Taste Turn-Ons: 8 Aphrodisiacs
By Amelia Levin, Contributor
If there's anything we've learned from Mickey O'Rourke (besides how to rock a fur coat and sunglasses), it's that ice cubes + chocolate sauce + blindfolds = seduction. As pop culture and history tells it, foods are aphrodisiacs. Romantics, indulge in taste tours at these eight Chicago restaurants. They might just be what your love affair needed.
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Photo credits: Almonds by Shutterstock/Valentyn Volkov; Asparagus by Shutterstock/Ason; Chocolate courtesy Ghirardelli; Figs by Shutterstock/Liv friis-larsen; Truffles by Shutterstock/Mr. Mario
Almond
Sounds random, but the avocado-almond gazpacho actually hits two aphrodisiac birds with one stone (avocado is an aphrodisiac, too). Rich in taste and texture, this love-infused, cold soup also gets a little kick from red chili oil and cashews.
Between Boutique Cafe and Lounge
1324 N Milwaukee Ave,
Chicago,
IL
Asparagus
Strange but true, many think asparagus to be an aphrodisiac--maybe it's the vegetable's, uh hem, 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.
Sixteen
401 N Wabash Ave,
Chicago,
IL
Champagne
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.
Plan B Bar + Kitchen
1635 N Milwaukee Ave,
Chicago,
IL
Chocolate
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.
Old Town Brasserie
1209 N Wells St,
Chicago,
IL
Figs
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.
Crofton on Wells
535 N Wells St,
Chicago,
IL
Lobster
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 literally melts in your mouth for the ultimate true love affair.
Sweets & Savories
1534 W Fullerton Ave,
Chicago,
IL
Oysters
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.
Boka Restaurant
1729 N Halsted St,
Chicago,
IL
Truffles
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.
Socca
3301 N. Clark Street,
Chicago,
IL
