With Valentine’s Day approaching, we here at Heron want to celebrate by hosting a tasting that will touch all your senses! When curating this menu, I researched the idea behind Valentine’s Day and came across an abundance of non-factual and great stories about how this day came about. I won’t bore you with my findings, although it was intriguing nonetheless.
Back to Amoure, the title of my story—this is the basis of my menu. To me, food is what I love. I love to eat, I love to cook, I love to read about food. Essentially, other than my wife and puppy, I love food!
There are many ways to look at how Valentine’s Day came about, but I will pick the result of said day—romance, indulgence, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of seduction. To do our part, Heron’s special Valentine’s tasting menu will focus on aphrodisiac foods, adding an extra layer of indulgence to your evening. Our restaurant in The Kingsway is known for intimate dining experiences, and this menu is designed to awaken all your senses. Aphrodisiac foods have been known to excite the senses through chemistry, visuals, and aroma—which is exactly where I focused my research!
My Findings
Some foods contain chemical compounds that may enhance mood, circulation, and sensory pleasure. Foods like chili peppers and strawberries, containing compounds such as capsaicin and antioxidants, can heighten sensations and promote overall well-being.
Foods traditionally considered aphrodisiacs include oysters, asparagus, chocolate, figs, and watermelon, not just for their nutritional benefits but also for their historical and cultural associations. Oysters, asparagus, and figs, for example, have long been linked to romance, and when beautifully plated, they add a layer of visual and sensory allure.
Indulgence itself can also be a powerful mood-setter. Luxury ingredients, rich flavors, and a beautifully presented meal create an experience meant to be savored—and maybe something more. With all of this in mind, we built this Valentine’s Day dinner menu at Heron with you in mind!
AMOURE
1st Course: Oyster & Pearls
Lightly poached in champagne East Coast oyster (these little gems of the sea have been legendary for centuries—rich in zinc and known to ignite desire), imperial malossol caviar (because indulgence is always a good idea), ginger champagne sabayon (ginger warms the body and gets the blood flowing—no complaints there). 2nd Course: Tuna Tataki Seared tuna (a fantastic source of energy, rich in B12—a vitamin deficiency we definitely don’t want tonight!), pomegranate glaze (a ruby-red elixir packed with antioxidants), pine nut crumble (pine nuts, also called “vegan oysters,” have a long-standing reputation as a performance booster).
3rd Course: Artichoke
Pan-seared artichoke (a symbol of indulgence since the 16th century, so potent that women were once discouraged from eating them—draw your own conclusions), saffron aioli (saffron is known for its rich aroma and mood-enhancing qualities), sunchoke gratin.
4th Course: Pan-Seared Red Snapper
Butter-poached asparagus (a vibrant, nutrient-rich ingredient that has long been associated with romance), uni hollandaise (uni is an ocean delicacy known for its rich, velvety texture—let’s just say it’s a fitting addition to this menu).
5th Course: Filet Mignon
Crab-crusted beef tenderloin (what’s more indulgent than the perfect pairing of crab and filet mignon?), truffle pomme purée (truffles have an intoxicating aroma, often described as one of the most luxurious ingredients in the world).
Dessert: Pear & Blue Cheese Tart
Red wine-poached pear (a beautifully balanced combination of fruit and spice, inspired by its timeless elegance), caramelized figs (soft, rich, and indulgent—enough to make you blush), chili chocolate ganache (chili warms the body, while chocolate—the most iconic Valentine’s gift—contains feel-good compounds that heighten pleasure).
A Night of Indulgence
This menu is designed to engage all your senses and bring a little romance to a very special night. Whether you’re here for the flavors, the experience, or just a night to enjoy something special, we hope this menu sets the perfect tone.
Reserve your table and let Amoure take care of the rest.
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