editor and contributor secrets revealed
Our editors and contributors are among the finest taste and style makers in the U.S. So we played 20 questions to learn some of their favorite aphrodisiac recommendations.
What is your favorite aphrodisiac food?
Annette Tomei (AT): I love honey – the earthy bitter-sweet flavor and the satiny sticky texture – perfect for pouring on loved ones!
Diane Brown (DB): That’s like asking me which one is my favorite child.
Favorite way to serve it?
AT: Besides poured on a loved one? On rich creamy Greek yogurt with chopped toasted nuts.
Outfit of choice when cooking?
Bekah Wright (BW): Pajamas
Amy Reiley (AR): Always wear an apron. (Safety first, kids.)
Coffee addict or cocktail queen?
Lark Gould (LG): Coffee
Ronie Reiley (RR): Wino
Favorite drink?
DB: Wine
Dinner music: Barry Manilow or Barry White?
RR: Old Barry Manlow
BW: The soundtrack from “French Kiss”
Favorite romantic setting?
LG: My garden
AR: My bed
What’s the sexiest meal someone else has served you?
DB: My husband makes this really delicious seared ahi dish when he knows it’s his turn to rev things up in the romance department. He serves it on this quick white bean cassoulet and drizzles it with reduced balsamic.
AT: After a trip to the farmers market in Kauai, my then-boyfriend and I had a meal of steamed pencil-thin asparagus, poke (Hawaiian tuna tartare), and dripping ripe papaya, pineapple, and mango.
RR: Still waiting for that.
Which would you choose, Italian truffle or chocolate truffle?
BW: Chocolate
LG: Italian
AT: Italian truffle shaved over simple risotto or scrambled duck eggs
Which is sexier, Like Water for Chocolate or Sex in the City?
All: Like Water For Chocolate
AR: But if you want a romantic flick, try March of the Penguins.
French or Brazillian?
DB: My husband is Brazilian, so I tend to sway in that direction.
AT: Brazilian baby!
Picnic on the beach or picnic on your bed?
LG: Beach
BW: Both
DB: Picnic on my bed, I hate sand in my panties!
Your signature dish?
RR: Better Than Sex Chocolate Cake
AR: Chocolate Smothered Brie with Strawberries
Favorite romantic restaurant?
LG: Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon
AT: Allen and Delancey on the lower east side of Manhattan
World’s sexiest chef?
AR: Yannick Alleno. He once served my puppy and I vintage Champagne <swoon>.
DB: Okay, I have to admit I’m in the Tom Collichio fan club.
AT: Besides me?
Which lights your fire: cooking a seductive meal or having a romantic dinner cooked for you?
BW: Cook for me
RR: Cook for me!
The ultimate aphrodisiac evening would have to include ________________________.
RR: Champagne
LG: Cognac and aged cheese
Candlelight or firelight?
AR, LG, RR, BW: Fire.
AT: Candle.
DB: Both!
Favorite accessory: diamonds or all-clad?
DB: All-Clad is a girl’s best friend.
AT: I’m an All-Clad kinda girl… though diamonds are always welcome!
AR: Do they make diamond-encrusted All-Clad?
If you could plan your last meal, what would it have to include?
LG: Nuts
