56 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • FEBRUARY 2019
PRESS HOME
CUPID-APPROVED HOME SETTINGS TO SPARK ROMANCE
“I use special plates that are based
on the menu to set it all up like it's a
canvas,” Scinto explains. “So, let's
say it's a seafood dish like oysters
Prosecco; I'm using my really good
White One idea: china plates that have
a texture to them. It really sets off the
color of the oyster shells.
So, be mindful of what your serving
first, then use that as your paint and
the plate as the canvas.”
And finish the meal with decadent
desserts and chocolate.
Another element to keep in mind
is that all-important mood lighting.
Scinto suggests: Dim the lights and
light beautiful candles for the table.
“If your lights don't dim, then close
them and use stem candles to give that
glitter in the sky ambiance,” he says.
Oh, and don’t forget to put on some
sexy music. It can set the tone for
that entire romantic evening. Barry
White, anyone?
“If it's an Italian-inspired menu, I'm
playing some classic Italian opera; or,
if the menu is a fusion, I'm playing
like, Billy Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian
Restaurant,’” says Scinto. “It really depends
on the food, though, because I
play music based on the menu.”
He adds: “For my clients, every
dinner experience is custom tailored
to their palates; no menu is ever the
same because they’re paying for their
own individual culinary adventure.
Maybe it's about a romantic vacation;
I would make the table setting theme
resemble that experience, from the
tablecloth to the silverware.”
continued from page 55
V-Day inspirations for décor, table settings
and gifts (à la Etsy):
Themed pillows; table runners/toppers
and placemats, napkins (red or themed);
wreaths and banners, heart doilies for
hanging; garland; centerpieces with red,
pink, white faux or real flowers — add
foliage, hearts and LED lights
Candle rings made with bows and lace
over wire; red tableware and decorated
wine glasses (vintage = romantic); place
cards, napkin holders.
Clear vases or bowls with red floating
candles; heart soaps; a bowl with red, pink
painted pine cones.
A TASTE OF INSTAGRAM:
SEA TO STEAK
Chef Jonathan suggests this sumptuous
four-course dinner with a cocktail.
Cocktail: Strawberry Mint Chocolate
Martini
First Course: Asian-Infused Oysters
Prosecco Mignonette
Second Course: Seared Scallops and
Mango Puree
Entree: Grilled Prime Filet Mignon, Purple
and Yukon Potatoes with Spicy Cole Slaw
Dessert: Black and White Chocolate
Mousse Cookie
To make a Strawberry and Mint Martini, muddle four strawberries, four
mint leaves, and a dash of sugar in a shaker, add raspberry vodka, triple
sec, and lime juice, shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, garnish
with a strawberry, and serve. Photo courtesy chef Jonathan Scinto.
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