Grand Central Oyster Bar's Sandy Ingber: Oyster Is The Ultimate Aphrodisiac For Valentine’s Day

Feb. 6, 2012 - PRLog -- The oyster is considered nature’s ultimate aphrodisiac (more on that later), so look no further than the Grand Central Oyster Bar as the restaurant of choice for romance on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14, when executive chef Sandy Ingber – well-known as the “Bishop of Bivalves” -- has 30 varieties of those “Pearls of the Sea” on the menu for those hoping to follow cupid’s arrow.

Says Ingber: “Legend says no Roman orgy would be worth its salt without thousands of oysters, and that Casanova, arguably the greatest lover in world history, credited the oyster with enhancing his legendary prowess.”

“The oyster has a timeless connection with passion,” he added. “Actually, 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 for our romantic Valentine’s Day the day or night before. I always recall the myth of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, this time of year. She supposedly rose from the deep with the power of granting beauty and invincible charm to others.  As for the scientific evidence of oysters as an aphrodisiac. Phosphorus, iron, copper and iodine (minerals and elements that are plentiful in seafood), are believed to contribute to the efficiency of the sex glands.”

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.

For reservations call 212.490.6650.

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The Grand Central Oyster Bar first opened its doors in 1913, in what was then a brand new, state-of-the-art, Grand Central Station. With its cavernous architecture and sweeping white tiled ceilings, it evokes this old N.Y. in all its grandness.