As the most romantic day of the year approaches, the pressure is on to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day celebration. Whether you’re treating your significant other to a night out or looking to enjoy a cozy evening in, the key to a truly memorable experience often lies in the food. This year, let Chef Nouk at Tucker House in Rockland take the stress out of meal planning with their mouthwatering St. Valentine’s Day meals, ready-to-go!
Chef Nouk
Chef Nouk‘s journey in the culinary world began at a young age, as he grew up surrounded by the vibrant flavours and traditions of his family’s home cooking, especially his grandmother. After honing his skills in prestigious kitchens across Ottawa, he is determined to share his love of food with the community.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Chef Nouk’s Valentine’s Day menu is the convenience it offers. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, preparing and cooking a multi-course meal, you can simply pick up these expertly crafted dishes and enjoy a restaurant-quality dining experience in the comfort of your own home.
Valentine’s Day Menu: A Culinary Celebration of Love
Chef Nouk has outdone himself for Tucker House, crafting a truly decadent and indulgent menu of ready-to-go meals that are sure to impress your special someone or family on Valentine’s Day.
Appetizer to Share
Option 1: Lyonnaise salad, quail egg, local pork, curly endive, mustard vinaigrette with maple and Aurelius olive oil
OR
Option 2: Escargots au gratin with parmesan and garlic butter, baguette
The main meal (1 choice per person)
Option 1: Beef bourguignon with carrots, onions, celery and celeriac, pomme aligot
OR
Option 2: Chicken ballotine (roasted and stuffed with a muslin of chicken and fresh herbs with a little lemon “zest” and spices, roasted vegetables, madeira jus
Dessert to share
Vanilla Crème brûlée
Appetizer to Share: Lyonnaise Salad or Escargots au gratin
Lyonnaise salad is a classic French dish that includes the following ingredients:
- Curly Endive: This is a type of leafy green that is often used in salads. It has a slightly bitter taste and a crisp texture.
- Local Pork: In the context of Lyonnaise salad, this refers to lardons, which are small strips or cubes of pork fat that are sautéed until crispy.
- Quail Egg: Quail eggs are small eggs that are typically soft-boiled and have a rich, creamy yolk.
- Vinaigrette: This mustard vinaigrette also includes maple and Aurelius olive oil.
Escargots au gratin is a classic French dish featuring snails baked in a mixture of garlic butter and herbs, and topped with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. A baguette is served alongside the escargots making it the perfect bread for dipping into the garlic butter sauce.
Main Meal: Beef bourguignon or Chicken ballotine
Chef Nouk has crafted truly mouthwatering meals that are sure to impress.
Beef bourguignon is a classic French dish that consists of beef braised in red wine along with onions, carrots, garlic, and herbs. The dish is slow-cooked to allow the flavours to meld together and the meat to become tender.
Pomme aligot is a traditional French dish made from mashed potatoes and by blending in generous amounts of cheese, cream, and butter. The mixture is stirred until it becomes smooth, stretchy, and rich, resembling a fondue-like texture.
Chicken ballotine, a classic French dish that consists of a deboned chicken that is stuffed, rolled up, and typically tied or secured before being roasted.
The stuffing includes a muslin of chicken and fresh herbs with a little lemon “zest” and spices. Roasted vegetables enhance the natural sweetness and flavour of the vegetables. And, the Madeira jus is a type of sauce made from Madeira wine, a fortified wine from Portugal. The jus creates a rich, flavourful sauce that compliments the chicken.
Dessert to share: Vanilla crème brûlée
Vanilla crème brûlée is a classic French dessert known for its creamy custard base and a crispy caramelized sugar topping. The custard is made from a mixture of heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla. Once chilled, a layer of sugar is sprinkled on top and caramelized using a torch or broiler, creating a hard shell that contrasts with the smooth custard underneath.
How to Order
Ordering your St. Valentine’s Day meal from Tucker House couldn’t be easier. Simply visit this Qidigo link. All of the meals come fully cooked and ready to serve, making it a breeze to enjoy a haute cuisine restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
To ensure that your meal is ready for pickup on Valentine’s Day, be sure to place your order by February 7th, 2025.
This delicious meal for two is priced at $140 (all included)!
This St. Valentine’s Day, make your loved one feel truly special with a decadent, haute cuisine restaurant-quality meal prepared by talented Chef Nouk exclusively for Tucker House. Whether you opt for the indulgent Beef bourguignon or the mouthwatering Chicken ballotine, you’re sure to create a memorable and romantic dining experience that will leave a lasting impression!