Joanna James
Valentine's Day calls for a special meal with your loved one. To heighten the romance, certain foods are a great addition! Texture and taste go a long way in creating the perfect experience for a romantic and satisfying meal.
Despite the claims of their aphrodisiacal benefits, the scientific jury is still out on this one. However, that doesn't stop oysters from being the perfect romantic finger food. Perhaps, its visceral nature gets people stuck on the bivalves for all romantic occasions. Its smell of the sea, sweet tender meat, and shareability make for the perfect treat to hand-feed your loved one.
Caviar is another favourite food touted as an aphrodisiac. Regardless of its efficacy in that department, its pricing is suggestive of pampering and decadence. Plus, caviar is filled with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B 12 to keep the nervous system healthy. The Beluga variety is the most expensive, while Siberian caviar can cost around 75$ per ounce.
Nothing spells romance quite like chocolate. Melted, slabs or finger sized, chocolate is another name for love and romance. Chocolate has phenylethylamine and theobromine, chemicals that stimulate the pleasure centres in the brain and release endorphins. That's why you immediately feel good after eating some. Order some of the best chocolates available, or melt them over a fondue pot to dip in crackers, fruit, marshmallows or whatever you fancy.
This subterranean fungus is notoriously expensive due to its scarcity and short shelf life. It's also a seasonal product, so you have to wait around to get a taste of it. The delightful umami, earthy taste is a delicacy the world over. If you can't get hold of truffles, get some truffle oil and drizzle it all over your meal.
Adding some spice to your meals at a tolerable level is a great idea to amp up the romance. According to a French study, the use of hot sauce increased testosterone in both genders. Add some sriracha, jalapenos or Serrano peppers to your sauce, salsa or garnish.
A fish like codfish can be a good option for a main meal. You can bake it with lots of herbs or batter and fry it for a more rustic meal. Herbs like rosemary, thyme and dill are delightful aromatics that will make your meal smell delicious. Drizzle some truffle oil over a serving of roasted potatoes for a star-class meal.
This French-inspired creation places all your favourite cheeses, cured meats, pates, chocolates, dips, fruit and bread on a beautifully plated wooden board. Arrange them attractively as desired with flowers and add-ons for a fun and light shareable romantic dinner for two.
Who can forget the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti moment? It's one of the most romantic scenes in animation history! Pasta can be a great main dish. If it sounds too commonplace, jazz it up with ingredients like wild mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, roasted sweet peppers, and gorgonzola or brie cheese and truffle oil.
Sweet cherries, strawberries, pomegranates, pears, grapes, peaches and raspberries make for a great desert. If fruit alone sounds boring, pair it up with cheeses and chocolate fondue. If not, opt for a fruit tart with lots of whipped cream. For more meal suggestions for romantic dinners, check out sites like My Romantic Travel.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
