Taste Turn-Ons: 8 Aphrodisiacs

401 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Strange but true, many think asparagus to be an aphrodisiac--maybe it's the vegetable's, ahem, shape. One bite of the crunchy, asparagus salad drizzled with a parmesan ? reggiano "foam" and creamy bearnaise sauce, and you'll think it tastes as flirty as it looks.

1635 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

Bubbly and cheese? Yes, please. This bar's delectable fondue made with melted brie and champagne will turn your taste buds on, and perhaps, your dipping partner.

1209 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

What is a love affair without chocolate, of course? This brasserie whips up a sinfully rich, warm chocolate souffle for a sweet, French treat reminiscent of those romantic sidewalk cafes.

535 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Sweet and slightly savory, these exotic fruits, when sliced open, can be thought of in a Georgia O'Keefe way, if you know what we mean. Here, black mission figs pair up with chestnuts for a delectable tart, topped with pear sorbet, brown butter and creme fraiche. Yum.

1534 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

What is it about lobster that's so romantic? Maybe it's the crustacean's luxuriousness, especially when drenched in decadent drawn butter. Here?s a new twist: How about a lobster stuffed potato? The ridiculously tasty twice-baked spud here is packed with chunky meat and melts in your mouth for the ultimate foodie love affair.

1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

Silky and delicate, these little suckers can be sexy, too. Head to this Lincoln Park scenester for some "East and West" oysters: Rocky Point oysters from Prince Edward Island in Canada, paired with mango and horseradish, plus Japanese Kumamoto oysters harvested from the Pacific off the Washington state coast, served with black radish mignonette.

3301 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)

Ancient Greeks and Romans once thought these exotic mushrooms to be erotic--that's certainly the case when in oil form and doused on French fries. One taste of the earthy, buttery, truffle pomme frites might have you lusting for your food more than your beau.