The 10 Most Unromantic Foods To Avoid This Valentine's Day & 10 That Set The Mood
Valentine's Day Eats
While the candles, gifts, and music all add to the ambiance of a romantic date, the food you put on the table matters just as much. From how it looks, how it smells, to how you eat it, all these little things can affect the overall romance of your night. If you're looking to celebrate a special Valentine's Day, here are 10 unromantic foods you'll want to skip, and 10 that'll help you set the mood instead.
1. Buffalo Wings
For a football watch party or dinner at a pub? Amazing. But for Valentine's Day? We'd recommend you skip it this coming romantic holiday. Buffalo wings are delicious, but they demand both hands and your full attention. Between sticky sauce and frequent napkins, it’s tough to keep the mood smooth—and even harder to flirt.
2. Garlic-Heavy Pasta
Pasta sounds like it'd be perfectly romantic for Valentine's Day, until you remember a garlic-heavy recipe isn't exactly date-friendly. That strong and pungent aroma tends to linger on your breath, and long noodles can also splash sauce at the worst possible time. If you’re dressing up, you might want to save yourself from a potential disaster.
3. Extra-Loaded Nachos
Customizable, tasty, and easy to share, nachos look fun until you realize they collapse into a messy pile fast. Let's just say anything that requires eating with your hands might be too difficult for a romantic evening. Dipping those chips into salsa or guac might just leave a massive stain on your shirt you weren't planning for, too.
4. Tuna Salad Sandwich
Let's be honest. Nothing about a tuna salad sandwich sounds like something you'd want to enjoy with your date on Valentine's Day. Not only is the smell noticeable right off the bat, but the strong taste and odor of tuna will stay with you long after you eat the whole thing. You definitely won't want to get close with your loved one after enjoying one of these.
5. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a solid snack (and high in protein!), but they have a strange, slightly off-putting smell that might just overpower your fragrance. They’re also awkward to eat elegantly if you’re trying to look composed, and overall, they're just a bit bland and boring. We're sure you want something far more exciting for this holiday!
6. Chili Dogs
This carnival classic might be bold and satisfying for the taste buds, but that's as far as praises will go when it's Valentine's Day. As you already know, chili dogs are heavy, messy, and almost guaranteed to drip. When you’re trying to focus on chemistry, enjoying this meal will make that oddly challenging.
7. Sardines
Maybe pick a classier fish? Sardines are enjoyed by many, but let's be honest, they’re not known for subtlety. The scent can fill the space quickly, which can distract both of you. They also look a little intense when served straight from a tin or as a whole fish, so if you’re still getting comfortable together, sardines may be a bit much.
8. Blue Cheese Anything
Love it or hate it, there's one thing everyone can agree on when it comes to blue cheese: this food has an incredibly sharp flavor and an even sharper smell. We'd recommend serving something a little less polarizing for your romantic date. It also tends to linger, so the experience doesn’t end when the plate is gone.
9. Overly Spicy Curry
Curry is a delicious dinner that'll certainly please many taste buds, but a very spicy curry, however, can turn a cute date into a endurance test. Sweat, sniffles, and constant sips of water don’t exactly feel sexy. If you’re trying to keep your cool, extreme heat makes that harder.
10. Instant Ramen Cups
Ramen cups are a college classic that definitely taste comfortable, but you don't want to serve that to your date on this special occasion. It's not just about the awkwardness of slurping noodles, the whole setup just feels a bit, well, cheap. It’s great for convenience, yet romance usually asks for a bit more effort.
1. Fresh Oysters
On the flip side, oysters feel like a deliberate choice, which already sets a confident tone. It helps that they're known for being an aphrodisiac, too! If you’re new to them, keep it straightforward with a squeeze of lemon and you’re set. It's simple yet romantic, especially for seafood lovers.
2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Is there anything more romantic than chocolate-covered strawberries? Easy to share and easy to like, this dessert keeps Valentine's Day in mind. You can even use red or pink-colored chocolate to level up the aesthetics even further! If you’re aiming for sweet without being over-the-top, these are perfect.
3. Sushi and Sashimi
When you order from a high-quality spot, sushi and sashimi can feel tidy, intentional, and pleasantly paced. Bite-sized pieces keep the meal from dragging on, which helps the conversation stay lively, and the meal never feels too heavy. As long as you’re comfortable with chopsticks, it’s a smooth option.
4. Champagne and Sparkling Wine
Nothing like a glass of bubbly to really set the mood! Sparkling wine sets a celebratory tone without making anything feel complicated. After all, there's nothing more romantic than sipping the night away with your loved one and enjoying some great conversation.
5. A Well-Curated Cheese Board
If thoughtful is what you're after, a cheese board just screams effort and can make any table seem more inviting. It's not a full-on meal either, meaning you can nibble slowly and keep the conversation flowing. As long as you skip the funky cheeses, it’s an easy win.
6. Dark Chocolate Truffles
If your date loves sweets, wow them with some truffles that feel classy and sophisticated. These sweet bites are small, clean to eat, and so easy to customize. It's the perfect "grown-up" dessert that adds a touch of elegance to your romantic meal.
7. A Classic Steak Dinner
There's nothing wrong with going down the classic route, and a steak dinner is an easy way to showcase effort while keeping things simple. It's a straightforward way to make any occasion to feel all the more special. We all know steak isn't cheap!
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8. Strawberries and Whipped Cream
Turns out chocolate isn't the only match made in heaven for strawberries! This pairing is playful, delicious, and a lot lighter than chocolate. It’s also low-stress since you don’t need special utensils or perfect timing. If you’re after something sweet and friendly, it’s hard to mess up.
9. A Thoughtful Dessert Flight
Not very good at making decisions? Or maybe your date loves variety? Regardless of the reason, a dessert flight lets you sample a few things without committing to one big finish. It’s naturally interactive and great conversation starter, too, since you’ll compare flavors and decide favorites. Just don't pick anything too messy.
10. Breakfast in Bed Favorites
Ah, nothing feels more lovey dovey than pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee served right in bed. It's not just that the foods are comforting, it's the thought and care gone into the whole preparation that makes this romantic. So if you’re aiming for romance that feels personal, this style of meal usually lands well.
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