Romantic rendezvous
Valentine's Day is both a worldwide event and an intimate experience. Lovers in many countries mark the holiday with an exchange of cards, candy and kisses.
Wether you are from Belgium or Butler, London or Lyndora, the Czech Republic or Chicora, a candlelit meal crosses the border as a favorite way to celebrate.
But what meal will woo his or her heart?
John R. Smith II, adjunct instructor of world cultural cuisine at Butler Community College and longtime chef, said there are many avenues to select when planning a heartfelt menu.
You could choose foods associated with love by cultural reference, for example.
The French might suggest champagne contains the magie de l'amour. In Arabic nations, whole stuffed camel is claimed to be a traditional Bedouin wedding dish. Italians consider basil the herb of love-— and a woman wearing a sprig in her hair is said to be looking for Signor Right.
“Love, music and food ... Those are the primary purposes of an Italian's life,” said Vince Tavolario, whose Natili's Restaurant has been a Main Street staple for more than seven decades.
Tavolario said Italians celebrate Valentine's Day, but it's not like Christmas where there is a traditional dish of seven fishes.
“With Italians, you have to start with food the lady likes,” Tavolario said. “Women are revered. It starts with our mother ... we love, worship and respect her and we pass that on to our wives.”
If you are looking for a sure-fire All-American love palate, Smith said surf and turf is magically delicious.
“Better eating, like a good steak with lobster and any high-end seafood makes a nice Valentine's Day meal,” Smith said. “Really, cut loose and forget the New Year's diet.”
But don't forget the dessert, Smith said.
“There's something magical about chocolate,” Smith said. “Chocolate seems to be relevant everywhere, in every country.”
In China, according to officials at the Maridon Museum, women present men gifts of chocolate on Valentine's Day. Then a month later on March 14, men reciprocate with gifts of white chocolate to women.
Some sweethearts might also consider spicing up the night with foods traditionally considered aphrodisiacs like oysters, garlic or honey.
Aphrodisiacs, named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty, are foods and drinks that supposedly have powers to increase sexual desire, or libido. Different food experts say the properties inside a particular food or its shape, color or scent can cause a positive physical reaction.
However, dietitian Sandy Bowser of Butler Memorial Hospital said, “There's no real basis to that, that I'm aware of.”Bowser said some foods, like dark chocolate and certain teas, contain “flavonoids” or properties that might help improve some health conditions. Bowser said it's possible that if a malady is eased and a person feels a little healthier, that could lead to a revival of romance.All the experts seem to agree, the care and thought you put into a Valentine's meal is probably as important as the dish you serve.“Don't forget some flowers and a nice glass of wine,” Tavolario said. “When you are putting a meal out, it's an expression of how much you care for your guest.”Candles can be mood setting, as well as a nice tablecloth and some strawberries can be nice touches.“I would highly recommend chocolate-covered strawberries,” said the dietitian. “But only because that is what I'd really like to get.”And wether you dine at home or reserve a table, Smith said “Don't just 'eat.' Have dinner — make it an experience.”
