Pull Out All the Stops This Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! As I mentioned in my New Year’s Eve newsletter, I think it’s a shame to drink champagne only on fancy holidays. That said, I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the joy of love of Feb. 14 than with a glass or two of this effervescent gift from the gods.

To add even more fun to the day, in this week’s newsletter, Chef Stephen Sands and I came up with a menu of delicious dishes that pair perfectly with champagne:

Page 2: Mussels with Avocado-Chili Cream

Page 3: Steamed Corn Custard with Lobster

Page 4: Mixed Berries with Champagne Zabaglione

Don’t know which champagne to pair with each course? Click here to view my primer, Champagne Supernova, which provides tips for choosing delicious, affordable bottles of bubbly.

Join Us for Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two on Feb. 14. While making dinner at home is certainly romantic, it would be fun to have the night off. So leave the cooking to us! From 7-10 p.m., we are hosting a special demonstration class / feast. I’ll be pouring the wine, while Chefs Robyn Alexander and Stephen Sands prepare and serve:

• Basil-Eggplant Soup
• Grilled Sea Scallops with Basil and Lavender Essence
• Pasta with Asparagus
• Chicken with Gorgonzola
• Warm Chocolate Cakes with Grand Marnier Whipped Cream

To register, log on to www.culinariacookingschool.com, or give us a call at 703-865-7920. And do check out our other upcoming February classes (listed on the left).

From all of us at Culinaria Cooking School, here’s to your very happy Valentine’s Day! — John Peters, Wine Director www.culinariacookingschool.com

Next: Mussels with Avocado-Chili Cream