Oyster as Aphrodisiac Valentine's Eve Menu at Grand Central Oyster Bar

Oysters have long been hailed in both lore and science as nature’s ultimate aphrodisiac! So, what better an epicurean destination to find Cupid’s Arrow than New York City’s historic Grand Central Oyster Bar to celebrate an early Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 13th? The “Bishop of ‎Bivalves, executive chef Sandy Ingber, has lovingly planned a ‎sumptuous seafood soirée which will be on the a la carte menu from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm for lunch and dinner Valentine’s eve.

Blue Point Oysters with Yuzu Caviar as an appetizer, “Neptune’s” Shellfish Platter, Fried GCOB Blue Point Oysters & Ipswich Clams, Grilled Montauk Big Eye Tuna Steak, Broiled Florida Mahi-Mahi, and, for landlubbers Pan Fried Steak au Poivre highlight the bountiful culinary selection (complete menu below) sure to go straight to your lover’s heart.

Of course, if you’re looking extra romance, there are two dozen varieties of zinc-fueled oysters on the menu daily for modern-day Casanovas to choose from. For reservations call 212-490-6650 or visit www.oysterbarny.com.

Says Ingber: “Legend tells us that no Roman orgy would be complete without thousands upon thousands of oysters. Casanova, renowned as the greatest lover in world history, claimed that the oyster enhanced his legendary prowess.”

“The oyster has a timeless connection with passion,” adds Ingber. “In fact, any food from the sea is thought to have the qualities to enhance love, so we recommend that romantics come to the Grand Central Oyster Bar to get ready for romance the day or night before Valentine’s Day.

“My favorite myth this time of year is that of the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. According to legend, she rose from the deep waters with the power of granting beauty and invincible charm. As for the scientific evidence of oysters as an aphrodisiac. Phosphorus, iron, copper and iodine (minerals and elements that are plentiful in seafood), are actually said to contribute to the efficiency of the sex glands,” wraps up Casanova Ingber.

VALENTINE’S DAY MENU

• MAINE LOBSTER BISQUE

• SPECIAL CHILLED OYSTER APP: BLUEPOINT OYSTERS (5) with PROSECCO-VERJUS MIGNONETTE and YUZU CAVIAR … 11.95

• GCOB’S CLASSIC VALENTINE’S DAY STARTER:
  CHEF’S SELECTION of OYSTERS … M/P
  FLAMA CAVA ROJA BRUT SPARKLING add 9.00
  TAITTINGER PRESTIGE CHAMPAGNE add 18.00

• NEPTUNE’S SHELLFISH PLATTER: OYSTERS, CLAMS, GREENLIP MUSSELS and JUMBO SHRIMP … M/P
  with 1/2 MAINE LOBSTER … M/P
  with WHOLE MAINE LOBSTER … M/P

• PAN FRIED SIRLOIN STEAK au POIRVE with ASPARAGUS HOLLANDAISE and ROASTED RED BLISS POTATOES with FRESH HERBS … 40.95

• WILD MUSHROOM CRUSTED and BROILED FLORIDA MAHI-MAHI FILET over TRUFFLED MASHED POTATOES with BEURRE ROUGE … 29.95

• ESPRESSO-ANCHO RUBBED and GRILLED MONTAUK BIGEYE TUNA STEAK with GREEN PEPPERCORN BUTTER, PASSION FRUIT GLAZED BABY CARROTS … 31.95

• FRIED GRAND CENTRAL BLUEPOINT OYSTERS and IPSWICH CLAMS with SPICED REMOULADE SAUCE and SWEETHEART FRIES … 25.95

The Oyster as Aphrodisiac

The oyster is one of many foods linked to sexual arousal. Indulging in this mollusk, cooked or raw, is said to stimulate desire in those who partake. The origins of the oyster aphrodisiac myth can be attributed to Aphrodite from Greek mythology and her emergence from the sea on an oyster shell. Casanova, a famous seducer of women, is said to have consumed several dozen oysters for breakfast. The oyster is a good source for vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C. It is even recommended by the National Heart and Lung Institute for low-cholesterol diets. Believing in the oyster’s ability to produce sexual arousal can be enough to achieve an enhancement in sexual desire or performance. This psychological effect is similar to meaning response (or the placebo effect) where the brain associates meaning with a placebo causing a physiological response.

Research

A team of American and Italian researchers analyzed bivalves and found they were rich in rare amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones. Oysters are also high in zinc content, a mineral that aids in the production of testosterone.