Romantic Foods

A few goodies from some local shops in
France for a mid-day repast in the hotel.

There is something romantic about a French baguette, cheese, and a bottle of wine.  It evokes the streets of Paris, a rendezvous with a lover for a picnic in the park at sunset, or a luxuriously easy dinner at home relaxing in front of the fire.

Whether peeking out of someone's shopping bag or bicycle basket, we can't help but turn our heads.  We realize that person knows how to enjoy the finer things in life, and is on their way to spend a romantic evening somewhere ... even if it's an evening spent all alone, just enjoying a quiet moment.  It reminds us to slow down and appreciate the special things in our lives: a simple loaf of bread, our favorite cheese, a lovely bottle of wine.

That's what romance is ... an appreciation of the special moments and people in our lives.  When we romance someone, we are telling them that they are special, that they are worthy of our complete attention, and that we honor them.

Such it is with food, as well.  We know that certain foods evoke a feeling of romance.  But beyond the clichéed aphrodisiacs, what makes foods romantic?

The common denominator seems to be that it is somehow special.  A simple spread of the finest ingredients collected from various specialty shops all over the city, taking the time to put together someone's favorite dishes, feeding our lover grapes or sharing an intimate fondue, or spending the entire day cooking a marvelous new recipe we've never tried before ... all of it spells romance because it is special.

When it comes to romantic desserts, we're often looking for something rich and sumptuous.  It can be simple luxury such as plump chocolate-covered strawberries, or something decadent and wicked like a "Better-than-Sex" chocolate cake.  It could be an engagement ring tucked inside a fortune cookie, or a lavishly decorated cake in celebration of a loved one.  It can be a flaming cherries jubilee (Is that old school, or what?) or dried apricots, nuts and a dessert cordial or liqueur.

An Afternoon Tea Valentine's Day cake.

Bringing romance into your life is as simple as asking yourself, "What can I do to make this special?"  Whether you're romancing yourself with a glass of wine and a pampering home spa, or romancing another by buying them flowers or leaving a trail of love notes to a faux fur throw in front of the fireplace, whatever you do to make the ordinary special is what makes it different than any other day.

On this Valentine's Day, we invite you to bring a little romance into your life!

Happy Valentine's!

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