Cooking for a first date

While I don't have many specific suggestions that come to mind just now, I do have a guideline - make everything feel romantic, yet look casual. That is - the food should be light, healthy, and tasty, but should appear easy to prepare. The film should be entertaining, light, romantic, and heart warming, but without being tagged as a "romantic movie". For exmaple - Hairspray (with John Travolta) is a very happy romantic musical/comedy, that is not a "romantic movie" per se. Such are 'Little miss sunshine', 'The incredibles' (if you both like animated movies), 'Sideways', and my favorite - 'Stranger than Fiction'. The idea is just like you said - not to make it look like you're trying too hard.

BTW, another thing to prepare is a disc with good music. Again, something smooth and quiet that is not too mushy.

Good luck! 

Your question can be answered from a Nov 2003 "Ask The Kitchen" article.  Below is the question asked: 

I’m having a guest over for dinner that I sort of have a crush on and I don’t want the menu to be too suggestive. What should I make?
Keep it casual and make something that doesn’t appear to take much effort, such as a nice stir-fry. I would suggest a Masaman Curry Stir Fry with roasted vegetables over brown rice. Use one to two of each of the following: red potatoes, carrots, red and yellow bell peppers, and garlic. Chop veggies fairly large; mince garlic, place on a cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Place in the oven at 350 and roast until veggies are tender (about a half an hour). In the meantime, pour one can of coconut milk into a large, deep skillet and heat on low. Stir in two to three tablespoons of red curry paste (or more depending on taste). Curry is very hot so add a bit at a time and taste before adding more. I like using “Thai Kitchen” red curry paste for this. After veggies are done, add them to curry sauce and let simmer on low. Begin cooking rice about a half an hour before your guest arrives. Serve curry over rice and eat with chopsticks for fun. For variation you can add grilled tofu or chicken with the veggies. Top this off with a nice mango sorbet for dessert and you’ve got a date!

Here's the website www.moscowfoodcoop.com/kitchen/rice.html 

Or you can try a Valentine's Day Meal from the Food Network, (pictures are  included):  www.foodnetwork.com/food/et_hd_valentines_day/0,1972,FOOD_9846,00.html

As for the movie, you can go with something old on the first date movie bit. Or you can watch a new movie.  I suggest "Atonement."  However, I've provided a Best Date Movie website for you too: 

http://love-sessions.com/going_on_a_date!.htm (the link may need to be typed into your browser if you are having problems).

Great advice was given by the two above. The only thing I can add is don't make a cheddar cheesecake.

Best wishes and good luck. Have fun!