What could be more romantic than a dinner for two, complete with candlelight and wine? When it comes to the food of love, Italian is one of the most common choices. But just where did this history and holiday originate from?

While it would seem that Valentine's Day, the day where the food of love is most often used, would have simple origins, it really is not that clear. There are at least three saints with the name Valentine or Valentinus in the Roman Catholic Church. Some legends suggest that a priest with the name married off soldiers despite a decree by Emperor Claudius II against marriage. When the emperor found out, he killed the priest.

Another legend suggests that Valentine sent the first message of love from prison. Either way, Valentine's Day is a romantic holiday, and Italian food often works its way into the celebration.

Cupid is also associated with love. Thought to be a cherub that shoots lovers with enchanted arrows, he is supposed to responsible for falling in love. In Italy, on Valentine's Day unmarried women are to awake at sunrise and look out their window. The first man that passes should be their true love, and marriage should happen before the next year. Many couples still become engaged on Valentine's Day.

Of course the legends of the holiday aside, many romantic traditions are steeped in the food of love. This may be partaking dinner at a favorite restaurant, or cooking their favorite food at home. Some people believe that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and the thought of cooking a special meal takes this into consideration.

Menu di San Valentino

antipasti (choice of):

passato di pomodoro   san marzano tomato veloute / fresh basil / castello di ama olive oil

hamachi crudo  marinated hamachi / peppers and mango confettis / lime-soy vinaigrette /
micro greens

 

primi (choice of):

garganelli con anitra  duck confit / marsala - foie gras cream sauce / truffle caviar

spaghetti con gamberi e fragole  shrimp / borghese tomatoes / strawberries /
light lemon vodka cream sauce

secondi (choice of):

agnello con fichi  roasted lamb sirloin / fig-balsamic sauce / broccolini / rosemary gratin potatoes

scampi alla busara  grilled head on scampi / garlic / roma tomato fillets / saffron /
white wine / arugula