Valentine’s Day is a romantic holiday celebrated on February 14th every year. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring an early Christian martyr named Saint Valentine and through the centuries has evolved into a day to celebrate love and affection. A key part of celebrating Valentine’s Day is planning a romantic dinner for two. There are many classic Valentine’s Day meal options that have become traditions over time.
When is Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day always falls on February 14th. It does not change dates each year and is celebrated on the 14th of February annually.
What is the history of Valentine’s Day?
The exact origins of Valentine’s Day are unclear, but it seems to have originated as a Christian liturgical feast to celebrate early Christian martyrs. The most famous of these martyrs was Saint Valentine, who lived in the 3rd century AD. He was allegedly imprisoned and executed by Roman Emperor Claudius II for secretly marrying Christian couples. Valentine was later canonized as a saint. His feast day was established for February 14th.
Over subsequent centuries, Valentine’s Day evolved into a more secular holiday celebrating romantic love. By the Middle Ages, it was common for lovers to exchange cards and letters on February 14th. Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem Parlement of Foules from 1381 contains one of the first references to St. Valentine’s Day associating the day with romantic love. Popular customs included romantic symbolism like giving flowers. By the 18th century, gift-giving was popularized thanks to industrialization making manufactured goods more affordable. Today’s modern commercialized Valentine’s Day took shape in the early 20th century.
What do people typically eat for Valentine’s Day dinner?
There are many classic dinner options that have become Valentine’s Day staples over time. Here are some of the most popular traditional Valentine’s Day meal ideas:
Steak Dinner
Steak dinners are a popular Valentine’s Day choice. Steakhouses often run specials, making this classic romantic meal more affordable. Typical steak dinner for two includes:
– Steaks like filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, etc.
– Loaded baked potatoes or mashed potatoes
– Sauteed vegetables like asparagus
– Salad
– Bread basket
– Fancy dessert like molten lava cake
Italian Food
Italian cuisine is a passionate, romantic choice fitting for an intimate Valentine’s Day meal. Popular options include:
– Chicken Parmesan or veal Parmesan
– Pasta with red sauce or alfredo sauce
– Caesar salad
– Tiramisu cake for dessert
– Wine from Tuscany or other Italian regions
Fondue Dinner
Fondue involves dipping bites of food in melted cheese, chocolate, or oil – perfect for a cozy two-person meal. Typical fondue Valentine’s dinner:
– Cheese fondue – dip bread cubes, vegetables, and meat in melted cheese
– Chocolate fondue – dip strawberries, pound cake, marshmallows in melted chocolate
– Complementary salad
– Wine or champagne
Surf and Turf
Surf and turf combines both steak and seafood for an extra luxurious splurge. It could include:
– Filet mignon
– Lobster tail or crab legs
– Asparagus spears
– Twice baked potatoes
– Béarnaise sauce
– Creamed spinach or sautéed mushrooms
– Crème brûlée for dessert
Romantic Picnic
For a unique option, recreate an indoor picnic with candles, flowers, blankets, and pillows. Enjoy finger foods like:
– Charcuterie board with cheeses, cured meats, olives, nuts, jams
– Fresh fruits like strawberries and chocolate fondue
– Stuffed mushrooms
– Mini quiches
– Finger sandwiches
– Valentine’s cake
– Champagne or sparkling cider
What foods and ingredients are considered romantic or aphrodisiacal?
Certain ingredients are considered romantic, sensual or aphrodisiacal. These are popular for Valentine’s Day meals. Top aphrodisiac foods include:
Oysters
Oysters have a reputation as an aphrodisiac due to their high zinc content, which helps blood flow and testosterone production. They also contain dopamine.
Chocolate
Chocolate stimulates endorphin production for feelings of pleasure. Theobromine is the stimulant in chocolate accountable for the arousing effects.
Red Wine
Red wine contains flavonoids which improve blood flow. It also helps lower inhibitions.
Honey
Honey’s sweet flavor comes from glucose which gives an energy boost. Some types like clover honey also contain boron used in estrogen production.
Almonds
Almonds and other nuts provide essential fatty acids for hormone production.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which increases circulation, triggers endorphins, and heightens sensitivity.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates have antioxidants for blood flow and are symbolic of fertility.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a sensual phallic symbol plus a source of folate known to increase histamine production important for libido.
Vanilla
Vanilla contains estrogenic compounds and has a sweet, floral aroma romantic for dessert.
Strawberries
Strawberries are shaped like hearts, signal passion and often chocolate-dipped as a natural aphrodisiac fruit combo.
What are some romantic Valentine’s Day dessert ideas?
Dessert is the perfect sweet ending to a Valentine’s date night. Romantic desserts to consider include:
Molten Lava Cakes
Individual molten lava cakes with oozing chocolate are decadent and intimate to share.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a classic Valentine’s Day dessert with natural aphrodisiac ingredients.
Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée is elegant served in individual ramekins and tapped with a spoon to break the crispy caramelized shell.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a romantic Italian dessert with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, chocolate and brandy or rum.
Profiteroles
Cream-filled profiterole pastries are served with drizzled chocolate for a French dessert.
Chocolate Mousse
Light, airy chocolate mousse is rich and sexy.
Red Velvet Cake
A red velvet cake decorated with cream cheese frosting is an impressive Valentine’s Day centerpiece.
Chocolate Fondue
Fondue pots with melted chocolate for dipping fruit and other treats let you feed each other for fun.
What are good food and decor ideas to make a dinner more romantic?
Beyond just the meal itself, ambiance is important in making a Valentine’s dinner feel special and intimate. Here are romantic ideas:
Candlelight
Candles create flattering lighting. Use pillars, tea lights, votives and candelabras. Try scented candles too.
Soft Music
Compile a playlist of sentimental love songs to set the mood.
Flowers
Have a centerpiece of roses or mix red flowers and petals around the table.
Tablecloth
Use a red or white tablecloth or one with a romantic pattern. Include cloth napkins.
Wine Glasses
Set the table with nice wine glasses instead of typical drinkware.
Place Cards
Make personalized place cards with your names on them.
Dim Lights
Use lower watt lightbulbs to make the ambiance more intimate. Close curtains.
Cook Together
Cooking together can be part of the romance.
Dress Up
Wear something chic or formal attire to feel special.
Rose Petals
Scatter rose petals on the table.
What are fun activities for celebrating Valentine’s Day at home?
In addition to a romantic dinner, here are more ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day together at home:
Watch Romantic Movies
Cuddle up and watch classic romantic films or chick flicks.
Play Romantic Music
Create playlists of love songs to set the mood. Slow dance together.
Give Massages
Give each other massages with scented oils to relax.
Play Games
Play romantic board games designed for couples or card games.
Take a Bath Together
Enjoy a bubbles bath with champagne, roses and candles.
Cook Together
Make cooking your meal a bonding Valentine’s activity.
Make Valentine’s Crafts
DIY Valentine’s cards, gifts and decorations together.
Enjoy Dessert & Chocolates
Savor chocolates and feed each other dessert.
Look at Old Photos
Reminisce over your relationship milestones.
Write Love Notes
Exchange romantic love letters or poems.
What are some romantic ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day during COVID?
The COVID-19 pandemic may make traditional Valentine’s Day plans challenging. Here are romantic ideas for celebrating at home during COVID:
Plan a Fancy Picnic
Pack gourmet foods, charcuterie, champagne and desserts for an indoor picnic with decorations.
Make a Multi-Course Dinner
Cook a menu of fancy appetizers, entrees and desserts spaced throughout the evening.
DIY Spa Night
Give massages, facials, take a bath by candlelight and use romance-themed lotions and oils.
Play Games & Watch Movies
Enjoy romantic games, puzzles, TV shows and movies while cuddling.
Virtual Date Night Ideas
If apart, use technology like video chat for a virtual dinner date, movie date or games.
Plan Future Trips
Research and plan future vacations together as something to look forward to.
Online Cooking Class
Take an online couples cooking class to make dinner together via video chat.
Reminisce Over Old Photos
Look back over favorite photos and memories from your relationship.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love and romance. Typical traditions for this special day include having an intimate dinner for two featuring classic romantic meals like steak, Italian, fondue, surf and turf or picnic finger foods. Aphrodisiac ingredients like oysters, chocolate, honey and strawberries are popular. Elegant desserts such as molten lava cake, chocolate-covered strawberries and tiramisu add indulgent sweetness. Setting the atmosphere with candles, flowers, music and dim lighting enhances the romance. Exchanging gifts like cards, candy or jewelry and enjoying romantic activities like massages, movies and games make for the perfect cozy celebration of love. Even during COVID, staying home and focusing on romance with virtual dates, picnics, planning for the future and reminiscing can still make Valentine’s Day special. With creativity and the right mindset, Valentine’s Day can be whatever you want it to be – an opportunity to appreciate love. The traditional trappings just provide ideas to help set the scene for romance.