Top Foods for a Valentines Mood!

For many couples (including my beloved wife Jennifer and I), we have moved on from chocolate and champagne as a staple feature each Saint Valentine’s Day. To break the monotony I have decided to shake things up a little this year… but don’t tell the bride!

My research tells me (secondary of course) that the following foods act as aphrodisiacs; hot chillies, asparagus, avocados, bananas, pomegranates, salmon, walnuts, vanilla, watermelon - along with the usual suspects of red wine, chocolate and oysters. Each has differing effects which range from getting your blood pumping, stimulating nerve endings, generating hormones and increasing muscle strength.

Either way, the potential benefits coupled withthe delicious flvours started me thinking about a Valentine’s Day Feast fit or a self-described Casanova (I have a good memory).

So why not look at a dinner for two at home? Cook the love of your life a meal she or he will never forget. For little effort, you can focus on maximum return while investing in the future of your relationship.

Presenting your food can make a huge difference so you too can following a few simple steps.

1. Plan a menu with as little stress as possible.

2. Write your shopping list out and source all ingredients a few days ahead.

3. Set the table to look intimate – yes, your partner will appreciate this!

4. Start early so you can ‘watch a movie’ after dinner.

5. Leave the cleaning until the next day.

It’s that easy.

To help boost romance, consider spoiling your Valentine (and yourself) with a simple recipe that’s sure to leave them satisfied

VALENTINE’S DAY MENU

• Port Stephens Rock Oysters / avocado / pomegranate molasses / soured watermelon

• Roasted Salmon fillt / steamed green asparagus / jalapeno new potatoes / mushroom cream

• Hand churned vanilla ice-cream / candied walnuts / rum glazed bananas

• Washed down with a 1997 Drayton’s Joseph Hunter Valley Shiraz

If you don’t feel like cooking why not join me at Carrington Place for our special St Valentine’s Day wine, dine and stay package (includes breakfast) on Saturday 13 February (don’t forget to mention this article when booking). I’ll be serving this menu along with our a la carte seasonal selection.Whatever you end up doing this Valentine’s Day, hope it’s a special one.

Scott Webster is a Newcastle-born renowned chef who has worked at leading international hotels and restaurants in Australia and abroad. He owns the award winning Carrington Place, emporium-style food store Throsby Street Providore, and Osia Bar and Restaurant in Singapore. Scott is also an international consultant and food manufacturer and exporter.