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Cherry on Top


What you should be eating this Valentine's Day


February 09, 2006
I've always thought of eating as a sensual experience. That scene in 9 1/2 Weeks

with Mickey Rourke feeding jalapeno peppers to a blindfolded Kim

Basinger on the kitchen floor? That's my kind of meal. I'm also

fascinated by the idea of aphrodisiacs, or food purported to elicit

sexual desire. But science—fuddy-duddy party-pooper that it is—pretty

much killed that notion by exposing the truth behind such aphrodisiacal

folly as "Spanish Fly" and powdered rhino horn.

Cold reasonists conclude that it's all in our heads. But isn't that where sex starts?



Other alleged aphrodisiacs:

chocolate, asparagus, basil, chiles, coffee, strawberries, grapes,

peaches, bananas, honey, cucumbers, artichoke, black beans, oysters,

rosemary, edible flowers, pine nuts, avocado, libations, figs, a quail

egg in your beer and unbelievably, onions.








Where to get it



If it's likely you'll be dining out this Valentine's Day, keep your

eye out for dishes that will contribute favorably to the rest of your

evening. Although with the right company, any meal can be provocative:

Mexican food will heat you up, Asian fare and Spanish tapas warrant

sharing, fresh seafood leaves you energized and Italian cuisine is

generally accompanied by romantic background music.

And if it's romantic ambience you're looking for, a beachside table

at Pacific'O (505 Front St., Lahaina, 667-4341) is where you might want

to share a plate of Shiso Spicey Tuna ($14)—fresh sashimi ahi seared

rare and served with the also aptly named Miso Honey Sauce. Or venture

up to the nook of Hali'imaile General Store (900 Hali'imaile Rd.,

572-2666) and make googoo-eyes at each other over a Brie and Grape

Quesadilla ($9) with basil pesto and sweet pea guacamole.

Single people deserve love too, and we can get it in the form of

Roy's (4405 Honoapiilani Hwy., Kahana, 669-6999; or 303 Pi'ikea Ave.,

Kihei, 891-1120) stupendous Chocolate Souffle ($9), while sipping on a

delish Espresso Martini or glass of wine at the bar and served by

perpetually charming bartenders.

Other romantic eateries: Cafe des

Amis (Paia), Vino (Kapalua), Cafe o'Lei (Kihei), Hula Grill

(Ka'anapali), Casanova (Makawao), Sarento's (Kihei), Lahaina Grill

rooftop, Mama's Fish House (Kuau), Ferraro's (Four Seasons Wailea),

Manana Garage (Kahului), A Saigon Cafe (Wailuku), Gerard's (Lahaina)

and your house.








Getting it at home



However, if your idea of a romantic evening is one spent in bed,

nothin' says lovin' like a little body butter for dessert. At the Love

Shack (Kihei Kalama Village, 875-0303), you'll also find Chocolate

Fantasy Body Topping ($14.95) or Kama Sutra Honey Dust ($27.95).

Lahaina Lingerie (129 Lahainaluna Rd., 661-3117) stocks your edible

thongs and undies, and passionfruit flavored massage oil, all

reasonably priced between $5 and $10. Or if you're more into flavored

lubes, Paradise Spice (1010 Lower Main St., Wailuku, 249-2449) has a

large section devoted to 'em, as well as Aphrodisiac Oils ($12.95) in

Cherries Jubilee, Raspberry Sorbet and more.

If you'd like to make a meal out of something other than your lover, I've also included a recipe below. Bon Apetit!







Recipe for Sexcess



Honey-drenched Figs (from Intercourses, an aphrodisiac cookbook by

Martha Hopkins and Randall Lockridge): "Grill eight figs over a low

heat until heated through, turning occasionally. Warm 1/4 cup honey.

Place the figs on individual serving plates, drizzle with enough honey

to lightly coat figs, and top with two tablespoons finely chopped

pecans. Warm, juicy, drippy, sticky. Ineffably decadent. Use only with

experienced lovers." MTW

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