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Love Bites: Aphrodisiac Foods in Austin Love Bites: Aphrodisiac Foods in Austin RSS

By Tara Hall, Austin Contributor

Let's get it on ...
Let's get it on ...
Consider these aphrodisiacs the earth's personal contribution to your love life. You could trek through the Amazon jungle in search of catuaba extracted from native trees, or you can venture to a nearby restaurant or market for a more readily available alternative. Whether you're looking to tempt a potential partner, resuscitate a troubled relationship or just maintain a healthy sexual appetite, look to these edible options for some effortless results.
On This Page: Absinthe, Basil, Champagne, Oysters, Saffron, Tuna

Absinthe

Absinthe
Treat your date to an experience reminiscent of Paris in La Belle Époque with a taste of this once-outlawed herbal spirit. Reported to cause hallucinations back at the turn of the 20th century, present-day absinthe, created from chamomile, Hyssop, wormwood (thujone) and other herbs, is traditionally served in a glass, diluted with cold water poured over a perforated spoon of sugar.

  1. The Driskill Bar

    166 E Sixth St, Austin, TX
    Experience the love-enhancing effects of this mystic cocktail in the swanky confines of this cozy hotel bar with the ever-present option of relocating to a romantic room for the night.

  2. Lovejoy's

    604 Neches St, Austin, TX
    What feels more mysterious and romantic than a French-distilled Lucid absinthe sipped in a low-lit side street bar?

  3. Ms. B's Authentic Creole Cuisine

    8105 Mesa Dr, Austin, TX
    It might not complement a spicy entree, but consider requesting this bittersweet liquor as an after-dinner nightcap.

Basil

Basil
The sweet-smelling basil leaf, a staple herb in Italian and Asian cuisine, is said to increase fertility, ignite the sex drive and provide a general sense of well-being for both mind and body. Throw carb caution to the wind and indulge in one of these tasty, herb-spiked dishes.

  1. Satay Restaurant

    3202 W Anderson Ln Ste 205, Austin, TX
    Woo your date with a little help from the basil shrimp and squid dish crafted by renowned food scientist Dr. Foo Swasdee.

  2. Eastside Cafe

    2113 Manor Rd, Austin, TX
    Fresh basil pulled from the on-site organic garden seasons the pesto ravioli, a favorite at this environmentally conscious eatery.

  3. Sagra

    | Website

    1610 San Antonio, Austin, TX
    Feed your partner fresh shrimp and homemade basil pesto pizza "Lady and the Tramp" style at this cozy midtown trattoria.

Champagne

Champagne
This popular celebratory drink, said to be the favorite of sex symbol Marilyn Monroe, does more than look pretty in all its effervescence. Not only do the delicate bubbles hit the bloodstream more quickly than wine--accounting for that oh-so-quick buzz--the aroma of dry champagne resembles the scent of female pheromones. Cheers to that!

  1. Cru Wine Bar

    235 W Second St, Austin, TX
    Celebrate your chemistry with some bubbly from this Second Street District's ever-changing champagne menu.

  2. Cork & Co.

    308 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
    With this downtown wine bar's champagne flight, lovers can learn more about the fizzy libation together. Pair with a chocolate flight for extra sparks.

  3. GrapeVine Market

    | Website

    7938 Great Northern Blvd, Austin, TX
    Take a bottle or two home for a private celebration with the help of master connoisseurs at this overwhelmingly huge drink emporium.

Oysters

Oysters
There's more to these bivalve mollusks than their erotic appearance. Loaded with zinc, a key nutrient for testosterone production, and high in protein, these viscous eats have been keeping men virile well into old age since ancient Roman times.

  1. Truluck's

    | Website

    400 Colorado St, Austin, TX
    Hip young professionals enhance their virility, intentionally or not, with the daily oyster options at this downtown hotspot.

  2. Eddie V's Edgewater Grille

    301 E Fifth St, Austin, TX
    Looking for an impressive first date? Try a reservation at this swanky seafood establishment known for its daily selection of fresh-off-the-boat oysters.

  3. Quality Seafood Market

    5621 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX
    Couples playing it low-key can grab fresh oysters at the bar of this casual seafood market or go the raw route for hands-on home preparation.

Saffron

Saffron
This vibrant yellow-orange spice, the most expensive in the world, is a rare Eastern gem believed by Arabian knights to be most effective on women's sex drives. Made from the stigmas of the saffron crocus, an ounce of this bitter-yet-alluring spice requires nearly 14,000 stigmas from more than 4,000 flowers.

  1. North By Northwest

    | Website

    10010 N Capital Of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX
    Just in case the stuffed rainbow trout dressed with goat cheese isn't indulgent enough, this Arboretum brewery adds a side of saffron-spiked mashed potatoes.

  2. Alborz Persian Cuisine

    3300 W Anderson Ln Ste 303, Austin, TX
    Adventurous couples sample this ethnic eatery's Persian ice cream--a mix of saffron, rose water, cardamom and almonds.

  3. NoRTH

    11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX
    This modern Italian dining room concocts an all-around aphrodisiacal dish: seared sea scallops drenched in a saffron-infused broth.

Tuna

Tuna
This oily fish is a mineral-rich meal consumed by millions worldwide for its multitude of health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids promote the production of sex hormones, selenium aids in sperm production and mood enhancement and the calcium and B vitamins present promote overall sexual wellness--plenty of reasons to add this ocean-dwelling fish to the growing list of edible aphrodisiacs.

  1. Uchi

    801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX
    Belly up to the bar at this hip southside sushi joint for maguro sashimi decorated with creamy goat cheese, Fuji apple and pumpkin seed oil.

  2. Mars Restaurant & Bar

    | Website

    1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
    Rekindle the passion at this low-key yet stylish fusion restaurant with the tuna tataki--a hunk of seared rare tuna drizzled with ginger syrup and black sesame dust.

  3. Vin Bistro

    1601 W 38th St Ste 1, Austin, TX
    Pair one of the hundreds of wines on hand with the shitake-crusted yellowfin tuna and sour miso beurre blanc for a double dose of sexual stimuli.

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