Pine nuts: Bacchanalia
According to research from Texas A&M University, watermelon has the potential to affect the body similarly to Viagra. The Southern summer fruit staple contains lycopene, beta carotene and citrulline, the latter of which has the ability to relax blood vessels like the little blue pill.
Though out of season right now, Atlantans can enjoy the fruit preserved in a glass of another Southern staple, moonshine, at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours.
“We are a Southern-owned restaurant and the South is known for its peaches and its watermelon. I had not seen a watermelon moonshine out there that didn’t taste more like syrup,” beverage director Lorraine Lane said. “We wanted something more authentic.”
Though Lane couldn’t give away her secret recipe, she said the moonshine infusion features fresh watermelon and fresh jalapeño peppers, doubling its rumored love potion status.
“The jalapeño pepper is clearly distinct in there. It hits the back of your throat,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed [the watermelon moonshine] with the black-eyed pea salsa. It definitely lends itself to a spicy dish, but it’s also a nice complement to the Southern mari- Clockwise from top: nated fried chicken as well as the sweet tea baby-back ribs.”
Watermelon moonshine is available by the glass or as part of a moonshine flight at the restaurant, and Valentine’s diners can enjoy it alongside a decadent prix fixe menu that includes lobster canapés, a cocoa-rubbed rack of lamb and sweet orange and basil crème brûlée.
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is located at 1133 Huff Road, Atlanta. For reservations, call 404-350-5500.
Before his death in 200 A.D., physician and philosopher Galen of Pergamon recommended eating 100 pine nuts before bed, according to HowStuffWorks. The nuts, which are actually seeds of certain species of pine trees, are high in zinc, a mineral shown in some instances to increase “sexual competency” in male rats. A study done by the National Institutes of Health on the topic showed that though high doses of zinc can decrease libido, it could have some benefit on prolonging ejaculation in humans.
Though pine nuts are common ingredients in pestos used on pizzas and in pastas, ATLiens who want something a little more upscale for their sweetheart can dine inside Bacchanalia, which offers a pine nut-studded cheese course as part of its prix fixe four-course menu. The seeds are delicately plated around a tangy, everso-soft quenelle of Capra Gia goat cheese and garnished with beets and sauces.
Bacchanalia is located at 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 100, Atlanta. For reservations, call 404-365-0410, ext. 22.
February 3, 2017