Perk Up Cafe/Brotgarten, 6536 Cornell Avenue [C5 on map], held its annual Valentines Day dinner on the 14th. But this year, owners Alice and Jeanette didn't cook the usual multi course German influenced meal. Instead, Crush & Brew Catering offered up a "Hungry Hearts Wine Tasting and Food Pairing" experience.

The Brotgarten gals did share their tender, flaky, sharp cheddar cheese rolls as the first plate along with a lip smacking wine cocktail made from the bitter, Aperol, and Avissi Prosecco. Avissi is produced by the Trinchero family which owns vineyards in Italy and the US and also dozens of wine labels and properties around the world. Avissi is a proprietary name-( i.e. they made it up!) as they believe that is the sound the sparkling wine ( made from 100% prosecco grapes- NOT made up) makes when it hits the glass. It IS fizzy and crisp and a terrific mixer with the bitter orange aperol.

Sweet and Spicy Barbecue Meatballs served with the smooth earthy Michel Chapoutier Cotes Du Roussillon Village got guests talking. The simple yet complex flavors of the sauce were echoed in the versatile dry red wine.

Chicken and Pork Spring Rolls came with two wines giving guests the chance to TRULY see and taste how a wine affects the taste of a food. The off dry Leonard Kreusch Riesling tempered the subtle Asian spice in the meat. The Mustache Vineyards Pinot Noir highlighted the elegance of the dish. The tart cherry, spicy cedar notes of the Mustache were a hit. The wine is made in Lodi, California but the grapes are from Sonoma County. Mustache also donates a percentage of wine sales to prostate cancer research.

Santa Julia Tardio Late Harvest Torrontes finished out the evening paired with tiramisu and red velvet cupcakes. This was the quirkiest combination of the night once again proving that the most important element in any pairing is enjoying a wine that YOU like.

As this Gazette goes to post, most likely you will be able to purchase wine, beer or spirits ANY day of the week. The Indiana Legislature recently overturned a Prohibition era law making Sunday Retail Alcohol Sales legal between the hours of Noon and 8pm. We'll drink to that!