29 days in February this year so take advantage of that gift of 24 extra hours to taste something NEW.

Ostatu White Rioja, Spain - Smooth and easy drinker, soft kiss of key lime pie, dry, crisp, clean finish. Try it with sushi, Indian curry, or a Panini from Perk Up Coffeehouse on Carrollton.

Badger Mountain Rose of Cabernet Franc; Oregon - This organic pink wine is DRY and CRISP and offers tender, deep flavors of blueberry, wild mulberry, vanilla and black cherry. Serve it chilled with Grilled Chicken or Halibut or assortment of soft cheeses such as Humboldt Fog Goat, Reyes Point Blue, and White Stilton with orange and lemon and a baguette of bread.

Robert Rothschild Ginger Wasabi Sauce - WOW-Perfect blend of soothing yet scintillating herbs in a creamy sauce that is perfect dipper for pretzels, Manchego cheese chunks, Aged Gouda chunks, Prosciutto on crackers. . . . AND lovely to dollop on hot grilled chicken breast. AMAZING!

Friday, March 7, 2008, from 5 to 9pm FIRST FRIDAY on MASS AVE-Just 17 minutes south on College or Central. 22 minutes on Keystone to Fall Creek to Central.

WORTH the time to taste, see, experience the food, wine, art, sculpture, gifts, and PEOPLE. Most galleries offer free wine and food.

Taste this nutty, spicy snack that is all the rage in Middle Eastern wine bars. Custom has it that one dunks a chunk of bread into olive oil and then Dukkah. Mmmmmm.

Taste it on Friday, March 7, 2008, at Dean Johnson Design and Gallery 646 Massachusetts Avenue during FIRST FRIDAY. www.deanjohnson.com