The Valentine’s Day community event at Picacho Mountain was a huge success this year. Many residents commented that it was their favorite event so far. With specialty cheeses provided by F&A Dairy and a top-notch wine pairing featuring local wine expert Tony Cosgrove, the evening was both entertaining and delicious.
Longtime Picacho residents Dennis and Karen Evans graciously hosted the event with their usual style and creativity. Dennis and Karen are active Picacho Mountain residents who have opened their lovely home to our community multiple times, including for our annual Christmas party.
As a former caterer, Karen is definitely in her element planning and executing a great party! Neighbors Pete and Terry Frank also assisted with preparation and decorating for the event, which featured Valentine’s Day hearts with many tempting treats arranged in beautiful presentations.
Valentine’s Day wines make a sensational soiree
Tony Cosgrove, a local food, wine, and spirits expert, chose the wines for the event. He did a spectacular job of explaining the wines, where they originate, and how the region’s climate and geography influence the flavor profiles of each wine.
His knowledge of the wines down to the types of grapes they’re made from, the region of the world in which their grapes are grown, and how they interact with various foods, along with his skill in explaining and describing wine, made for a very entertaining and educational event. Many residents commented on how informative the presentation was. And of course, we all enjoyed sampling Tony’s well-chosen selections, which included a Pinot Noir, a Prosecco, and a Port.
F&A Dairy provides the perfect pairings
The spread was beautifully arrayed in four stations with different types of cheeses, meats, and other foods selected to pair with each wine. Picacho Mountain resident Hassan Benaouis, who works for F&A Dairy, provided cheeses such as provolone and cheddar chosen specifically for each wine. Of particular mention was a muenster cheese used in a homemade chorizo fundido that was served with corn tortillas made freshly on the spot. What a treat!
F&A Dairy is a Wisconsin-based company whose main manufacturing plant is located right here in Las Cruces. We were very grateful Hassan could provide such high-quality and unique cheese for our Valentine’s Day community event.
Valentine’s Day wine tasting was a smashing success
Our residents say that the Valentine’s Day community event was their favorite event so far. Forty-five people attended, and we look forward to planning more similar events soon.
“It was a delightful evening at the Evans’ home,” says resident Sharon Engel. “The hospitality was wonderful as always, and it was great getting to know others in our community while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and amazing wine.”
The Picacho Mountain community event for March is our annual Arbor Day event where we plant trees and shrubs at homes and in public spaces. We will end the day with lunch and margaritas at Mariachi’s Mexican Food. Stay tuned for the exact dates and times. We hope you will join us!
