It wouldn't be Valentine's Day in Broad Ripple without a bit of snow and the Perk Up/Brotgarten Valentine's Day Dinner.

24 lucky guests braved the blustery weather to enjoy an enchanted evening of food, wine, music (Kudos to NCHS Jazz Trio "Groove In") and another unique, hand-crafted Valentine from Alice's husband Innacio.

Crush & Brew provided the wine selections that included a crisp dry German Riesling, an earthy Cabernet Sauvignon, and the hands down favorite, a bold rich Malbec from Argentina that was perfectly paired with Alice's hearty beef ragout.

She and Jeanette create a variety of sweet and savory breads, pastries, muffins and goodies every day. Plus breakfast and lunch sandwiches. But this yearly meal showcases their limitless culinary capabilities. The theme of the meal reflected an Asian-German Island getaway with flavors and colors that not only excited diner's taste buds, but elicited a gleeful giggle from the creative and thoughtful presentation of each plate.

Guests were welcomed with a non-alcoholic punch, a trio of juices touched with caramel and served over cinnamon crushed ice.

Shrimp ceviche with avocado and mango followed, then a luxurious and aromatically exotic carrot orange bisque. A refreshing daikon-Fuji apple salad with yuzu dressing cleansed the palate, before the main course arrived: a rich and satisfying beef ragout accompanied by a heart shaped polenta cake and soy glazed baby bella mushrooms. Baskets of freshly baked Brotgarten baguettes were used to sop up the hearty tomato based sauce leaving 24 members of the "clean plate club". Rounding out the evening was dessert, a cheery plate with a swath of sweet curry mousse surrounding milk chocolate cups filled with caramelized bananas and coconut. Perk Up's house roasted coffees and cups of espresso were served as guests readied for the truly "priceless" portion of the evening, a serenade from Circle City Sound and Innacio's incredible hand cut, three dimensional Valentines housed in a hand made paper boxes.

The ladies are taking reservations now for next year's dinner. And you can always stop by Perk Up/Brotgarten to enjoy their house roasted coffees, freshly baked breads (including new coconut/chocolate German pastry and Sourdough Jalapeno Cheddar bread!) and goodies and the Sunday Kaffeeklatsch.

www.perkupindy.com