Wining and Dining Your Valentine

Want some advice on how to wine and dine your Valentine this weekend?

FOX News Radio’s Lilian Woo reports:

When it comes to your love-life some people believe that what you put on your plate can also put you in the mood.

The oyster secured its place as a sensuous food centuries ago, according to the legend of the greatest lover of all time…

(Carbine) “Casanova used to eat 50 oysters for breakfast every morning in the 18th Century.”

Andrea Carbine, co-owner of 100 Steps Supper Club and Raw Bar in New Jersey says there may be some truth to that old wive’s tale. According to scientists…

(Carbine) “They found there is an amino acid that the oysters have that actually, scientifically causes a rise in hormones.”

Oysters contain a lot of zinc, important for hormonal health.

Garlic, a food that may improve circulation, is also rumored to ratchet up one’s libido… Though the odor may put off one’s date.

Chilies and other hot spices said to get your heart racing. While chocolate’s been shown to pack mood-enhancing compounds to kick up serotonin and endorphin levels in the body.

“Alcohol for sure helps us with our inhibitions, so it’s got to be part of the equation.”

Master Sommelier Richard Betts author of “The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert”.

(Betts) “Champagne, cava, Prosecco, as long as it’s got bubbles, it’s festive and it’s fun and it’s going to make the oysters sing.”

Betts sharing some of his favorites for champagne…

(Betts) “I’m a big fan of Pierre Peters. Fantastic small grower. Makes amazing champagne. I probably drink more Pierre Peters than any other. I’m also a huge fan of Cedric Bouchard which is now really pretty widely available across America and very special stuff and a real value. In the rose department, because pink’s fun, Marc Hevart makes fantastic rose. They’ll all make you smile.”

And to pair with chocolate Betts suggests white zinfandel, which he says is enjoying a resurgence.

Lilian Woo, FOX News Radio.