cool: The food of love; Emma Johnson gets the low-down on some tasty aphrodisiac treats for two.

Byline: Emma Johnson

THEY say music is the food of love, so what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a mouth-watering meal.

Whether you are dining out or cooking at home, there are plenty of dishes to get you and your partner in the mood for love, some more than others...

"We've got the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, to thank for the word aphrodisiac and the ancient Greeks in general to thank for the abiding belief that certain foods can increase sexual arousal," says Neil Dempsey, head chef at Liverpool's Racquet Club.

"In days gone by, when people didn't have such nourishing diets as today, aphrodisiacs were an important part of ensuring male and female potency in procreation."

But are the alleged aphrodisiac properties of food myth, magic or are they rooted in more scientific truths?

"Well, delicious aromas, sensual textures and even the visual appearance of the right foods can help to turn your Valentine's Day meal into something special. That much is certain," says Neil.

"And, regardless of doubts as to the true extent of aphrodisiac qualities in foods, some foods certainly stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's pleasure hormone.

"Other foods contain lighter proteins and are easily digested while there are particular fruits that possess vitamins and chemical ingredients that are meant to give us a natural high."

A wide range of foods are said to have aphrodisiac properties, including scallops, asparagus, chilli and avocado and here, just for Style City readers, Neil has produced the perfect Valentine's menu - including most of them.

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