Food and Drink
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A Match Made in Heaven: Romantic Food and Drink Pairings Coffee and chocolates Food has long been associated with love, many describe it as the ‘key to their heart,’ or a meal being ‘made with love.’ So, when looking for a romantic partner, it makes sense to consider compatibility in terms of our favourite things to eat.
Although it is not a meal, this decadent pairing is peak romance in my book. If you don’t like coffee, I do not know what to tell you. I suppose hot chocolate or tea would suffice, as they still supply the warmth and comfort that is pivotal to this combination.
I like to think that food pairings can mirror the individuals tucking into them. The flavour profiles dancing in unison with conversation and body language. I imagine the tanginess of citrus complimenting the earthiness of herbs as the gent compliments their date’s eyes; the burst of the perfect bite felt as they blush in response. As someone inexperienced in the realm of love but well-versed in the allure of food and drink, perhaps this is just an idealized vision of the role played by cuisine in relationships. However, whilst the link between pairings of food and drink with pairings of human beings is hazy – there is no doubt that it has strong ties to love and romance.
However, caffeine is key. The sensation of that first sip gets your blood pumping. It is literally a stimulant; it increases the circulation of adrenaline, a feeling reflecting first date butterflies and sparks flying.
Here, I explore some food and drink pairings that I think are perfect for a romantic meal or dining experience, not all your traditional wine and cheese but they make sense in my mind. So, keep reading if you are looking for some unconventional treats to ignite a spark.
With this pairing, I envision a multitude of settings. After a date in a fancy restaurant, you both enjoy a post-dessert flat white with a complimentary peppermint dark chocolate. Mouths warmed by the steamed milk synchronously melt the chocolate on your tongue as your eyes lock - minds filling with the potential of the night ahead. Or maybe you are tucked up under a blanket watching a movie with a cappuccino and selection box, a gift from one to the other as a symbol of their love. Ah, heart-shaped chocolates, another undeniable piece in the interlocking puzzles of food and romance. Going back to chemicals, those found in chocolate can raise dopamine levels – linking to our reward and pleasure centres. So don’t just take it from my romanticised ramblings, it is simply science...and coffee and chocolate together make the ultimate chemical reaction.