a generous portion of celery root mash onto the center of the plate.
2. Arrange broccolini on one side, gently curving around the mash.
3. Place roasted baby carrots on the opposite side.
4. Slice the rack of lamb and lean the chops against the mash, bones pointing upward for an elegant touch.
5. Drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the lamb and around the plate.

Pairing Suggestions

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, pair this meal with a bold red wine such as a Château Cal-a-Vie Cabernet Sauvignon or Château Cal-a-Vie Grand Vin Rouge, which complement the rich flavors of the lamb and the herbal notes of the chimichurri.

Set the Scene for Romance
Enhance the experience by setting a beautifully decorated table with candles, fresh flowers, and soft music to create a warm, intimate ambiance.

A Night to Remember
With this Roasted Rack of Lamb recipe by Executive Chef Felipe Gonzalez Varon, you’re not just preparing a meal—you’re crafting an experience filled with love, indulgence, and gourmet flavors. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moment with your loved one.

Happy Valentine’s Day!