my daughter grows Bartlett-type pears. she hand-pollinates them and then counts the days until picking time. they're always perfect-ripe.
we put a little wine in the bottom of a pan . stand the pears up in that and poach the pears, covered, 'til cooked. she drizzles a home-made pear sauce over it and serves with ice cream.
if you ask me, you can skip the dinner.