Aphrodisiacs, since time immemorial, have tickled the minds of masses, swaying them with sweet promises to turn that “hot fling†into a “sure thing.†With incredible powers that are said to increase fertility or sex drive, aphrodisiacs have become very much sought after.
In modern times though, most of these aphrodisiacs have been disregarded as simple folklore. But there are those who swear by it. Whether or not they truly get the blood pumping, there is no harm in trying, is there?
PeopleAsia sifts through myths and helps out lovers with a few date places where their aphrodisiac-laden recipes are at least worth a bite.
1. ALCOHOL: Drink up!
Nothing like a glass of wine to set an intoxicating mood. And this has been proven by science too! Studies from the British scientific journal Nature showed that sipping wine increases libido in women, relieving them of shyness, anxiety-induced inhibitions and ultimately results to greater sexual expression.
These liquid aphrodisiacs abound in the Wine Depot Store in Makati City. One recommendation for lovers this February is the Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling, produced by the most awarded New Zealand winery, Villa Maria. This youthful wine boasts of delicate citrus fruit, tantalizing lime, seductive perfume and orange blossom in its aroma alone. It’s also perfect with a wide range of cheeses, which Wine Depot serves in the in-house Purple Feet restaurant within Wine Depot.
So whether you’d like to stash a bottle of liquid pleasure on the way to your lover’s arms, or wine and dine within the restaurant’s cozy interiors — this wine paradise will definitely raise your body temperature and set the room on fire.
Wine Depot is located at Nicanor Garcia St. (formerly Reposo), Bel-Air, Makati City
2. NUTS & GREENS: “Go†for love
In ancient times, most greens and nuts were considered aphrodisiacs, specifically basil, pistachio nuts, asparagus, arugula, sage, sea fennel and almonds as they were believed to increase virility.
Fortunately, all the aforementioned greens and nuts can be obtained in many popular dishes, be it sandwiches, salads, pastas and even pizzas.
Resorts World Manila opened New York Pinoy Deli, its newest concept restaurant. NYPD offers a feast for food lovers by serving juicy burgers, over-the-top sandwiches, pizza and pasta creations, as well as a host of classic favorites that combine the core of New York’s culinary senses with the familiar zest of local cuisine. There’s a salad bar too that lets you choose which aphrodisiac to munch on (and eventually thank at the end of the night).
Standouts from the NYPD kitchen include six signature dishes that represent flavors from the East coast, all-time Pinoy favorites and creations that combine the best of these two culinary worlds.
If one spots an asparagus dish on the menu, do order up. Asparagus is venerated because of its phallic shape while the sweet basil, which is found in your favorite pesto recipes, is said to stimulate your sexual desires and boost your fertility.
Check out NYPD New York Pinoy Deli at Newport City, Resorts World, Pasay or call (02) 908 8833.
3. SPICES: Pack in the heat
With the full-bodied creamy soup base at the heart and soul of every bowl of ramen, Ramen Nagi offers its soup in four basic flavors: Butao; Red, Green and Black King.
The rich base is made from a flavorful broth, created by slow boiling pork bones for a day, and is infused with a secret blend of seasonings imported from Japan. The noodles are the perfect complement to the rich soup base, with special noodle-making machines utilized to produce the millimeter-thin strands that hail from Japan’s Hakata region.
This time, it is recommended that you venture out from your usual soy and miso broths and go for something hotter and spicier, something to encourage a little moisture to gather at your temples and cupids bow (you’ll find what you need in a bowl of Red King ramen).
Whether it’s chili powder you’re into or it’s a big dollop of spicy red bean paste to go with your broth, chilies of all varieties and their derivatives are known to stimulate circulation and raise body heat by just a few degrees.
While you’re at it, you can go gaga with side orders of garlic too. This will especially help couples in the love and lust department. Apart from being a cure for everything (from common colds to heart ailments) the “heat†from the garlic is said to stir sexual desires.
For more information on Ramen Nagi, call (02) 815 2872.
4. CHOCOLATE: A taste for the dark
Referred to as the “nourishment of the Gods†by the Aztecs, chocolate is no stranger in the list of things to eat to entice your lover. Chocolate is able to work its magic because it contains a chemical called theobromine which affects the neurotransmitters in the brain. It is said that just gobbling a few pieces of chocolate will create that feeling of being “in love,†others have gone so far as to say that it is “better than sex.â€
But “when you’re craving for these chocolate bars that you usually see in groceries, you’re actually just craving for sweets,†he says. “But if you’re craving for real chocolate, we can satisfy that,†Christian Valdes, green-eyed general manager of CMBV Confectionaires, says with a confident smile that’s as sweet — and perhaps more enticing — than the artisanal chocolates he handles himself at CMBV Confectionaires Co.
Santol. Gin Pomelo. Gumamela. Believe it or not, these are flavors of chocolates.
Must-try are their pralines, you can be sure to find something pretty, and bite into something that’s equally beautiful. “You bite into it, and you get the initial taste of chocolate as it cracks. Somewhere in the middle, it mixes all together and turns into a completely different flavor. That’s why I love chocolate, like how Willy Wonka never runs out of flavors for his chocolates—but all in one praline, or bar,†Christian describes.
Visit their sweet boutique at 49 49 Bayani Rd, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila, Philippines or call (02) 986 0268 for inquiries.
5.VANILLA: The scent of seduction
Aside from titillating the taste buds, another way to amp up the lust factor is through smell. The sweet, intoxicating scent of vanilla is said to do just this.
When fresh from the oven, Monsee’s bestselling Spanish bread with real butter filling fills the shop with its warm, buttery scents of vanilla. The scent makes one want to dart under the covers and cuddle. While at Monsee’s may we suggest a dessert drizzled with honey, perhaps? Honey was used in Egyptian times to cure sterility and impotence.
Monsee’s is located at 118 Katipunan Avenue, White Plains, Quezon City; (02) 352-6721
6. MANGOES: Blessed is the fruit
Another not so popular aphrodisiac that is believed to be a stimulant and aid in seduction is the mango. According to myth, the flower of the mango tree symbolizes Cupid’s arrow while the fruit represents breasts and this is why the mango is prescribed to men who seem to have problems getting into the mood. So men, don’t shy away from partaking of a beautiful sweet helping of mango sansrival from the new Aristocrat Bakeshop at The Loop.
The Aristocrat Bakeshop is open Mondays to Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
7.OYSTERS: I like what I “seaâ€
According to folklore, the famed Casanova ate over 50 raw oysters a day to boost his libido. And who better to endorse oysters as an aphrodisiac than the infamous artiste of seduction?
No one prepares oysters better than Murray’s New Orleans Bourbon Street Ribs, Steaks & Oysters
at the second floor of Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila. The sweet yet distinct sea taste of the Bloody Mary Oysters and Oysters Rockefeller go perfectly well with a high acid, dry wine like a Sauvignon Blanc.
For reservations, call (02) 403 8926.
(By KRISTEL DACUMOS – LAGORZA, JOSE PAOLO DELA CRUZ and GREGGY V. VERA CRUZ | Cover photo featuring Martin and Claudia Yeung)
