Did you know that the artichoke is a variety of a thistle? According to Greek mythology, Zeus can be credited for creating the artichoke. After being rejected by a beautiful woman, Zeus got angry and turned her into a thorny and difficult thistle. Tough on the outside and soft on the inside, artichokes are well equipped to play the game of hard-to-get, but their history as an aphrodisiac is mostly due to legend. Catherine de Medici, known for her insatiable appetite for both food and romance, brought artichokes to France when she married Henry II in the 16th century. In the 17th century, French writer and sexologist Dr. Nicolas Venette, documented that Swedish women who were feeling neglected in the bedroom would serve their husbands artichokes in an attempt to increase their desire and stamina. Whether or not you believe in the romantic properties of the artichoke, eating one certainly can’t hurt. Studies show that they are packed with healthy antioxidants and are mighty delicious too! A medium sized globe artichoke is fat free and has only 25 calories.

Roma’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant invites diners in on Wednesday, March 16 to celebrate National Artichoke Day.

Dishes include:

• Fried Artichoke appetizer made with fresh artichoke hearts breaded and fried golden brown
• Chicken Capri entree made with sautéed fresh mushrooms, fresh garlic, artichoke hearts, capers, sundries tomatoes and spinach in a white wine and lemon sauce over spaghetti pasta
• Chicken Carchioffi entree made with artichoke hearts, garlic, mushrooms in a sherry wine and cream sauce
• Add artichokes to any of Roma’s Signature Pizzas

For the past eleven years, Roma’s has been serving Dallas diners traditional Italian favorites made with the freshest of ingredients. Roma’s is located at 7402 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX, 75231, 214-373-0500, http://www.romas-italia.com