Many of you are familiar with the hearty, delicious breads and rich, satisfying pastries produced by Alice and Jeanette at Perk Up Cafe. But every year, they offer a small group the chance to enjoy their culinary skills by offering a Valentines DINNER. Yep. All lovingly prepared by the two in the Perk Up kitchen. I have had the pleasure of serving wine at the dinners for the past 5 years. This year's dinner menu was Asian inspired-tropical notes and warm weather thoughts transferred to the plate. Perfect. As Valentines Day brought forth nearly a half of a foot of snow with it. Getting to Perk Up was an adventure for all, but once there, guests were treated to an evening of exotic dishes (many gluten free) unique wines (including outstanding bottles from two still relatively unknown California regions, Paso Robles and Mendocino County) and a goody bag to go that included a hand-made valentine work of art by Alice's husband Inacio. If I were you I'd make my down payment now for a seat at next year's dinner as I am sure it will be a sell out as well. Here's what you missed.

Coconut Kiss cocktail-(pineapple, orange and cherry juices blended with coconut liquor and topped with whipped cream. Warmed everyone up as they headed in from the snow)

Money Bag with plum-chili sauce,( a pork/veggie filled spring roll,) Clear soup with stuffed mushroom, cucumber-cashew salad, shrimp and pineapple red curry with a side of rice that was shaped in a heart mold, mango sorbet with ginger cookie, espresso and Jasmine tea.

Wines included an off dry Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer, Gascon Malbec, Alamos Seleccion Malbec, Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon, Edna Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon.

But the real Valentine vintages of the night were the wines from Paso Robles and Mendocino.

2012 Villa San Juliette "Chorum", Paso Robles, California. A rhone style blend of rousanne, grenache blanc, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc and alberino. Lovely nose of lychee and lemon curd. Silky full bodied flavors of banana, pistachio and clean smooth minerality on the finish. (www.villasanjuliette.com)

2007 Harmonique Pinot Noir "Elegance", Anderson Valley, Mendocino County- Stunning. Rich, round vibrant on the nose and palate. Purely French in style. Lovely notes of currant and roses on the nose. Rich, smooth flavors of black raspberry, cranberry, subtle licorice and eucalyptus. (www.harmoniquewine.com)