My Husband wants a restaurant style dinner tonight please help

[drewb123]

My husband has requested I make macadamia crusted mahi mahi for dinner tonight, no prob! what sides do you suggest? as well as wine.

Thanks!

[chef chicklet]

A cinnamon panna cotta with a brandy syrup would take the place of a and aperitif. A delicate shortbread cookie along with the panna cotta would be lovely,
And for the salad, I would dress the salad very lightly in a champagne citrus.

[sgwood415]

The other thing that will elevate your meal to the restaurant level is the wine pairings. You might try adding a post to the wine board too for suggestions. The macademia nuts will add a richness to the dish so you want a wine that'll stand up to that but not overwhelm the rest. Maybe a light red like a Pinot Noir.

For the salad, go with a crisp white wine like a sauvignon blanc. And don't forget the dessert wine. A Sauternes would be great with a tart. If you do something with chocolate, go for a port.

[drewb123]

I am going to try Giada's Panna cotta that gatronomy has rec. he is not a huge wine drinker but I am.... I have pinot so that would be great.

Does anyone have a nice dressing recipe and what kind of greens should I use to match?

Thanks for all the help.

[MobyRichard]

A crisp salad with an acidic dressing would be good, to contrast with the richness of the fish. And if you're going for dessert too, a fresh summer fruit tart would great.

[sgwood415]

Excellent call on those. If you want to go true restaurant style, put a dallop of creme fraiche on your tart.

[gastronomy]

A summer tart does sound great too- I still love panna cotta even when its hot outside- Despite being creamy i find it so light and refreshing... I always you Giada's recipe-
I alwasy get rave reviews!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recip...

[gastronomy]

You can make a really nice jasmine rice and roasted asparagus. Simple yet elegant and very tasty- The jasmine rice is a nice compliment to the fish. A nice white wine to wash everything down and then if your doing desert Pana Cotta.
BTW do you have a recipe for the fish? I would love to try that one!

[drewb123]

I am going to make alton brown's I found it on foodtv.com it got a high rating. I will let you know how it comes out.

Do you have any recipes for the jasmine rice?

[sgwood415]

Just follow the instructions on the rice bag. And stay away from the boxed, rice pilaf stuff and go for real rice. You can goose the flavor by drizzling a little clarified butter over the top.

Basmati rice is a nice option too.

[gastronomy]

Yes I agree- Sometimes I like to add fresh herbs to flavor the rice but I think the natural jasmine rice flavor would be perfect for the fish. Make sure you dont touch it once it gets going or it will be soggy. Once it is done fluff with a fork- Very yummy. :)

[drewb123]

do u have any recipes for pannacotta?

[drewb123]

Just ae the alton recipe. It was average I thought a nice pineapple salsa or mango chutney would have been a nice accompaniment.