This is only my second Valentine’s Day living in the Hamptons so I love hearing what my friends have planned for the big evening. Don’t be a drag and say “Ohh it’s just another night of the week.” It’s not! Whether you are a newlywed or married for 40 years, women love to feel special on Valentine’s Day. Need a nudge to get inspired? No worries pet, KDH will be posting recipes, date night suggestions, and most importantly~ some sexy suggestions for what to wear…stay tuned!

Here is my first Valentine for you: Romantic dinners are part of the DNA of Montauk resident Leyla Marchetto. Leyla’s dad Silvano is the famed New York owner of the legendary Da Silvano restaurant~ always one of my favorite places to go for a cozy date. Carrying on the foodie family tradition, Leyla’s Navy Beach restaurant in Montauk is one of the hottest restaurants on the East End. So what does Leyla have planned for her husband Franklin? We have her recipe for romance below: Skirt Steak al Balsamico, from the kitchen of Da Silvano.

Skirt Steak al Balsamico
(Skirt Steak with a Balsamic Reduction)

“Here is a quick and simple Valentine’s Day recipe
which my dad  [Da Silvano Chef & Owner] Silvano Marchetto,” Leyla Marchetto.

2 Skirt Steaks (8oz each)
1 Teaspoon Finely Chopped Shallots
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
½ Tbsp Butter
3 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (The better quality, the better the taste.)
Salt & Pepper to taste

1.  Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet large enough to fit both steaks.
2.  Add the shallots.
3.  When the oil is hot and the shallots slightly browned, add the steaks and color steak on each side. (They should color pretty quickly so keep an eye on them not to overcook.)
4.  Turn up the heat and add the balsamic vinegar and butter.
5.  Reduce the sauce over medium heat for about 1 minute being careful not to overcook the meat or burn the sauce.
6.  Remove the steak, plate it, drizzling the sauce on top. (Don’t add too much of the sauce, it doesn’t need to be drowning in it!)
7.  Plate and serve immediately.

Silvano recommends serving it either with mashed potatoes, or if you prefer something lighter, a salad. Both would go well with the balsamic reduction from the skirt steak. And most importantly, seal the deal with a nice bottle of Piedmontese red wine – i.e. a Barolo, Barbaresco or Barbera d’Asti…

Buon Appetito!