You still have a few hours to go out and get Peter Levine’s new book on the subject before Valentine’s Day with your loved one, but let Moonshine Ink provide you with a quick (and truthful) guide.
Oysters. They possess high levels of zinc that controls progesterone levels, which have a positive effect on the libido. Hmmm… Well, put a little cheese on top and certainly things will be more promising. In little Truckee Town, El Toro Bravo serves an amazing Oyster platter consisting of 12 oysters; four topped with spinach and cheese; four with garlic and cheese; four with chorizo and cheese. Another go-to for this zinc fix is Bar of America’s sidekick Pacific Crest for a wonderful presentation of a mussels and clams bucket. Closer to the Big Lake in King’s Beach is Steamers Beachside Bar and Oven offering a one-pound serving of clams with garlic (might negate the romance factor) bread.
Nuts and herbs have been used in love potions over the centuries. Almonds in beauty products have a stimulating aroma, probably reminding him of some really good cookies. Ginkgo is used in China to this day to stimulate libido and Maca Root is considered Peru’s Viagra -– find both at New Moon Natural Foods in Truckee or Tahoe City. Then there’s the conspicuously named Horny Goat Weed, but we hesitate to send our readers into the unknown.
Chocolate. This time-held Valentine’s favorite contains phenylethylamine, a chemical compound known as the ‘love drug.’ It is believed to make the brain release endorphin, hence the generally universal bliss derived from chocolate. No reason not to mix happiness with romance. Nice stopping place for hand-made confections: SWEETS Handmade Candies 10118 Donner Pass Road, under Dragonfly.
Celery. No one wants to believe this one. This low-cal, low-interest, bland vegetable contains androstertone, a naturally produced hormone that attracts females. Uh-huhh… Probably why there are so many single men out there. Honestly, when was the last time you saw a man at the corner eating celery? Buy the big loose bunch stalks at your local grocery store.
