OK, now that Mom has been pampered, it's time to spoil Dad a little bit. Since he usually gets stuck with a tie, why not prepare him a delicious, manly meal? This menu is full of the bold flavors men love, and you've got plenty of time to plan, so no excuses! Wine notes are included below, so ready thy aprons and glasses, and let's offer a toast to the Big Guy.

Nothing says "I love you" to a man like grilled steak. We've added some wonderful accompaniments to this main course, all of which are simple to prepare and perfect for a Summer day.

For those curious about the meaning of mise en place, it is a French culinary term for "set in place." If you have ever watched a cooking show, or been inside a restaurant kitchen, you will notice that next to the cooking area, things are set up just so. Ingredients, sauces and critical elements are ready to be used, whether pre-cooked, pre-chopped, or ready as a garnish. This kind of organized setup enables a cook to focus on the actual act of cooking itself without distraction. Our intention with this section is to use the same approach at home, enabling you to host your own special occasions with flair.

WINE NOTES FROM VIRGINIA WINE TIME

Many thanks to Paul and Warren from Virginia Wine Time for their pairing recommendations. You can read more of their articles from the Daily News Record, a Shenandoah newspaper. We've listed these pairings by varietal so you can take the printable menu to your local wine merchant for recommendations.

Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Varietal: Pinot Grigio

Reasoning: Pinot Grigio is a versatile grape which flourishes in many climates.  We love an Alsatian Pinot Grigio because it has a sweet refreshing, crisp and sometimes citrusy profile, which will pair well with the lemongrass and cut the spiciness of the hoisin sauce.

Salmorejo

Varietal: White Sancerre

Reasoning: A chilled White Sancerre, made with the Sauvignon Blanc grape, pairs well with Salmorejo, or any dish with lots of acidity from tomatoes or garlic, because the tart finish will match the acidity of the soup.

Steak with Champagne Braised Cippolini Onions and Sage Butter

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Reasoning: Cabernet Sauvignon grows well in warm climates and benefits from a long growing season, so the sugars have time to develop. Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing with a buttery steak. The berry and cherry flavors and sharp tannins will be tamed by the bold flavors and textures of the beef. Aged cabernets can have notes of tobacco, leather or cassis.

Coffee Granita with White Chocolate Cinnamon Crusted Tuile Cookies

Varietal: Coffee Liqueur or Port

Reasoning: The dessert already has coffee liqueur, so this would be a nice after dinner match. Alternatively, try a nice vintage port with a nice sweetness and not too much acidity.