Romantic Picnic Food
Guidelines for Choosing Romantic Picnic Food
Springtime brings forth buds, blossoms and thoughts of activities such as a romantic picnic, food carefully chosen to exemplify the loving feelings shared by the couple. With backdrops such as a riverbank or a well landscaped park, a blanket spread underneath a newly leafed tree that is covered with foods associated with love can be a passionate and memorable experience.
Picnics have been enjoyed by people for many centuries, but they have not always been linked to lovers. Long ago in medieval times, a picnic was held as a feast before the men embarked upon a hunt. Consisting of roasted meats and delectable pastries, the event was a social extravaganza with each individual sharing their own specialties and entertainment accompanying the banquet. Over time, these festive food get-togethers became popular for their social aspect alone; a means of gathering with friends and acquaintances over a meal without a “host” having to provide all of the food. Often, young couples would slip away from the crowd to have private, clandestine moments; the introduction of romance in the picnic world.
Foods chosen to be served at a picnic are generally depictive of those who will be enjoying the fare. Family picnics will feature many hand to mouth foods; sandwiches, fried chicken, snack foods and such that enable family members to eat while enjoying outdoor activities and games. For couples, however, romantic picnic food will take center stage. There are certain foods that are purported to have aphrodisiac powers and often appear at picnics shared by lovers. They are foods that either bear a resemblance to sexual organs or enhance libido; reputations that were implied many centuries ago and still have credence today. Asparagus, avocadoes, almonds, fresh figs, bananas, honey, oysters, strawberries and chocolate are within the group of erotic foods that are both delicious and hint at romantic encounters. They are also easily prepared for picnic eating; roasted asparagus spears sprinkled with slivered almonds, creamy slices of avocado on finger sandwiches, chilled oysters on the half shell, and fresh, fragrant strawberries dipped in chocolate.
Sometimes, it is more of an idealistic impression than the appearance of foods. Paris, for example, is known as the “city of love”, with many aspects that are associated with romance. Sitting at an outdoor café underneath a ruffled umbrella, warm and crusty French baguettes are served with a variety of creamy cheeses, butter and honey along with glasses of fruity wine to lovers both young and mature. This ideal image of romance makes this type of cuisine perfect for a picnic between couples. A simple picnic including these erotic foods can create a very romantic mood, especially when shared in a cozy, lovely setting.
Foods that have a particular meaning and history to the couple can also be romantic picnic food; stirring wonderful memories of the time when they were first shared by the lovers. The variety can be endless; different for every couple. Perhaps they met over a pizza, or at a local street food vendor or over coffee and bagels. The significance behind the food can sometimes be a much more potent aphrodisiac than any foods claiming those properties because of their shape or nutritional value. The power of happy memories tugging at the heart strings soon translate into romantic and erotic feelings.
A beautiful and cozy location, a blanket, romantic picnic foods and a significant other; all features that adding up to a wonderful experience for lovers. Whether the season is spring, summer or fall, the perfect occasion can be created with the foods that are appealing and meaningful to the couple.