Top tips for a smooth Valentine's night in

Cooking for your date on Sunday? Top tips for a smooth Valentine's night in

If you've decided to have a romantic night in this Valentine's Day, and you've valiantly offered up your culinary services, you may just need a few hints and tricks to ensure your evening runs smoothly.

Cyril Capet, Restaurant Manager at The Peacock Room in Bamford, Rochdale, which boasts two AA rosettes and a Michellin Knife & Fork Award, has put together his top ten tips for cooking and serving up the perfect romantic meal:

Stick to the classics, or something you have made before. You don't need a cooking disaster on the most romantic evening of the year. 

Remember to find out beforehand if your date has any food allergies, preferences or if they are vegetarian, vegan or even clean eating. A simple call or text message can save lots of kitchen heartache.

Keep your starter light, nobody likes to be full to the brim before the main has been served. Smoked salmon blinis with caviar or creme fraiche and chives will impress, and will only take minutes to assemble.

If you choose to make steak, which is always a winner as a main course, get your pan smoking hot, oil and season the meat, cook to your liking and let it rest for 10 minutes in a warm oven before serving.

Buy your meat from a butcher and make sure it comes from local sources. The flavour is better, and food provenance is so important nowadays. Much more impressive, too, and your butcher can even trim and prepare your meat if you let them know what dish you are making.

Make sure your wine matches your food. Ask someone in the supermarket or store for advice, and take a list of your courses. A little thought into ensuring that the flavours match up can go a long way. And don't skimp on the cost.

Buy a ready made dessert. If you've slaved away making a starter and a main, nobody will mind if you bring out a New York Cheesecake or profiteroles from your local patisserie! Add some fresh strawberries and Champagne if you're feeling particularly inclined.

Set the mood but don't be too over the top - a few candles and good music can work well, you don't need to overthink it.

Make sure your crockery, cutlery and table linen is clean. Your date won't remember if they are, but they'd certainly remember if they were dirty.

Lastly, give yourself plenty of time and relax.