D'acqua Ristorante Offers Tips For Setting The Right Mood This Valentine's Day

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), aphrodisiacs are based on folklore, not fact. Aphrodisiacs are those foods that are believed to arouse sexual desire or excitement. The fact still remains, however, that many people believe in them and, especially around Valentine's Day, seek them out, looking for food to help set the right mood.

"The jury is still out as to whether or not there is any truth to whether aphrodisiacs work," explains Enzo Febbraro, the co-owner and executive chef of D'Acque Ristorante. "But some things do seem to put people in the right mood more than others. There are some foods that are sexy and some that aren't."

Some popular aphrodisiacs that have passed the popularity test for years include:
�Seafood - especially oysters. They have long been touted as having the ability to increase one's sex drive because of the zinc they contain.
�Alcohol. Most of us know just how well alcohol can work to lower inhibitions, relax someone and get people in the mood. Wine makes a nice, romantic choice.
�Spices. The spices that improve circulation and warm things make ideal choices, such as cayenne, cumin, chili pepper, and ginger.
�Chocolate. Dark chocolate, especially, contains healthy flavonoids which can improve blood flow. It also contains caffeine.
�Caffeine. Drinks that contain caffeine, including coffee, tea, and soda, are believed to help keep couples more sexually active.
�Herbs. Including such herbs as ginseng and kava can be beneficial. Ginseng helps increase blood flow, while kava calms and reduces stress.
�Mind over matter. Finding out what things put the other person in the mood can be beneficial. If he or she believes that a particular food is sexy or helps get them in the mood, try making plans to serve that up.

"While we don't have a lot of research to support aphrodisiacs turning people on and getting them in the mood, there are things one can do to increase sexual drive," adds Chef Enzo. "Many people find that simply treating someone to a nice romantic meal out works. And adding in some wine and flowers or candy never hurts either."

About D'Acqua Ristorante
D'Acqua Ristorante, owned by Chefs Enzo Febbraro and Francesco Ricchi, is located at 801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in Washington D.C. The restaurant, which features a coastal Italian menu with a seafood emphasis, was opened by the two highly acclaimed chefs in 2006, and has quickly earned great reviews. Enzo, a native of Naples, Italy, has traveled throughout Europe, preparing dishes at high-end restaurants and hotels. Francesco, a Florentine native, has owned a number of award-winning establishments, and has also hosted President George W. Bush. The restaurant is a popular political dining establishment that is frequented by the Washington elite, including senators, members of congress, and White House staff. To learn more about D'Acqua Ristorante, visit the Web site at http://www.dacquadc.com.

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source:
Food and Drug Administration. What are the facts about aphrodisiacs?