Looking for an unforgettable way to connect with your spouse or partner without the stress of planning a "night out"?
Does your monthly "date night" feel more like a mundane routine than an epic adventure? Want a sure-fire way to amplify deeper intimacy and connection in your relationship?
If you and your partner are eager to upgrade your "ho-hum" date nights into an experience that will have you feeling all the feels...
Join us for the monthly series "Date Night Dossier."
Connecting with your spouse or partner in our super busy world is challenging. Heading out for a night on the town might seem like a good idea for a romantic date. However, between the hectic commute to get there, the rushed (and loud) dinner experience, and the dilemma of figuring out who will be the designated driver can damper the quality of the connection with your partner.
The alternative to stay-in is always a great option. But, the busyness of your and your partner's day-to-day activities can make coming up with a creative "at-home date night experience" feel daunting.
So, what does a couple who wants to connect on a deeper level (without needing a fancy reservation somewhere) gotta do to create a memorable date night?
Hi there!
We're Ed and Erica Castner
(better known as E Squared).
Ed, a culinary enthusiast with a knack for crafting simple yet gourmet meals and cocktails, has always found joy in experimenting with flavors in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Erica, the master of ambiance, excels in setting the mood with carefully curated playlists, decor, and enchanting scents.
Our "foodie" journey began when our marriage was falling apart!
Like "falling-apart-within-the-first-six-months-of-our-marriage" kind of falling apart.
Thankfully, we sought professional help to get our marriage back on track (that's a story for another day). In that process, we were tasked to pick an activity we could do together consistently while challenging us to connect on a deeper level.
In those early days of our marriage, it seemed we were always working or taking our teen children to wherever they needed to be and that eating a meal together was a tall order. However, we thought that if we could get into the habit of cooking dinner, eating at the dining room table, and cleaning up the kitchen together, it would help us slow down enough to have a few moments of quality time amidst the chaos.
We'd take turns being head chef and sous chef. It was only a short time until we started to find clever ways to turn ordinary ingredients into not-so-ordinary meals. The creative process in the kitchen also simultaneously improved our communication skills. The whole experience started to give us "first-started dating" vibes, which rekindled the spark in our marriage.
Then, we began posting a few of these dishes on social media, and the response was overwhelming. Friends and followers were captivated by the visual feast and eager to get the recipes. We soon found ourselves hosting intimate dinner parties, sharing not just meals but the stories behind them. It didn't take long for our guests to request lessons on entertaining, like "E Squared."
Inspired by our relationship transformation and the joy we witnessed in bringing couples together over a shared love for good food and delightful experiences, we envisioned a broader impact. And, since we have full-time gigs outside of the culinary and entertaining space (and don't have the time to open up a restaurant), this got us thinking about a way to create a memorable "at-home date night" experience for couples to reconnect.
Imagine a way to get those first-time dating flutters without needing a dinner reservation.
If you think we're suggesting the way to spark romance is to cook a "fancier than usual dinner recipe" with a bottle of wine while catching up on your day, think again!
What if we gave you everything you need to:
Cook a delicious yet simple-to-make dinner (including a shopping list)
Make a festive cocktail/mocktail
Play a game that will have the two of you tapping into your more daring side
Listen to a perfectly curated playlist for an out-of-this-world, at-home date night experience
Reconnect with what you most appreciate about each other
Would that get your attention? What if you could unlock a new theme to said at-home date night experience every month?
Introducing
Date Night Dossier
Date Night Dossier is a digital subscription service that curates simple yet extraordinary at-home dinner date experiences and delivers them to your inbox. This idea came from our love of food, connection, and shared experiences. Each month, Ed's gourmet recipes, complemented by Erica's thoughtful touches, guide couples through a journey that spans the globe, exploring different cultures and cuisines.
Our curated experiences bring the excitement of a gourmet date night directly to you. From themed playlists to gourmet recipes, your at-home date nights are covered.
Join us as we redefine the art of staying in, making every evening a celebration of love, laughter, and lasting connection. Our first menu will be in all "founding members" inbox on February 1, 2024...just in time for Valentine's Day!
What's included each month:
One gourmet-style dinner menu with a pre-dinner cocktail/mocktail recipe, main course and dessert recipes, and wine pairing suggestions. We even give you the shopping list
Step-by-step, on-demand video instructions on re-creating each recipe on the menu. You'll also get tips on having more fun in the games/activities we've suggested.
Relationship-strengthening games to add fun and intimacy to your evenings.
Monthly themed playlists to set the mood for your culinary adventure.
A creative activity to express appreciation and deepen your connection.
Date Night Dossier isn't just about dinner; it's a celebration of love, connection, and the joy of discovering the world together. Step into a world where at-home date nights are reimagined and connection is at the heart of every moment.
It's time to elevate your at-home date nights with simplicity and style – because love is in the details, and we've covered them all.
Got more questions? We've got answers.
Ready to unlock the secret to making your evenings extraordinary without ever leaving home?
Here's a recap of all that's included in each monthly "Date Night Dossier":
One gourmet-style dinner menu with a pre-dinner cocktail/mocktail recipe, main course and dessert recipes, and wine pairing suggestions. We even give you the shopping list.
Step-by-step video instructions on how to re-create each recipe on the menu. You'll also get tips on having more fun in the games/activities we've suggested.
Relationship-strengthening games to add fun and intimacy to your evenings.
Monthly themed playlists to set the mood for your culinary adventure.
A creative activity to express appreciation and deepen your connection.
It's time to elevate your evenings, deepen your connection, and craft unforgettable memories with your partner through this thoughtfully curated at-home date night experience.
Let the journey of love, laughter, and exploration begin – one curated date night at a time. Join us, and let's make your evenings as special as the love you share.