OM Modern Asian Kitchen is doing something different for an upcoming wine dinner: You choose the wines, and the restaurant’s culinary team pairs your choices with surprise entrées.

I don’t have to understand the motivation behind this role-reversal to appreciate its innovative nature, and it sounds sort of fun. My first thought was that such an event would feel a lot like a blind date—but with fewer awkward moments.

The list of wines to be featured at the dinner is posted below. It takes place Wednesday, May 4, and space is limited. Call 299-7815 to RSVP.

Course 1:

Kurosawa Kimoto Junmai, Nagano, Japan

Tasting Notes: Honey and peppered pear chutney aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with lovely notes of melon, apple, and white toffee. Finishes crisply with graceful, elegant fade.
or

2008 Treana White, Central Coast, California

Tasting Notes: A beautiful bouquet of peaches and lime is bolstered by aromatic notes of honeysuckle. Full in body and rich in flavor, the wine invigorates the palate with dried apricot, pineaplle, subtle citrus flavors and notes of honey, which continue through a long finish.

or

OM Mango Bellini

Tasting Notes: This playful OM creation combines frozen cubes of fresh mango and one of Spain's favorite bubbles - 2010 Codorniu Cava Sparkling Wine.

Course 2:

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo, Niigata, Japan

Tasting Notes: Delicate aromas of the tropics, fairly round with robust flavors of rice water and melon, a hint of sweetness, followed by a dry spicy finish.

or

2007 Curtis Heritage Series Rose, Santa Barbara, California

Tasting Notes: Opens with summery aromas of watermelon, strawberry and orange blossom. The palate unfolds with round, luscious flavors of raspberry, cherry and ruby grapefruit with brisk mineral accents. The finish is clean and dry, with lingering hints of citrus.

or

2006 Sanctuary Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California

Tasting Notes: Exotic aromas of chocolate drizzled raspberries and blueberries with a dash of green onion skin, coconut meat and masala spices follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with dried cranberry, menthol tobacco and mossy stone notes. Finishes with a crisp, dried currant stem, cocoa, and mineral fade.

Course 3:

2007 Acre Merlot, Santa Maria Valley, California

Fragrant black cherry, plum, rose petal, cola and sweet oak aromas and layers of sumptuous dark fruit flavors complemented by savory oak tones and a ripe, jammy finish.

or

2010 Ique Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

Tasting Notes: Possesses fruity aromas which remind one of fresh red fruits and white pepper. Firm structure, soft lush tannins and satisfying end.

Sweet Indulgence:

OM's Mango Alexander with fresh mango, brandy, hints of nutmeg