February 2018 www.womanthismonth.com FEATURE | valentine's special 28 Research shows that certain edibles can trigger chemical reactions in the brain to send a flood of happy hormones through the body, resulting in improved mood and the onset of that mushy feeling. As Cupid pays us a visit this month, we decided to round up the fare that could leave you starry-eyed, and the beautiful dining outlets where you’ll find it at its best. Bon appétit! OYSTERS AND BUBBLY Whilst oysters are well known for their amourinducing qualities, bubbly, or sparkling grape, is an equally potent love food. The slightly salty-sweet scent of the mollusc is a smell reminiscent of a female pheromone. And the shellfish are full of zinc, so are a healthy luxury treat this Valentine’s Day. Bubbly, a worldwide symbol of celebration, hits the bloodstream more rapidly than ordinary grape and is chock-full of antioxidants. La Mer, at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, is one of the island’s best known seafood restaurants. This tastefully decorated eatery doubles up as a romantic dining spot, offering the best of local and international seafood. We’re pretty sure they serve up a mean plate of oysters dressed to your liking. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is the place where the fizz of bubbly adds delight to the special day. The iconic property houses some of the best internationally acclaimed restaurants and makes for an apt venue for a Valentine’s Day lunch or dinner. Chocolate contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants from the same group as those in green tea. In fact, studies show that the antioxidant activity in one serving of cocoa is higher than in tea. The darker the chocolate, the more potent antioxidants it contains. Dark chocolate has many benefits, including for the heart, skin and cognitive function. Get your chocolate fix over the weekend at the famed Chocoholic Friday brunch staged at the Sheraton Bahrain’s Al Safir restaurant. The venue makes for a comfortable setting in which one can savour delectable chocolate creations to round up a delicious brunch. If the craving for the sinful goodness strikes you mid-week, Café Delices on the ground floor of the Gulf Executive Residence, Gulf Hotel Bahrain, is the place to make a beeline for exquisite homemade chocolates. Treat your loved one to high tea and other goodies such as fresh macarons and crisp cookies. DARK CHOCOLATE Feed Your Passion Since time immemorial, there has been a connection between food and romance. Some foods, in particular, go the extra mile in making the game of love all the more exciting, thanks to their characteristic look, aroma or mouthfeel.
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