Some menus are romantic. Some are just down right sensual. The Valentine offerings dreamed up by Chef Michael Cappon of Isabella fall under the latter. The tasting menu is comprised of sensual foods that are guaranteed to create the mood for romance. How so, you say?
Conshohocken’s well known, Mediterranean hot spot will feature the top 10 aphrodisiac foods with ingredients that are believed to stimulate the libido by stirring up one’s hormones. Isabella’s Edible Aphrodisiac 10-Course Tasting Menu (seen below) is available Thursday, February 14 through Saturday, February 16. The cost is $40 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
For reservations call 484-532-7470 and for more information visit barisabella.com.
Avocado
hass avocado, organic greens, piquillo peppers, toasted sunflower seeds and chevre, tossed in aged balsamic and olive oil
Possesses high volumes of vitamin B6 which is said to increase male hormone production.
Oysters
fresh oysters on the half shell with a meyer lemon foam
This is one of the most widely known aphrodisiac foods. They are high in zinc, which helps in the increase of sexual drive.
Asparagus
grilled organic asparagus, with a toasted chili and saffron crema
This vegetable is said to boost the production of histamine, a crucial pleasure hormone necessary in both males and females.
Basil
basil and potato bisque topped with crispy serrano ham and crème fraiche
Basil’s sweet aroma is said to not only have a positive effect on mind and body, but an aphrodisiac effect, too.
Figs
“drunken” figs stuffed with valdeon blue cheese and rolled in toasted marcona almonds
Figs date back as far as biblical times and have been held in esteem as the fruit of love and fertility for centuries.
Banana Intermezzo
a mousse of banana, meyer lemon, pomegranate
Bananas contain chelating minerals and the bromelain enzyme, said to enhance the male libido. A banana left on a doorstep indicates that a marriage is about to take place.
Almonds
almond crusted diver scallop with a bacon and cauliflower hash
Poets have often described the aroma from almonds as arousing for females. Almonds are also a popular symbol for fertility.
Honey
honey cured duck confit, thick cut potato chip topped with a sour cherry compote
This sweet-tasting, natural product is high in boron – a mineral associated with the use of estrogen in the female body
Garlic
grilled filet medallion, with a garlic and porcini jus and a roasted garlic mousse
While garlic may smell bad, but it’s loaded with an ingredient said to increase blood flow around the body.
Chocolate
chocolate trio ~ bête noir, burnt orange chocolate mousse, chocolate hazelnut ice cream
Pure chocolate increases the same hormone (dopamine) associated with euphoria.
