Why Good Food Makes For The Perfect Valentine's Date

A night out at a fine dining restaurant or a sweet gift like a box of chocolates – both are traditional ways to show you care for your significant other on Valentine's Day. Feb 14 is big business, with $13.19 billion spent every year on gifts and dates. And a lot of that spending is courtesy of the 34.6% of people who will dine out for the romantic day, or the 47.5% who'll buy chocolates and candy for someone they care about. It seems there is no better way to say 'romance' than with food.

Why is food so romantic?

If you look at the relationship between food and romance, it's clear to see why it makes the perfect gift. Good food has long been associated with romance and sex, with foods like chocolate and oysters known as aphrodisiacs.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a romantic evening with your partner. Chances are your image will include food. Smell the alluring aroma and taste the sensation as the food meets your mouth. Food, like no other product, has the ability to heighten your sight, smell, touch and taste senses. When sensations are heightened, your general well-being is improved. With good well-being comes happiness, and with happiness comes love.

The makeup of certain foods even has an effect on your body that helps you feel a certain way. Dark chocolate, avocados and almonds release a chemical known as PEA, which results in feelings of euphoria. Spices such as ginseng and ginger increase circulation, which is thought to improve libido by exciting the central nervous system. Cinnamon and nutmeg are also thought to stimulate sexual feelings.

Studies have also proven that food has the ability to trigger the brain's dopamine system, which rewards us with feelings of pleasure. This can create a lasting memory, which is why you might be reminded of your grandmother when you taste apple pie, or why you might remember a great overseas holiday when chowing down on some pad thai. That's why special occasions are best with an incredible meal. When you choose the right restaurant this Valentine's Day, you might just be securing a long-lasting memory.

Where to dine out this Valentine's Day

This February 14, pick out a special restaurant – especially one running a menu just for the day. We've suggested four of our participating restaurants that are guaranteed to make for the perfect dinner date. This way you can make the experience a present by giving your partner a Good Food Gift Card for an evening in a top quality fine dining destination.

The Euro – Brisbane

Brisbane's European-inspired brasserie is headed by the talented chef Alejandro Cancino, who has put together a delicious Valentine's Day four course menu for $125. Your night of dining will include prawns with avocado, rye and salsa; pan fried market fish; braised short rib; and chocolate mousse with spiced crumb and berries. Your special night will begin with a complimentary glass of champagne.

Ormeggio at the Spit – Mosman

With unparalleled water views, mouthwatering food and exceptional service, there is no better way to show your loved one you care than by taking them for an evening at Ormeggio at the Spit. Chef Alessandro Pavoni cleverly blends traditional Italian food with modern techniques, resulting in food that looks sensational and tastes even better. A special four course Valentine's menu is available for $115 per person.

Darlington Estate Winery – Perth Hills

Time stands still when you visit the exquisite Perth Hills and Darlington Estate's Australian/European-inspired restaurant, which reflects its bush surroundings. Their carefully thought out Valentine's Menu includes a delicious share plate entree, katanning katsu lamb cutlet, and milk chocolate and mulled red wine jelly tart – all for just $99.

River Restaurant Cruises – Gold Coast

Treat your loved one to a romantic cruise across the Gold Coast waterways and enjoy sensational seafood and champagne. Your evening will begin with oysters, before you indulge in a freshly prepared seafood buffet that includes chilli and garlic prawns, salmon and tuna sashimi, and fish fillet with roasted red capsicum and caper salsa.

Special drink packages are also available and live entertainment is included. Don't forget to wear your dancing shoes for after dinner!

Tips for a romantic Valentine's dinner date

Make the most of a night of delicious food, romantic atmosphere and good company by paying attention to the little things. A survey by Gourmet Recipes revealed a few dining behaviours that can be major turns or major turn offs to dates. Here are a few results of the study to help you keep the romance going.

• Impress your special date with your food and wine knowledge. 70% of survey respondents love it when their companion knows how to pair wine with a meal. Do some research into foods and wines that match well so you're prepared this Valentine's Day. You can even look up the wine list of your chosen restaurant in advance, to get an idea of the varieties available.
• On the flipside, being over critical of what's on offer on a menu, won't win you any points. The survey found that an adventurous palate is an attractive quality. Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and try a new food or style of dish.
• Ever seen The Lady and the Tramp? Most women will remember the date the dogs went on over one big bowl of spaghetti. Take a cue from Disney and share what you eat with your Valentine. Offer them a bite of your food or order multiple items and eat from the same plate. It doesn't get much more romantic than sharing food.
• While flirting with the waitstaff is a big no-no, so is being rude to them. 97% of people considered rudeness in their date a worse crime than a wandering eye.
• Getting to the end of the night and asking to split the bill can be an immediate buzzkill. This is especially the case on a Valentine's Day date. February 14 is all about celebrating your relationship with your partner by doing something special. Treating them to a night out in a great restaurant is one way to do this. Unexpectedly lumping them with half the bill is not.
• Drink responsibly. Nothing ruins the mood more than someone who has had too much to drink.

Taking your date out to a restaurant that serves up incredible food is a sure way to have a memorable Valentine's Day. Just be sure to book a restaurant in advance to avoid missing out. Whether you head to one of our suggested restaurants or stay home and cook up a meal yourself, discover the romance of food with someone you love.

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Mireille Kilgour

Mireille Kilgour has been an entrepreneur for 35 years in the hospitality sector. French born, she has been an accomplished business owner and operator for a number of Sydney venues. Leading the industry with high profile institutions such as Lamrock Café Bondi, she has endless passion for the industry, and now has the pleasure of supporting restaurants to fill their tables with the new Good Food Gift Card program.

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