The Language of Love: Romantic Phrases from the Mediterranean
Valentine’s Day might have a bad rap for being over-commercialized, but at its root, it’s an excuse to celebrate love and the one you love. And what better place to do that than at your favorite Mediterranean restaurant in NYC? The welcoming atmosphere creates a comfortable space to connect over the region’s best flavors and maybe try out some of the local love lingo.
Love Speaks All Languages: Romantic Phrases for Valentine’s Day
Many Mediterranean languages claim to be the “language of love,” but Italian probably has the strongest association with romance. A simple “ti amo” can work wonders in setting a romantic mood, but keeping a few other phrases in your pocket for the right moment really seals the deal. Dazzle your partner with “Mi sono perso nei tuoi occhi” (I’m lost in your eyes), or go for the simple elegance of “Resta con me per sempre” (stay with me forever).
Italian isn’t the only language with romantic chops, of course. Let your partner know that “Te llevo en mi corazón” (you are in my heart) in Spanish or “Ti je e gjithë bota për mua” (you are the whole world to me) in Albanian. Let them know you’re hooked with a little Greek: “Den boró na stamatíso na se skéftome” (I can’t stop thinking about you).
Hebrew has plenty of fun and sweet nicknames you can use for your beloved. Why stop at “dear” or “baby” when you can call them “neshamah sheli” (my soul), “hayim sheli” (my life), or “eynayim sheli” (my eyes)? In the same poetic vein, you could try out some Arabic: instead of “I love you a lot,” try out “tuqburnii,” which literally means “you bury me.” Talk about romance!
Whichever language you choose, listen to a native speaker saying your chosen phrases online and practice saying them correctly before the big day rolls around.
Saying “I Love You” Through Food
No matter what language you speak, the people of the Mediterranean share one particular love language: food. It’s the ultimate way to show you care about someone, from the chicken soup your mother makes when you’re sick to the pie you use to welcome your new neighbors. Forget about the token gas station chocolates – in the Mediterranean, we take our romantic food seriously. With food being so tightly tied to community, it’s no surprise that you can find love woven through the menu of any Mediterranean restaurant in NYC.
Mediterranean cuisine is a goldmine of aphrodisiacs – even olive oil, the basis of most dishes, is said to be an aid to the amorous. From oysters to shrimp, seafood is often said to be a good choice for a romantic meal. Artichokes were once forbidden to women because of the potent effects they were supposed to have. Garlic is said to work wonders, as long as you both eat it so the lingering scent doesn’t become a distraction. If you like a little heat, chilis can literally spice things up. Indulgent fruits like pomegranates and figs are just right to seal the deal, especially if you bring some chocolate into the mix.
Making a Valentine’s date at one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in NYC is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets to ensure a truly romantic evening. The most important thing is to slow down and really savor your food and the company of your Valentine. Share food, indulge your senses, and take the romance to new heights.
Find the Flavor & Romance at 19 Cleveland
Any of the great Mediterranean restaurants in NYC will agree – for us, food is love. That’s what makes a Mediterranean meal the perfect choice for this Valentine’s Day. Whether you plan to take your special someone out for lunch or dinner or keep things intimate by ordering in at home, it’s sure to be a spoil. Try out some of your new loving phrases and see where adding a little Mediterranean flair takes your evening.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s never too early to book a table for two. Our Mediterranean restaurant in NYC is ready to welcome you and your habibi with mouth-watering delicacies and tried-and-true favorites. Raise a glass of champagne and toast your Valentine over a meal worth falling in love with at 19 Cleveland.