It’s hard to feel sexy in the dead of winter. Suntan? Gone. Two-hundred dollar jeans? Can’t even zip ’em up after the holidays. Since you still have to eat, why not try an aphrodisiac? Here are some key weapons to brandish in your seduction arsenal.
Chocolate
One of the top feel-good foods around, it should come as no surprise that chocolate is on our list of favorite Viagra-like victuals. You could try one of the chocolate dessert crepes ($4.50) at Cafe Bordeaux and Crepes. Each one is a warm, crisp pillow filled a sensuous ooze of dark chocolate garnished with a sinful scoop of whipped cream (you can also order yours with Nutella, the hazelnut version of peanut butter). If that doesn’t do it for you, pull out the big gun: Order the “special crepe for gays, birthdays or love” ($10), a rather odd ode to male genitalia–the crepe’s stuffed with a whole banana anchoring two scoops of ice cream at one end and whipped cream at the other end. 2932 N. Broadway, 773-327-6898.
Saffron
Have your pick of the menu at modern Lakeview Indian restaurant, Monsoon. Most entrees ($7-$14), such as lamb korma (tender lamb pieces served in a cashew gravy), are accompanied by one of the restaurant’s five varieties of rice–all of which contain saffron, said to increase desire. And go crazy–cardamom, cloves, nutmeg and fennel (all spices commonly found in Indian food and considered aphrodisiacs) are used in most dishes here. 2813 N. Broadway, 773-665-9463.
Vanilla
The mere scent of vanilla is enough to inspire lust. Our recommended dessert: Natillas Classicas ($7) at Chilpancingo, one of River North’s most elegant Mexican restaurants. Similar to creme brulee, this dessert delivers a one-two punch with real vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks (also an aphrodisiac) among its ingredients. Arriba! 358 W. Ontario St., suite 1A, 312-266-9525.
Truffles
The musky scent of these mushroom-like delicacies are said to stimulate and sensitize the skin, so catch a whiff at Vivere. The pan-roasted quail here is served with porcini farrotto (similar to risotto) in a truffle reduction ($24.95). The ornate, Baroque-inspired interior, candlelit tables and cozy booths provide the perfect romantic backdrop. 71 W. Monroe St. 312-332-4040.
Aniseed
Sucking on seeds from the anise plant is supposed to increase desire. At Artopolis Bakery Cafe & Agora, aniseed is a common ingredient, lending a licorice flavor to baked and savory dishes. Try the paxitadia, a Greek version of biscotti ($7.45 per lb.), or the Tuesday special, hilopittes stagioni–linguine topped with a fennel-anise cream sauce, served with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and baby peas ($8.95). 306 S. Halsted St. 312-559-9000.
Oysters
Some say it’s the silky, velvety texture of raw oysters that kindles one’s carnal desires. Others say it’s the high concentration of zinc, an essential mineral for sexual appetite and endurance (take that, Levitra!). Whatever camp you fall into, we suggest slurping them down at Base. Three bucks gets you one of four varieties: tempura oyster with lime-chili sauce, lemongrass oyster, oyster with strawberry champagne gelee, or oyster with caviar and creme fraiche. And–how convenient!–Base is located right inside the Hard Rock Hotel (wink, wink). 230 North Michigan Ave. 312-345-1000.
Pine nuts
A high concentration of zinc helps put pine nuts on the love list. Tuscany on Taylor’s ravioli pera alla giorgio ($14.75) features pear- and parmesan-stuffed ravioli with a puree of pine nuts, walnuts, cashews, sundried tomatoes, fresh pears and mascarpone cheese. That’s amore! 1014 W. Taylor St. 312-829-1990.
Mojo to go
If snuggling at home is more your style, these takeout
options will do the job (bull) Aphrodisiacs abound at Bucktown’s upscale deli, The Goddess and Grocer. Try the lobster ravioli with saffron sauce ($15-17.50 per pound) and a side of grilled asparagus in truffle oil ($9.50 per pound). 1646 N. Damen Ave. 773-342-3200. (bull) Finish up with exotic truffles (of the dessert variety) from Vosges Haut Chocolat, which are infused with spices from around the world. We recommend the Black Pearl–a dark-chocolate truffle (the chocolate kind, not the ‘shroom) that contains ginger (another aphrodisiac), along with wasabi and sesame seeds ($9.50 for four). 520 N. Michigan Ave. 312-644-9450.
