Pipers' perfects Valentine's Day

by Joshua Maloni

Valentine's Day. An intimate setting. Lots of laughter. Gourmet food and wine.

Who wouldn't want that to spend the most romantic day of the year at Pipers' Village Inn?

The B and B and tea room is offering a Martha Stewart Living-worthy setting for couples and singles this Monday at 6:30 p.m. But unlike what one might expect from the somewhat unapproachable domestic diva, this event is hosted by the ever-sociable Jeannine Piper and features interactions with chef Damon Mosholder and vintners from Arrowhead Spring Vineyards - all in a casual environment.

"It's a lot of fun," Piper says. "Everybody has a great time."

She has hosted Valentine's Day winemaker's dinners in the past and says, "It just ends up being a blast."

This year's supper is a five-course meal prepared by Mosholder, a chef who has worked at Carmelo's Restaurant and Water Street Landing.

"He always does a fantastic job, and his presentation is wonderful," Piper says.

Diners will enjoy a three-melon salad with pan-seared scallops and raspberry balsamic vinaigrette; crab cakes with roasted red pepper roumalades and jicama pico de gallo; blackened filet with charred tomato and oregano sauce, served with roasted garlic green-chile-studded potatoes; vanilla-infused lobster with shallot puree and red pepper goat cheese timbales; and chocolate-glazed cocoa hazelnut tart.

Each dish is paired with a selection from Arrowhead Spring Vineyards. What's more, the vineyard is previewing its 2009 Arrowhead Reserve chardonnay for the winemaker's dinner.

"Their wines are fantastic; just unbelievably good," Piper says.

Tickets are $75 per person for the dinner. Seating is limited. To make a reservation, call 946-5547.

Those attending the Valentine's Day event can also take advantage of overnight stay packages. Pipers' offers two Jacuzzi suites and three main house rooms.

Piper says she is planning an event for March with a St. Patrick's Day theme, and another dinner for April. For more information, visit www.pipersvillageinn.com.