Food & Relationships: 3 Ways To Get Romantic With Food
The term aphrodisiac is derived from the name of the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite, associated with love, beauty, pleasure, passion and procreation.
Valentine’s Day In Italy
Valentine’s Day, known as “La Festa Degli Innamorati’ in Italy, is a worldwide celebration of love, originating from a Roman festival celebrating the beginning of Springtime and is commemorated all over the world on February 14th.
While Italians celebrate in traditional ways with flowers, chocolates and cards, the popular trend of inscribing your initials on a ‘love lock’ and fastening it permanently to a bridge is said to have originated here. Unfortunately, the romance of the day can often be lost by commercialism forced by brands, florists and card greeting card companies.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s day, anniversary, and honeymoon, or just having a casual date with your spouse, here are a few ways to get romantic with food.
1. Try a few aphrodisiacs
One romantic gesture that never goes out of style is dining with your loved one, especially when you incorporate some natural aphrodisiacs into your meal.
Oysters have forever been known as an aphrodisiac. Famed 18th-century lover, Casanova, is said to have fuelled up on raw oysters every morning to maintain his stamina! The suggestive-looking seafood comes in a more palatable form in modern times and if you eat enough of the slippery delicacy, your dopamine levels will rise, causing you to feel warm and fuzzy inside.- Chocolate has always been a go-to Valentine’s Day gift for good reason; it’s delicious, decadent and everyone likes it in one form or another but is it a good aphrodisiac? We can’t give a definite answer to this as each person reacts differently. We do know that chocolate contains happy hormones that help you to relax and elicits feelings of excitement and general wellbeing. It is also often used in food-play, helping couples incorporate food into the bedroom to elevate the senses.
Chilli peppers are an unusual addition to this list and one that should be treated with care! Chilli’s naturally have a colourless and odourless oil which when orally ingested, causes a tingling sensation on the tongue. This oil increases the release of adrenaline and endorphins in the body, which act as natural opiates in the body. These endorphins are said to have a positive effect on your mood and are sure you put you in the mood!
2. Sip fine liquor with your lover
Alcohol, which is technically not a chemical aphrodisiac, acts as a central nervous system depressant. As a result of drinking alcohol, your inhibitions may be lowered, meaning you are less uptight, more affectionate and sometimes more sexually confident.
While you enjoy a romantic meal in an authentic Italian restaurant in Dublin, why not indulge in the extensive drinks menu too. All wines, beers and soft drinks served here are imported specially from Italy to ensure an authentic, home from home experience every time.
While restaurants always encourage responsible alcohol consumption, they also encourage guests to indulge with a glass of wine or a delicious cocktail after hours.
3. Indulge in a romantic meal for two
Sharing food, especially something sumptuous like a homemade dessert is a perfect way to woo the one you love. However, food is only one part of the equation of romance. Enjoying a delicious candlelit dinner in an intimate restaurant, compared to a quick meal in a loud, busy setting could be the difference between an amorous night and a cold shoulder!
If you’re looking for a small Italian restaurant where you can get cosy between courses, L’Enoteca di Napoli is a great option. Our romantic and intimate restaurant is perfect for lovers to help you relax, unwind and spend some quality time in each other’s company.
Author Bio: Katie Mcgarr is a lifestyle writer for L’Enoteca Di Napoli, an Italian restaurant, showcasing the best of Italian food in Dublin city centre. Next to eating pizza and sipping wine, this self-proclaimed foodie enjoys discovering hidden gems and writing engaging articles about food, travel, and lifestyle.