Foods & Dishes Traditionally Eaten on Valentine’s Day
Celebrated on February 14, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for many couples to reaffirm their love and commitment. Originally a feast day in honor of Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr (or possibly several martyrs by that name), today, Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic calendar highlights.
Like other special occasions for couples, Valentine’s Day often involves a memorable dinner. So what’s traditionally eaten on Valentine’s Day? Let’s take a peek at this holiday’s menu choices.
The Main Course
The sky’s the limit regarding options for Valentine’s Day dinner. A good-quality steak with a potato side is a timeless choice, but couples craving a lighter romantic meal may go for fish like sea bass or salmon. And naturally, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan picks for Valentine’s Day.
Italian dishes, like pasta, are also a classic Valentine’s Day choice. From spaghetti carbonara to lasagna and rollatini, foods that hail from Italy are a fail-safe option for your February 14th date.
Valentine’s Specialties
Although Valentine’s Day doesn’t prescribe specific entrees, main courses, or desserts, a few ingredients often star in this day’s menu. Here’s an overview of a few foods traditionally eaten on Valentine’s Day.
Honey
Like love, bees can produce delicious sweetness and a harsh, bitter sting. Many traditions revere the honey bee as a symbol of abundance, love, and magic. Numerous holidays include honey as a traditional offering, and Valentine’s Day is no exception.
One great feature of honey is its versatility. Honey can work as a component in a long list of dishes, from meat marinades to desserts and cocktails. Honey often stars in special treats like the Italian struffoli (dough and honey balls) and, of course, the famous Bee’s Knees cocktail.
Herbs
Savory herbs bring out the flavor of many classic dishes. Valentine’s Day has a special relationship with three herbs:
- Basil. Aromatic and versatile, basil is one of the most prominent herbs in Italian cuisine. It pairs wonderfully with other Italian staples like tomatoes, cheese, and garlic and forms the basis of the classic pesto. But apart from its culinary prowess, basil is also a symbol of love, courtship, and fidelity in the Italian tradition.
- Rosemary. A plant that symbolizes love and loyalty, rosemary has traditionally formed a part of both wedding bouquets and funeral wreaths. Rosemary also goes wonderfully with many meat, fish, and potato dishes.
- Lavender. The sweet-smelling lavender lends a unique flavor to vegetable dishes and desserts. Medieval traditions also believe this popular herb to be an aphrodisiac. Sensual and soothing, the scent of lavender can enhance your Valentine’s Day experience.
Strawberries
Vibrant red, heart-shaped strawberries are one of the sexiest and most romantic fruits, which makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day. The sweet strawberry carries an association with Aphrodite/Venus, the ancient love goddess. According to popular legend, splitting a strawberry with your date is a recipe for falling in love.
Lovers can share a bowl of fresh strawberries, enjoy them topped with whipped cream, or dip them in chocolate fondue. Strawberries also dominate many classic desserts and cocktails like strawberry cheesecake and fresh strawberry mojitos.
Wine
A glass of wine can turn any ordinary outing into a special, romantic occasion. Wine is the perfect drink to accompany your Valentine’s Day meal, with champagne as the classic choice. You may also choose a full-bodied red with your meat dish or a sweet and sparkling dessert wine to cap your dinner.
If you’re craving a more creative drink, you can also go for wine-containing cocktails like the champagne-based French 75 or a simple red wine spritzer.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a foolproof dessert option for any special occasion, and most certainly for Valentine’s Day. A bit of history: the timeless classic heart-shaped box of chocolates, one of the most popular Valentine’s Day offerings today, originated in Britain in 1868 as Richard Cadbury’s initiative.
Chocolate’s luscious image is no coincidence. Dark chocolate can trigger the brain’s pleasure center and act as an aphrodisiac. The cocoa beans’ unique qualities lend themselves to an endless array of chocolate-based desserts you can enjoy with your romantic partner on Valentine’s Day.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day and Other Special Occasions at Eddie’s, a Mooresville, NC Restaurant on Lake Norman
If you’re looking for “restaurants in Mooresville, NC on Lake Norman” for a special Valentine’s Day date, stop by Eddie’s on Lake Norman. Our cozy, relaxed atmosphere, gorgeous lakeside views, and delicious food make us a great option to celebrate February 14th with your other half.
Whatever your dinner plans are, you’ll find something to delight you on the menu at our Mooresville restaurant. We offer a range of dishes, from Italian classics traditionally eaten on Valentine’s Day to delicious fresh seafood, light entrees, and scrumptious desserts.
Call 704-799-2090 for more information. Although we do not take reservations, we look forward to accommodating you and your Valentine at Eddie’s on Lake Norman!
About Eddie’s on Lake Norman
Ann-Margaret Wagner brings her hospitality and restaurant expertise from New York to the shores of Lake Norman with Eddie’s On Lake Norman. Ann-Margaret is the former owner of a successful restaurant in Westchester County, New York, called The Muscoot Tavern, an iconic “Cheers-like” bar and grille. After visiting Lake Norman, she fell in love with the area, saw potential in the restaurant, and decided to make North Carolina her new home with her daughter Lacy.
After purchasing the business, which was previously Vinnie’s Sardine Grille and Raw Bar, she completely renovated the entire space, sold the other restaurant, and moved south. The kitchen is filled with all new appliances, while the bar, dining room, and back patio were all touched up to create a clean, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Whether in North Carolina, New York, or anywhere else, Ann-Margaret’s mission is always to provide the freshest seafood, prime meats, produce, pasta, and bread, every meal.
“I hope you enjoy eating our delicious cooking as much as we love making it for you!”
– Ann-Margaret
If you would like to book an event at Eddie’s on Lake Norman, we require a $250 refundable deposit that can be applied to your bill and or credit card used for a deposit. We charge a $50 Event Fee and 25% gratuity, plus tax. For more information, call us at (704) 799-2090.
Copyright© 2023. Eddie’s on Lake Norman. All rights reserved.
Eddie’s on Lake Norman
643 Williamson Rd
Mooresville, NC 28117
(704) 799-2090
https://eddieslkn.com/
