Foolproof Date Meals For The San Francisco Bachelor

TRICKS FROM ITALY

Italian food is probably the most foolproof of all. There plenty of fancy little twists to make your presentation seem more impressive than the Chef Boyardee you used to make in the dorms.

Buy Fancy Ravioli & Sauce From Specialty Shops

Going that extra mile will make all the difference between romance and Paul Newman.

Cheese Platter

Get some good stuff. Not those cheddar squares with toothpicks in them. This, plus a pasta would be a good choice for a vegetarian girl. Better than trying to find soyrizo.

Another Vegetarian Option

Parmesan Dates Wrapped In Prosciutto

photo by: Craig Lee

This is the easiest, yet most impressive appetizer. I bring these to parties all of the time, and everyone loves them. If you make these and heat up some pasta/ravioli combo, you’ll be meeting your lady’s parents next weekend.

Just pretend that’s what you want until the end of the night.

TRICKS FROM KOREA

Want to try something a little less predictable? Make a stop at the nearest Korean market, where you will find many tasty pre-marinated items to facilitate your kitchen party.

Kimchi

A tasty Korean side dish, readily available in jars. Just bring some gum for afterwards.

Guacamole From Scratch

Make sure to include jalapeno, onion, lime juice, fresh cilantro, salt, pepper, and a little splash of olive oil (a secret tip). It makes all the difference in the world.

TIP: Be careful where you put those jalapeno fingers later on in the evening…

Pre-Made Tamales

TRICKS FROM JAPAN

Looking for some no-cook options? You’ll still score major points for opting for premium ingredients from lesser-known markets. It can get a little expensive, but it cuts out a lot of the work.

Mochi Balls

An easy but unique dessert option.

Fix Up & Look Sharp

It’s equally important to clean, and maybe invest in a pair of non-plastic forks as it is to cook good food on this date. Get rid of your row of empty 2 Buck Chuck and Bacardi bottles, and throw on an oven mitt. Even this jerk looks kinda cute in an oven mitt. Kind of…

Charcuterie Platter

Don’t forget to use the term “charcuterie” either.

Bulgogi

Choose bulgogi as your one item to cook. These pre-marinated short ribs may not look too appetizing, but they are the most delicious, flavorful meat you’ll ever ingest. All you have to do is put them in a hot pan for 3 or so minutes on each side, and you’re good to go.

Dumplings & Shumai

Though technically Japanese, these are a great heat & serve timesaver that can be found in most Korean markets. If you pan-fry them, they’re extra impressive.

TRICKS FROM MEXICO

T.J.'s Guacamole Kit

Check out this kit from Trader Joe’s. I don’t like tomato in there, but if you need to spread it out, or cut the spice, it’s okay.

The Tamale Lady

Search for the best SF tamales from the fabled Tamale Lady, who usually roams around Mission Street. She often makes appearances outside of Zeitgeist.

Sashimi Platter

Try cutting thinly sliced jalapenos and placing them on pieces of hamachi, or kanpachi. Little twists like that will make a splash.

Pick Up Some Sake

One of my favorites is the dry Kasumi-Tsuru. It’s pretty easy to find, and it should be served cold. If your lady wants something sweet, pick up an impressive cloudy nigori sake.