Bits and crumbs

Blue hosts a six-dish Silver Oak wine dinner Jan. 14 for $125. Among the courses: scallop with foie gras torchon with 2008 Twomey Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir; seared Magret duck breast over parmesan polenta with 2006 Twomey Napa Valley Merlot; and venison strip loin with 2005 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Hearst Tower, corner of College and 5th streets; 704-927-2583.

Caffe Siena at Holiday Inn Center City plans a four-course Valentine's meal for $89.99 per couple, offered Feb. 11-14 (as is a room package). Dinner includes choices such as pan-seared Chilean sea bass; roasted free-range chicken, Maine lobster, filet mignon and more. 230 N. College St.; 704-335-5400, ext. 458.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery has a new head brewer: Evan Carroll, former head brewer for Big River Disney (yes, that's at Walt Disney World in Florida). He's won medals from the Best Florida Beer Championships and plans to offer his recipes, along with a new specialty cask beer every first and third Thursday at the restaurant. (Spiced Wheat debuted Dec. 31; next up is a Schwartz Jan. 17.) 401 N. Tryon St.; 704-334-2739.