Feeling ready to mix up your nightly routine? Need a change of pace or fun quality time? Quarantine doesn’t have to be bland and monotonous, so we’re taking date night to a new level and bringing it to your home. If you live in the Elgin area, you have access to businesses providing all kinds of interesting services that can turn any regular night into a lovely date night at home. Not to mention that making a dedicated effort to break out of your normal routine can keep you happy and moving forward.
Here are some dinner, drink and entertainment ideas to help create a wonderful date night at home.
Dinner
If you’re going to have a date night, the main event is the meal. This is a crucial part of your evening and with times being what they are, you may not know what’s available. We have been working on a list of restaurants from our ten communities and the services they offer. Many restaurants are now offering delivery services that haven’t before, making dinner form your favorite restaurants, a breeze.
Cafe Roma Pasta Kit. Photo Provided Courtesy of Cafe Roma
Cafe Roma
If you’re looking for something a little more engaging for dinner, why not make a special dinner at home while supporting the community? Cafe Roma is offering a pasta dinner kit, perfect for a date night! This $25 kit includes a wine box, that hold a bottle of cabernet sauvignon, and 2 glasses. Also in this kit is a pound of imported Italian pasta and a jar of Cafe Roma’s incredible pomodoro sauce. But that’s not the only deal they’re offering. You can also pick up a make-your-own pizza kit, or a par-baked pizza to bake and eat fresh at home.
Elgin Public House
Another meal prep option is available through Elgin Public House, located in downtown Elgin. They have been offering raw meat for purchase to cook at home. This includes high quality cuts of steak, and ready to grill burger patties. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for more information about their meat packages. Elgin Public House is also offering ready made meals like spaghetti and meatballs. This 2 person meal deal includes the entree, a salad, garlic bread and cookies for only $30!
Bluroot
This farm to table style restaurant in West Dundee has a lot of offers that fits perfectly with a date night theme. Get fancy and check out their Facebook page to see their weekly specials with wine and beer pairings! Or perhaps you would like a nice cocktail to go with your meal- no problem. If you live in the West Dundee area, you could even have your food delivered. But if not, their curbside pick up is also an easy option to get delicious food and drinks for your lovely evening at home.
Drinks
Many businesses have expanded their drink providing services. Nowadays, it’s easy to get cocktails, beer and wine for pick up or delivery. Here are some businesses that are offering some awesome drink deals and packages for your date night.
Margarita Options Provided by Sammy’s Mexican Grill
Sammy’s Mexican Grill
Taco Tuesday is a perfect day for a date night and Sammy’s has some amazing drink options for pick up as well as incredible Mexican food. Pair your dinner with one of four amazing margaritas. The options are the regular Sammy’s margarita, roasted pineapple, mango and strawberry! There are also larger drink packages, like a Bloody Mary package that makes 15 servings!
The Squire
The Squire is now serving cocktail kits for their fan-favorite drinks at all 4 of their locations. You can now make the Squire’s famous Mai Tai right at home! They also have kits for their Absolut Bloody Mary, and 1800 Margarita. Plus, all kits include 2 souvenir cups. Everything you need is included in each kit and it’s all available for pick up.
Uncommon Palate
Now offering their incredible wine selection for pick up orders! Whites, reds, sparkling- whatever your tastebuds desire! You can also order through the MyCoffeeHelper app and save $2 on your first order. Mobile ordering has made the Uncommon Palate more accessible. A bottle of their wine, or infused oils and vinegars will be sure to add a unique experience to your date night.
Plank Road Tap Room
Did you forget the drinks for dinner? Plank Road Tap Room has not only started to deliver, they’ve even expanded their delivery radius making cold craft beer available to folks who aren’t in Elgin. You can have craft drafts, wines and cocktails delivered right to your door. All orders are also available for pick up. Be sure to check them out on Facebook for updates on stock and new additions.
Entertainment
Every date night has to have some kind of entertainment. Here are a few ideas on some things to stay entertained together.
Rochaus
Rochaus in West Dundee is well known as a music venue that’s hosts amazing shows and performances. Now they’re bringing that same energy into our homes. Rochaus has started to schedule virtual performances, and with the stay at home order extended, they plan to continue to book virtual performances to keep us rockin’ through May. Stay updated about virtual and future by checking their Facebook events page or signing up for email updates.
Movies
Dinner and a movie is a classic date night, and we don’t think that should change just because you’re at home. Thankfully we have a few ideas on how you can make a movie at home extra special.
Marcus Theater
This beloved Elgin movie theatre has really upped their game. One of the things they are doing is live streaming movie, like La La Land. Forget renting or buying a movie for your date night, check out their Facebook page to see when their next stream is instead! They are also offering curbside pickup for popcorn orders. Let’s be honest, movie theatre popcorn is half the reason to go to the movies. Now it’s easy to bring that into your special evening. But maybe you’re a big fan of the movie theaters and you really miss the full experience. You have to check out their movie treat packs that are available for delivery. These treat packs make perfect gifts for birthdays and special occasions too!
Mama Lee’s Popcorn
Mama Lee’s is the place to go if you’re looking to spice up a movie night. Wild flavors are available to order online and with free local delivery. Not to mention, curbside pick up options so you can bring some fun flavors like caramel apple, chili lime, and cheddar pretzel home no matter where you live! Click here to see a full list of mouthwatering flavors.
How’d It Go?
We’d love to hear how your Date Night went! Did you cook at home or order in? Was it a romantic wine night or a fun cocktail evening? We want to know! Tell us by posting your photos and using #ExploreElgin.
