Creating a Romantic Dinner Date with Wagyu Beef and Fine Wines

Authentic A5 Japanese Wagyu beef serves as another stop on your gastronomic itinerary, perhaps as a new destination or an experience to which you frequently return. Its buttery, tender texture - the product of more frequent intramuscular fat deposits, or marbling as it's also called - is second to none and immediately detected from the first cut. A subtle umami flavor - more intense than other types of beef - can't be missed and beckons you to engage with it. Generations of farming techniques and a pure bloodline result in one of the world's most well-known and sought-after types of beef.

As you plan a romantic night in, whether for Valentine's Day, another important date or a just-because occasion, develop your menu around this culinary crown jewel with the following tips:

Start With the Right Cut

If you're in pursuit of the finest flavors, prepare one of the following types of cuts:

• Ribeye: From the upper rib area, ribeye steaks display more marbling than other types of cuts. With Wagyu beef, this translates to one of the most tender, rich and luscious steaks imaginable coupled with a more prominent umami flavor.
• Filet Mignons: Many diners consider the filet mignon the ultimate romantic steakhouse dinner. Cooking at home isn't any different, and in considering all that authentic Wagyu beef brings, this cut balances a buttery, tender texture with more subtle, delicate flavors.
• Striploin: Whether you opt for a classic, filet or bone-in cut, striploin Wagyu steaks pair the tenderness you expect with a lighter, sweeter flavor.

Completing Your Meal

It's a romantic, intimate affair, so dim the lights, bring out the candles and put your favorite music on low. Additionally, complete your couples' culinary journey with:

• Sides and starters: Begin your meal with seafood reflecting a similar profile or a salad offering extra crunch but no overbearing flavors to confuse or muddle the palate. As you progress to the main course, base the rest of your meal around ingredients that enhance Wagyu beef's umami flavors: for example, truffle or shallot mashed potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, roasted asparagus or blistered tomatoes infused with garlic and soy sauce.
• Drinks: Veer toward classic pairings. In this case, pour a bolder, full-bodied red wine that proportionally contrasts against the subtler, tender notes of your Wagyu steak. Or, complement your main course with elevated, more robust and smooth steakhouse staples, including craft whiskey or bourbon.
• Dessert: Keep it light with a dash of acid. Lemon curd, berry crumble, a fruit tart or blueberry cheesecake creates a delectable, balanced finish.