The Birth Of Venus

Disclaimer for singles: this post is hopelessly romantic and “couples oriented.” That said, there’s nothing to stop you from getting a dozen Blue Points and some prosecco, whipping up these sauces and treating yourself to a private showing of Sleepless In Seattle. Or The Empire Strikes Back. Whatever floats your boat!

Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus (the Roman equivalent of Aphrodite). Orville and I saw this painting in Florence last year! – Aphrodisiac? Absolutely!

Oysters have been considered an aphrodisiac for centuries. Since Aphrodite emerged from sea foam riding on an oyster shell (after Cronus cut off Uranus’s genitals and threw them into the sea. Yikes, talk about skipping the foreplay…), many types of seafood have been considered aphrodisiacs, but none so much as the oyster. While many so-called aphrodisiacs have been rightfully debunked by science, it seems the oyster’s claim to the title is actually valid (actual scientific study!)

This special Valentine’s Day post is really just a heads up to one of the best kept secrets in NYC (and probably where you are, too, especially if you have a Whole Foods or a good fish market nearby!), plus a couple of recipes for the classic accoutrements: mignonette and cocktail sauces.

Citarella, Fairway and Whole Foods will sell you a dozen Blue Point oysters, shucked and presented on the half shell nestled in a bed of crushed ice for less than $20 (Whole Foods may be a little more)!! Really. All you have to do is bring home their tidy little package, pop open an inexpensive bottle of effervescent prosecco or cava, serve alongside these homemade sauces and watch the fireworks begin! If you’re hungry (and not already inspired to dive into a different activity altogether!) Try this Cioppino Angel Hair Pasta, and maybe finish the meal off with a Chocolate Rose Martini!

I pull out the oyster card a lot – we had them just last week for Orville’s birthday. They make any occasion seem extra special and romantic for a fraction of what you would pay for the exact same thing in any decent seafood restaurant. Plus you’ll be closer to the bedroom should the oysters work their magic juju and put you in the mood!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Venus On the Half-Shell: Classic Mignonette and Cocktail Sauces

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 2 mins | Servings: 1 serving | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

For the mignonette sauce:
1/3 cup champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
Good pinch of sugar
⅛  tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
Pinch of ground chili powder, like New Mexican Chilis or cayenne pepper
1 small shallot, finely minced (about 2 tbsp)

For the cocktail sauce:
1/3 cup ketchup
1 – 2 tbsp ground fresh horseradish
¼  tsp salt
½ tsp brown sugar
¼ tsp lemon juice
2-3 dashes Worchestershire sauce

Directions:

For the mignonette sauce:
Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Allow to sit for a few hours for the favors to blend.

For the cocktail sauce:
Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the favors to blend.

Could that be any simpler?