Foods That Feed Your Bow-chicka-wow-wow

Love is in the air, my friends…

Or rather, love is on the plate this Valentine’s Day. No one is really excited about February 14th, let’s be honest. So rather than talk about your romantic, candlelit options, let’s talk about aphrodisiacs.

The word “aphrodisiac” comes from the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, and I’m so pleased I get to make a Greek reference without having to try too hard. Aphrodisiacs are foods (or, in some cases, elements like baboon urine) that are said to stimulate the libido and get you in the mood. Granted, the scientific evidence to back this claim is lacking, but that’s neither here nor there. YOU be the judge. Turn a lame Valentine’s Day into a sensual one by testing one of these or testing them all. (And why not test them all?)

Pomegranate: A suggestive-looking fruit nicknamed “the love apple,” the pomegranate is high in antioxidants, increasing blood flow and thus, sensitivity in one’s nether-regions. I believe the best way to ingest pomegranate is in a cocktail, and there’s a Sangria at 10 Rocks in Pawtucket that includes pomegranate juice in its ingredients. The Cape Verdean cuisine at this new tapas restaurant is authentic and top-of-the-line, and their drink menu will have you feeling like you’re reliving your honeymoon — or at least taking a tropical vacation. I say come for the drinks and stay for the meal.

Oysters: The image of Aphrodite emerging from a clamshell leaves little surprise that seafood resembling lady parts is ranked highest on the list of aphrodisiacs. The legitimate reason for oysters increasing libido, however, is their high zinc content. Among other health benefits, zinc can regulate sex hormones and boost production of “the swimmers.” Thankfully, we live in The Ocean State, and you can throw a stone and hit an oyster bar. Providence, Matunuck, Bristol, plus A TON of other restaurants that tout locally caught bivalves. I’d recommend Bristol Oyster Bar because Sundays are their $1 oyster days (FYI: Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year).

Avocado: Ripe with Vitamin E, this green food helps produce testosterone, estrogen and progesterone, which in turn cause certain areas to swell and become lubricated. Yum. So, head over to Los Andes restaurant in Providence and try the Causa Limena, one of their many traditional Peruvian dishes. It consists of chilled whipped potato filled with an avocado puree, topped with shredded chicken and garnished with a huancaina cream sauce. And if you happen to be single and unattached this holiday season, don’t fret: This appetizer will give you a mouth-gasm, with no partner needed. It’s that good.

Bananas: Is the connection here too obvious? Appearances aside, they’re rich with potassium, which aids in muscle strength and thus leads to intensified orgasms. Instead of bananas, however, I suggest trying plantains. Both Los Andes and 10 Rocks make devilishly good fried plantains, and you’ll still get your potassium fix and an immediate influx of happiness.

Chocolate: There’s a reason a box of chocolates became “a thing” for Valentine’s Day. Chocolate melts in your mouth and tastes like bliss, but it also contains chemicals like anandamide and phenylethylamine that boost serotonin levels and other hormones that are released at peak moments. If you want to go truly indulgent this year and support a local business, look for Laughing Gull Chocolates. Pure dark chocolate, salted caramel, raspberry and coffee: decadent flavors made with the highest quality of ingredients. Plus, the founder wants to “save the world with chocolate;” therefore, you can support this endeavor. I found this novelty chocolate at Campus Fine Wines, but you can order online or visit the website for a list of other locations (laughinggullri.com).

Red Wine: The color of love and a key ingredient for lowered inhibitions, this must-have aphrodisiac allows relaxation and an increased blood flow. Perhaps you can have a bottle waiting at home at the end of the night? That’s my suggestion, but instead of going to the typical corner store, try Cork and Brew. This family-owned liquor store not only offers a great selection, but you can also attend one of their free wine tastings on any Friday night from 5 – 7pm. If you want to really impress your significant other, surprise her or him with a couples-only wine tasting and aphrodisiac pairing event on February 11 (call 401-781-1919 to reserve a spot). You might even learn about some libido boosters I didn’t mention.

There’s no need to be disappointed this Valentine’s Day. Even if your date doesn’t go according to plan, at least you can say your food was sexy.

10 Rocks: 1091 Main St, Pawtucket

Bristol Oyster Bar: 448 Hope St, Bristol

Los Andes: 903 Chalkstone Ave, Providence

Laughing Gull Chocolates, Campus Fine Wines, 127 Brook St, Providence, laughinggullri.com

Cork and Brew, 2200 Broad St, Cranston, corkandbrewri.com