MORE and more of us are dining in rather than heading out on Valentine’s Day.
But staying home doesn’t have to mean boring, as supermarket dine-in-for-two deals are hotter than ever.
Aldo Zilli tests out the supermarket Valentines offerings with Georgette CulleyCredit: Olivia West
Aldo gives his verdict on Valentine’s dine-in deals and rates them out of fiveCredit: Olivia West
Top chef reckons they could be the secret ingredient to a steamy night in.
He said: “My tip for a night of passion is to keep it light – small portions, plenty of protein and aphrodisiac ingredients, and no heavy carbs. The last thing you want is to end up slumped on the sofa in a coma.”
Aldo gives his verdict on dine-in deals and out of five.
Top chef Aldo Zilli reckons they could be the secret ingredient to a steamy night inCredit: Olivia West
WAITROSE: £25 for 2
Aldo loves the use of aphrodisiacs in Waitrose’s meal dealCredit: Olivia West
Starter: Scallops & King Prawns with Roasted Garlic West Country Butter.
Main: British Beef Sirloin Steaks with Peppercorn Butter.
Side: Potato Dauphinoise.
Dessert: Ruby Chocolate & Raspberry Mousse.
Wine: Plus JipJip Rocks Shiraz.
Aldo says: “The starter is very good – you’ve got shellfish in there, which are classic aphrodisiacs and always feel luxurious.
“The only thing I wouldn’t include is the garlic. Garlic is a no-go, especially on a first date – that’s one ingredient they could have left out.
“With the main course, I also wouldn’t have added potatoes. Starch can feel a bit heavy. I’d much rather see protein served with vegetables – maybe chilli with greens.
“The chocolate dessert sounds romantic and one you could feed to each other.”
RATING: 4/5
SAINSBURY’S: £18 for 2
‘At first glance, this feels like quite a heavy menu’, says the top chefCredit: Olivia West
Starter: Taste the Difference Vintage Cheddar & Leek Tarts.
Main: Taste the Difference Scottish Salmon En Croute.
Side: Taste the Difference Discovery Hot Maple Carrots.
Dessert: Taste the Difference Blonde Valentine’s Profiteroles.
Drink: Taste the Difference Prosecco DOC Treviso Spumante 75cl.
Aldo says: “At first glance, this feels like quite a heavy menu – I can’t imagine anyone having much energy left for anything else afterwards…
The tarts are very tasty but seriously filling, and the salmon en croûte is another pastry-heavy dish, which feels a bit much. There are other options, so if you’re shopping at Sainsbury’s, I’d recommend something lighter.
“The hot maple carrots are nice, and while profiteroles are filling, they’re also playful – perfect for dipping in chocolate sauce and feeding to each other.”
RATING: 3/5
ASDA: £12 for 2
Zilli says of Asda’s option: ‘I love a cheese board at Christmas, but not when you’re trying to impress a young lady’Credit: Olivia West
Starter: Bistro Heart Shaped Champagne Coquille St Jacque Scallops in a creamy cheese sauce.
Main: Bistro Vegan Wellington.
Sides (two): Confit garlic & herb baby potatoes, Creamed spinach.
Dessert: Bistro Cheese Board.
Drink: Fillipo Sansovino Prosecco.
Aldo says: “I like champagne and I like scallops, so I’m already sold. They taste amazing and feel really special, and I think this is exactly the kind of starter a woman would love.
“It’s also very good that they’ve thought about vegans, to be fair – and the vegan option actually tastes great, which isn’t always a given.
“I love a cheese board at Christmas, but not when you’re trying to impress a young lady.
“It’s a bit too stodgy and, let’s be honest, it’s unlikely to lead to a night of passion.”
RATING: 4/5
M&S: £25 for 2
‘M&S are known for their strong meal deals, and this is a really solid choice’, says AldoCredit: Olivia West
Starter: M&S Collection King Prawn and Lobster Thermidor Gratins.
Main: M&S Collection Fillet Steak Beef Wellington with Red Wine Jus.
Side: M&S Collection Asparagus and Tenderstem Broccoli.
Dessert: M&S Collection Pistachio and chocolate spheres.
Wine: Crémant de Bordeaux, but there are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options available.
Aldo says: “The starter – King Prawn and Lobster Thermidor Gratin – feels and tastes luxurious.
“I love seafood and it’s a great aphrodisiac, although it is quite rich. Like most people, I love a fillet steak, and this Beef Wellington doesn’t disappoint.
“The asparagus and broccoli complement it perfectly. M&S are known for their strong meal deals, and this is a really solid choice.”
RATING: 4/5
Morrisons: £15 for 2
The chef was not a fan of Morrisons’ selectionCredit: Olivia West
Starter: The Best Prawn Cocktail.
Main: The Best Chicken Breasts wrapped in Prosciutto with a Pink Peppercorn Butter & Rich Cheddar Sauce.
Side: The Best Green Vegetable Medley.
Dessert: The Best Heritage Raspberry Panna Cotta Heart Pot.
Drink: Kylie Minogue Alcohol Free Sparkling Rose 75cl.
Aldo says: “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a prawn cocktail, so as long as they’re using good-quality prawns, it’s a perfectly good starter.
“With the chicken, I would have gone for a pepper sauce rather than cheese, as cheese can be a bit stodgy and leave you feeling bloated.
“The vegetables are fine, though.
“As for the panna cotta, it’s essentially cooked cream.
“Would I eat it on a date? No. I’d much rather have some chocolate on the plate.”
RATING: 3/5
ALDI: £13.22 for 2 premium
Aldo gave Aldi full marksCredit: Olivia West
Main: Specially Selected Black Cod in a Miso Glaze.
Side: Specially Selected Veg Medley with Truffle Butter.
Dessert: Specially Selected Raspberry Cheesecake Slices.
Optional Wine: Prosecco Spumante DOC 75cl.
Budget version: (£10.16 for two including wine. Aldo’s score: 3 out of 5)
Aldo says: “They’ve gone all in on the hearts on the budget version with heart-shaped cheesy garlic bread, lobster pasta for mains and pancakes for pudding. It’s more Netflix and chill – the sort of meal I’d happily eat with my wife after 30 years of marriage.
“But if you’re after proper romance, their premium meal is the winner. The black cod tastes gorgeous – I love black cod. It’s a real luxury dish that makes your partner feel special. I’m genuinely impressed – it’s light, romantic and for the price, it gets my vote.”
RATING: 5/5
TESCO: £20 for 2 with Clubcard
Also loved the dessert on the Tesco optionCredit: Olivia West
Starter: Finest Camembert with Garlic & Parsley Dough Balls.
Main: Finest Salmon & Prawn En Croûte.
Sides: Finest Samphire, Petit Pois & Sliced Cabbage and Finest Rosemary and Parmesan Fries.
Dessert: Finest Belgian White Chocolate Delice Hearts.
Drink: Finest Prosecco Valdobbiadene, 75cl.
Aldo says: “I wouldn’t order camembert with dough balls – that’s carbs, garlic and melted cheese in one go – not the most romantic. It’s more like something you’d have with the family, rather than a hot date.
“The salmon en croute does taste good, but I’d keep it lighter – a fresh chargrilled salmon. You don’t want to gaze into someone’s eyes chewing a big mouthful of cheese and salmon. Veggies with mint dressing are good and I love rosemary fries.
“The dessert is perfect and romantic, love it.”
RATING: 4/5
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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