Today's side deal to Vinoteque on Melrose invites oneophilic francophiles to a rare wine and food tasting event on Friday, March 5, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. For $45, you'll have the opportunity to sample pours from 12 different winemakers of the Provence region of France, paired with delectable French bites ($55 value at the door), and you'll receive passes to two Sip and Swirl tastings of your choice ($20 value each). In coordination with the Provence Wine Council, this event will offer 35 different labels you can't get anywhere else on the West Coast yet, with bottles available for purchase.

Whether you know wine or not, this tasting event will deepen your appreciation of the fermented beverage with complementary nibbles and knowledgeable experts to enhance the experience. In Vinoteque's handsome dining room, red high-back chairs sit atop hardwood floors, an eclectic collection of mirrors line the wall, and minimalist cords dangle exposed light bulbs from the ceiling. Sidle up to a stone pillar with someone you'd like to impress and pull out all the stops with an unforgettable evening of decadent sips and bites.

Reviews

LA.com has featured Vinoteque, and About.com is a big fan:

• …it’s the remarkable food--a flashback to quintessentially LA creative nouvelle cuisine--that makes this reasonably priced gourmet restaurant and wine bar an absolute must. – Shana Ting Lipton, About.com

Ninety percent of Urbanspooners like it, OpenTable users give it four stars, and Yelpers give it a solid four as well:

• This place is a find and it's a winner. Run, don't walk...you'll love it!" – OpenTable user who dined on 11/21/2009
• Wonderful experience. Vinoteque provides a very romantic ambiance... – Earl G., Yelp