This is one of those Date Nites we come back to again and again. And what you're seeing here is exactly how our weekly menus are shared.
Braised short ribs with creamy ricotta polenta is the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with warmth and makes time slow down. It’s cozy, comforting, and quietly elegant. Special without being fussy. The roasted broccoli brings a bright, toasty contrast, and the cocktail we’ve paired alongside it is light and silky, meant to be sipped slowly as the evening unfolds.
We’ve included a simple make-ahead tip to help you get a head start, so when the night arrives you can focus less on the stove and more on being together. This is exactly how we think about Date Nite: a thoughtfully planned meal, a beautiful drink, and space to connect.
If you’re new here, this is a small peek into our weekly Date Nite ritual. One menu, one cocktail, and a little inspiration to make an evening at home feel intentional. We’re so glad you’re here. If you’d like to experience more, you can explore three full Date Nite menus on us. You'll find this at the bottom of the menu.
Kevin & Kate
Parisian Flip
Braised Beef Short Ribs & Creamy Polenta
notes from the kitchen
Just a few kitchen tips to make the most of this week's ingredients and flavors.
Short Ribs or Chuck Roast
We love using beef short ribs for this recipe, but we know they can be a little more of a splurge. Chuck roast works perfectly too. Just cut it into large, short-rib–sized chunks and braise it the same way.
Crock Pot is Our Number One Method
If you have a Crock Pot and the time, this is the method we recommend. The long, slow cook gives the ribs the most tender, fall apart texture and the deepest flavor.
Instant Pot Also Works Beautifully
We used the Instant Pot for this week’s video since winter daylight hours are short and it allowed us to film the entire recipe start to finish. It’s fast, convenient, and all done in one pot. If you don’t have an Instant Pot and want to see how easy it is, check out this week’s videos. → Link to Instant Pot
Broth Options. Strain or Not
You can strain and reduce the broth for a silky, restaurant-style sauce, finishing with a tablespoon of butter. Or you can simply spoon a little of the braising liquid from the Crock Pot around the vegetables and meat when serving. Both are delicious.
Ricotta Polenta for Maximum Creaminess
We’re always chasing the creamiest polenta, and ricotta has quickly become our favorite secret. It gives the polenta a rich, smooth finish. We forgot the butter in our video, but you can absolutely add it if you want extra richness.
Extra Fine Polenta Makes All the Difference
We prefer an extra fine polenta over coarse Southern-style grits. It cooks in minutes and creates that silky, velvety texture we love for Date Nite bowls. → Link to our favorite extra fine polenta
Why Roasted Broccoli Works So Well
The charred broccoli, lemon zest, and Parmesan bring brightness and balance to the richness of the short ribs and polenta.
A Great Make Ahead Option
If you want the morning to run smoothly, you can sear the ribs and build the braising broth the night before. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine and cook the next day.
Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.
we hope you enjoy this Menu. and as always,
Keep the Plates Full and the Spark Alive
A Gentle Invitation
If this menu felt grounding, comforting, or quietly special, that is exactly the rhythm Date Nite is designed to bring into your week.
Each week, we create one thoughtfully planned evening, a seasonal menu, a paired cocktail, and a few intentional touches to help you slow down, connect, and savor time at home. No pressure. No perfection. Just something beautiful to look forward to.
This menu is a small glimpse into that rhythm.
If you would love to continue the experience, we would love to invite you to enjoy three Date Nite menus on us, a chance to explore more cozy dinners, meaningful rituals, and moments made at home.
Stories worth Savoring
Our latest blog posts for inspiration, reflections, and recipes.
