There are many foods associated with romance – chocolate, spaghetti for anyone who grew up watching Lady and the Tramp, and oysters if you’re feeling naughty, to name a few. Sadly, barbeque rarely makes the list. But that wasn’t always the case, so for this Valentine’s Day, we return barbeque to its deserved spot on the list for a romantic dinner. 

Why Smoked Meat or Barbeque for a Romantic Dinner?

Romance is what you make it, and you can find it anywhere you put effort. Knowing a person’s taste shows you love them, but assuming barbeque fits your partner’s or other loved one’s dietary lifestyle, we think there are good reasons to include it in a romantic dinner. 

The Slow Factor

Smoking meat takes time, just like love. The hours of prep that go into a smoked brisket or any hunk of meat symbolize care, devotion, and how you’re willing to put in the time to show someone they’re special. 

Indulgence

Meat is traditionally an indulgence. And the melt-in-your-mouth texture of perfectly cooked barbeque is a treat worth indulging in. 

On the Other Hand… Quality Time

Of course, quality time can be a rare resource in our modern world, so taking your partner out or bringing home meat smoked by the experts might be the perfect way to show love without sacrificing the time you could be spending. How’s that for a romantic dinner twofer? 

Smoked Meat in Historical Romantic Traditions

We started by saying it wasn’t always true that smoked meat wasn’t top of mind for a romantic dinner. Now we’re bringing the receipts. Since ancient Rome (and probably before), traditions have used meat as a symbol of courtship or abundance or as an aphrodisiac. Here are just a few examples of the intersection of meat and romance. 

Rome

The ancient Romans, not known for tempering their passions, would hold debaucherous feasts to enhance that passion. These feasts frequently included roasted port and lamb seasoned with mint and rosemary and were scenes of romance and courtship to those who attended. 

Medieval Courtship Feasts

Similarly, medieval Europe was home to feasts of courtly love to the noble class. Their knights would use rich roasted meats to both impress their ladies fair and symbolize their own strength and passion. 

French

Perhaps no modern country is associated more with romance than France. Today, they’ve moved on from medieval feasts to more intimate dinners, during which they frequently use beef and other meats on dates. They take their time pairing it with wine for an indulgent, sensual, rich, and luxurious dining experience. 

Italian Courtship and Weddings

Like the French, Italian culture is also associated with both romance and the use of food to celebrate. Dishes like osso buco (braised veal shank) or bistecca alla florentina (Florentine steak) are considered aphrodisiacs for their richness. Frequently, they’re still used in courtship. Meanwhile, lamb is part of most Italian wedding feasts to symbolize purity and devotion. 

Spanish Ibérico

In Spain, the couple frequently incorporates Ibérico into their courtships to impress their dates. Ibérico is cured pork (ham) prized as a delicacy in and outside Spain. It’s considered luxurious and an aphrodisiac.

Happy Valentine’s Day

At Due South, we love smoked meat, and we love our customers. But we don’t expect to be your one and only someone. We’re happy just to be the rom-com sidekick, here to support you in wooing the object of your affection with delicious smoked meat for the perfect romantic dinner. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!