An Intimate Stay-cation Dinner at Home
Posted by admin on July 4, 2026 in Uncategorized
Earlier this month I had the joy of cooking for a couple taking a "stay-cation." Instead of reserving a hotel, packing suitcases, and driving off, they stayed right where they were. Their backyard became a snug getaway, set up with a white-lit cabana, a pair of lounge chairs, a small table for two, and a fire pit. Wearing swimsuits and robes, they lounged outside while heavy tropical rain tapped on the cabana roof. All the while, I was in the kitchen putting together a personalized menu drawn from the intake forms they'd filled out a month before. The outcome was a five-course Thai-inspired dinner that included steak cooked "crazy rare" — just the way they like it. Across four unhurried hours they enjoyed wine, laughter, reading, naps, and conversation as I brought out each course. What a lovely, romantic idea.
The Stay-cation Thai Menu
First Course: Crying Tiger Butter Lettuce Cups
Diced strips of marinated filet mignon tossed with sautéed cabbage, carrots, and water chestnuts, then spooned into butter lettuce cups and paired with peanut sauce and a tamarind cashew sauce.
Second Course: Authentic Tom Ka Kai Soup
A classic soup prepared with tender chicken and vegetables.
Third Course: Green Apple, Ginger Lemonade Granita
A cooling frozen palate cleanser that blends green apple, ginger, and lemonade.
Fourth Course Entrée: Green Curry with Prime Rib
Slices of prime rib, roasted eggplant, and potatoes over hot, fluffy jasmine rice. This curry makes the perfect Thai setting for steak — the prime rib is slowly roasted and stirred into the curry right before serving. The savory coconut sauce, built on a paste of hand-ground spices, can be tuned to whatever spice level you like.
Fifth Course Dessert: Flourless Chocolate Ganache Cake
Accompanied by a raspberry passion fruit coulis and lightly sweetened with a dark chocolate ganache that keeps it creamy but light.
CHEERS!
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Planning a celebration at home? A stay-cation dinner brings the restaurant experience to your own backyard or dining room, with a custom menu built around your preferences and served course by course. Browse the sample Thai menu above for a taste of what a private chef dinner can look like.