In almost every culture, food and its erotic qualities are woven into history, mythology and superstition. We believe that chillies can spice up our sex lives just as easily as we believe bananas and their phallic resemblance can turn us on. Arguably a big plate of chocolate brownies fresh out the oven is enough to excite anyone, but science has proven that some foods actually do boost our libido. In honor of Valentine’s Day, here’s a list of aphrodisiac foods and where to find them in Cincinnati.
Oysters Oysters are easily the most notorious aphrodisiacs. For hundreds of years people have been slurping back these bivalves with the belief they will impart sexual prowess. Giacomo Casanova, the 18th century Venetian womanizer, was an avid fan of combining food with sex. Not only would he unwisely use lemons as contraceptives (the empty rinds acting as cervical caps) but he apparently ate up to 50 raw oysters at breakfast each day to stir arousal before his legendary trysts. Though his contraception methods were completely useless, oysters and their special romantic powers don’t stem purely from an urban myth — scientists have found that they contain high concentrations of amino acids that trigger testosterone production in males and progesterone in females.
This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a “Mister B Hangtown” appetizer at Jean-Roberts table, an omelet of oyster, ginger, lemon, bacon, spinach, mushroom and Kentucky sheep’s cheese for $13. Salazar is offering lightly smoked Kusshi oysters with verjus mignonette, frozen grape and mint as the first course of their special Valentine’s Day menu ($90 per person with wine pairings for $25). Alternately, for a quick and cheap fix of oysters, OTR sushi bar Kaze does single oysters for $1 during their 4-7 p.m. daily happy hour.
Arugula
This green, peppery and slightly bitter superfood comes from the Mediterranean region and has been recognized as an arousal aid since the 1st century. The Romans even consecrated arugula to the god Priapus, a god of fertility. It has now been proven that arugula’s natural aphrodisiac qualities stem from the trace minerals and antioxidants it contains, which inhibit the introduction of potentially libido-reducing contaminants into your system. Basically, the plant is a very effective overall stimulant and provides your entire body — and thus your sex life — with some amazing energy.
Arugula is most commonly found adding a peppery kick to salads, and Cincinnati restaurants offer a whole range of salads stuffed with this saucy leaf. This Valentine’s Day try a kale salad at Maribelle’s eat + drink, with raw kale, bourbon soaked figs (another aphrodisiac!), sunflower seeds, shaved parmesan cheese, charred lemon and, of course, arugula, for just $11. La Poste does a frisee and arugula salad, with pancetta lardons, grilled lemon and white balsamic vinaigrette, cotija and a poached egg to top for $9. If you don’t fancy a salad, you can eat arugula on top of one of A Tavola’s signature pizzas: white anchovy with parsley butter, fontina and lemon arugula for $16.
Chocolate Chocolate’s sexy and seductive reputation started with the Mayans, who used cacao beans to pay for prostitutes in their whorehouses. Fast-forward to the late 20th century where chocolate is a billion dollar Valentine’s Day cash cow, and scientists have proven that the phenylethylamine in chocolate releases the same warm and fuzzy hormone as does the act of falling in love.
The taste and melt-in-your mouth texture of chocolate can turn on the pleasure sensors in the brain, which is totally understandable when you try the chocolate macadamia tart with brown sugar caramel gelato for $10 at Jean-Robert’s Table. Sweeten your Valentine’s Day with chocolate-and-bourbon bread pudding for just $7.50 at the Senate in OTR or enjoy two aphrodisiacs in their sexiest form — a dessert of chocolate and raw strawberries — at The Mercer OTR for their fixed Valentine’s menu.
Pine Nuts Delicious sprinkled over a salad, baked into cookies or ground into a pesto, pine nuts have been reportedly stirred into love potions and provided men with sexual stamina since the Middle Ages. The vegetarian Roman poet Ovid, in his work The Art of Love, described “the nuts that the sharp-leafed pine brings forth” as his powerful aphrodisiac of choice. Arabian scholars such as Galen recommended men eat 100 pine nuts before going to bed and doing the deed. Many nuts, and especially pine, are rich in zinc, a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and stimulate libido.
For vegans and vegetarians, get some nuts this Valentine’s Day at Primavista. Their penne pesto pasta is full of pine nuts and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for $16. Alternatively, to buy them in bulk and snack on them, you can find them toasted on site at Dean’s Mediterranean Imports in Findlay Market ($26.49 per pound).
Pomegranates A big player in the aphrodisiac lore, this sweet and tart fruit owes its passionate powers to the high level of antioxidants within its juice. These antioxidants protect the lining of blood vessels, allowing more blood to circulate through them, enabling increased sensitivity in all the right places. The pinkish skin and the sexy deep red of the seeds alone can inspire sexual desire, some people even believe a pomegranate was the real fruit that Eve used to tempt Adam in the garden of Eden.
Cincinnati’s dining scene is offering what scientists are calling a “natural Viagra” in a number of ways this Valentine’s Day. Orchids at Palm Court is doing a stuffed quail with gold rice, foie gras and pomegranate juice for $16. For vegetarians, the Metropole at 21c Museum hotel is doing a bulgur wheat tabbouleh with charred pear, pomegranates and watermelon radish for $7. For just a hint of pomegranate at a more casual option, try the Firecracker crispy calamari accompanied by a spicy pomegranate dip for $6.50 at Suzie Wong’s. Salmon
The god of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation, Aphrodite herself was born in the salmon’s own habitat: the sea. So of course this food is going to have some sexy powers. The omega-3 fatty acids packed into the fish keep sex-hormone production at its peak. The cupid-like omega-3s boost dopamine levels around your body, a neurotransmitter vital in stimulating desire. Not as famous for their aphrodisiac qualities as say chocolate or oysters, but they’re actually just as sensual.
Start your Valentine’s Day off by brunching like a Belgian; smoked salmon baguettes are offered for $10 at Taste of Belgium in Over-the-Rhine and Clifton. You could also treat your loved one to one of the best views in Cincinnati, and enjoy bourbon and maple marinated salmon with cilantro rice and veg for $16 at The Incline Public House. For a downtown option, Italian and French restaurant Boca is doing an exquisite verlasso salmon dish, with potato latke, sweet onion soubise and Swiss chard for $16/$31.
Other Valentine’s Day dinner deals: BB Riverboats Valentine’s Cruise — A romantic cruise with buffet dinner and live music. 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and Feb. 14. $48 adults. 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Ky., bbriverboats.com.
Bistro Grace — Valentine’s surf-and-turf special all weekend, with herb-buttered steak and pan-seared scallops. Dinner service starts at 4 p.m. $29.95 per person. 4034 Hamilton Ave., Northside, bistrograce.com.
Jimmy G’s — Guests receive a complimentary glass of champagne with purchase of entree, and couples receive a complimentary dessert to share with a purchase of two entrees. 5-11 p.m. Feb. 14. 435 Elm St., Downtown, jimmy-gs.com.
La Petite France — Surprise that special someone with an elegant three-course gourmet meal featuring a range of appetizers, entrees and desserts to choose from. From grilled filet mignon with a brandy morel sauce to Grand Marnier crème brulee, your taste buds will be sure to feel some love, too. An extensive wine list and full bar is available. Reservations recommended. 5 p.m. Feb 14. $59.95. 3177 Glendale Milford Road, Evendale, lapetitefrance.biz.
The Mercer OTR — A multi-course meal. Mains include wild mushroom risotto, scallops, beef tenderloin, berkshire pork chop and halibut. Chocolate and strawberries for dessert. 4 p.m. Feb. 14. 1324 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, themercerotr.com.
Metropole — A four course farm-to-fireplace menu, with multiple choices. Mains includes seared scallops, verlasso salmon, grilled mushroom spaccatelli and more. 5:30-11 p.m. Feb. 14. $56-$73. 609 Walnut St., Downtown, metropoleonwalnut.com.
Nectar — A special three-course menu. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 14. $65 per person. 1000 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, dineatnectar.com.
The Palace — A five-course tasting with beet gazpacho, arugula and prosciutto salad, butternut squash and housemade ricotta agnolotti, petit filet mignon and triple chocolate panna cotta. 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and Feb. 14. $85 Feb. 13; $95 Feb. 14. 601 Vine St., Downtown, palacecincinnati.com.
Salazar — A special menu featuring a lightly smoked oyster appetizer, Belgian endive salad, saffron risotto, seared sea scallops, pine-roasted New york strip and dark chocolate cake with pink peppercorn panna cotta and rosé foam. Reservations at 513-621-7000. Dinner service begins at 5:30 p.m. Feb.14. $90 per person. 1401 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine, salazarcincinnati.com.
Steinhaus — A four-course dinner for two with live harp music accompaniment. A flute of bubbly champagne will be provided so that you may toast to your sweetheart. 4:30-10 p.m. Feb. 14. $60 per couple. 6415 Dixie Highway, Florence Ky., steinhausrestaurant.com. Symphony Hotel and Restaurant — Enjoy a five-course meal paired with a wine. 6-9 p.m. Feb. 14. $75. 210 West 14th St., Downtown, symphonyhotel.com.
Taft Museum of Art — Six wines paired with hors d’oeuvres and a self-guided tour of themes of love and romance in the Taft’s permanent collection. 5-8 p.m. Feb. 14. $45; $35 members. 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.
Piccola Wine Room Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Dinner — Enjoy this three-course meal while listening to music by Jerome Cali in this charming little wine shop specializing in wines, unique cocktails and organic brews. Wine pairings will be available with dinner. Seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Feb. 14. 23 Village Square, Glendale, piccolawineroom.com.
Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant — One dozen fresh-shucked oysters, two entree choices, soup or salad, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of wine to share. Plus a half-hour horse-drawn carriage ride. Faux Frenchman play Feb. 13 and Andrea Cefalo Feb. 14. Available Feb. 12-15. $115 per couple; $85 dinner alone. 1000 Elm St., Downtown, washingtonplatform.com.
This article appears in Feb 11-17, 2015.