Like many others surveyed, Mark McEwan advises against “anything that’s too labour intensive or messy to eat. It takes away from the time you’re spending with that special someone.” The chef of Vancouver’s hot, Moroccan-inspired Sanafir does, however, recommend getting up close and personal: “We are a tapas restaurant so all our food is made for sharing which I think is very sensual way to eat anyway.” Back in Toronto, at Torito, Veronica Laudes agrees that sharing intimate bites of Chef Hernandez’s succulent Spanish tapas is the way to go. Their favorites for a date night: avocado salad with fresh crabmeat and Torito-style Russian salad with lobster.
Fulfill your sweet desires
And for dessert? “Chocolate is always delicious and sensual!” advises Chef McEwan, and he’s in good company. Chocolate is the aphrodisiac of choice in restaurants from coast to coast. In fact, this Valentine’s Day, Marc Thuet (of Toronto’s Bistro & Bakery Thuet) is celebrating the sexiness of chocolate in an inventive way: “As a token of our appreciation… we are sending everyone home with a ‘Thuet Chocolate Kit:’ chocolate sauce, paint brush, and simple instructions. Use your imagination.” For the non-chocoholic, creamy desserts are an alluring alternative. At Milos, for example, they tout their ekmek: a shredded phyllo base topped with custard, whipped cream, and walnuts. Stephen Beckta also reminds us that when in a romantic mood, “sharing dessert is a must.”
Bubbly and more
When asked about the perfect romantic libation, Chef Chabot exclaimed “Champagne, of course!” before adding that a Sauternes or ice wine would also be a nice touch. Other chefs and sommeliers recommended Champagne, but also sparkling wines like Spanish Cava; silky Pinot Noirs; and heart-warming Ports. Whatever your choice, it’s crucial to not overdo it: just enough to set the mood; not so much that you misbehave or (worse yet) fall asleep!
A final word on enjoying the sexiest meal of the year comes from Stephen Beckta: “Take plenty of time and don’t overeat. Remember, there is so much more than just the meal that is romantic that night!”
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