You thought Pinehurst’s Heart ’n Soul of Jazz was just about music. Think again.

The romantic air in the Carolina Hotel is permeated by the lineup of jazz artists singing sexy ballads and seductive Brazilian tunes Friday, Feb. 12, and Saturday, Feb. 13.

But the stars of these Valentine’s shows might just be the corresponding dinner menus at the Carolina Dining Room — led by Pinehurst heartthrob Chef Thierry Debailleul.

Sure, the ticket-holder-only rate of $40 for three great courses is enough to catch a beat. Add in the ambience of the historic Carolina Dining Room, and you’d win even the most stalwart of stoics. But the succulent and fresh, flavorful and textured selections personally selected by Debailleul will flat-out win hearts.

Take Friday’s three course menu, for instance. Guests will start with a decadent sweet potato and truffle bisque with goat cheese crostini. Thick and rich, the selection is perfect for a winter’s night. It is followed by a choice of baby iceberg salad with Maytag blue cheese and applewood-smoked bacon, or a lighter mixed greens salad with a blushing citrus dressing.

The trio of entrée selections offers Carolina favorites. The maple pecan crusted grouper will appeal to lighter palates, with a delicate pinot grigio beurre blanc and orzo side with roasted squash and cranberry.

Heartier appetites will go for the filet of beef Diane or the rotisserie pork loin, the latter of which comes with the chef’s own creamy polenta with pancetta and sun-dried tomatoes.

The result? Over-indulgence heaven — followed by saxophonist Harry Allen and his band of Brazilian jazz musicians.

In case sweet eaters feel left out, the dessert reception following the concert features dolce de leche shooters, pineapple flambéed in spiced rum, and churros to carry the Brazilian theme.

Tierney Sutton Band fans will not be disappointed Saturday evening. The pre-concert menu includes the savory Maryland crab and corn chowder, in all its chunky wonder, topped with a lobster sherry crème fraiche. The new Waldorf Salad is crunchy and full of fruit, leaving room for an entirely different trio of entrees.

The favorite is the pan-seared mountain trout straight from the Blue Ridge, with a side of shrimp and grits. But beef lovers will flock to the tenderloin with peppercorn cognac cream and crispy tobacco onions. Don’t rule out the chicken breast — its wild mushroom risotto and thyme pan jus are packed with juicy flavor. Desserts at the post-concert buffet include strawberry and chocolate Nutella panini, love-inducing chocolate croissant bread pudding and various tortes and tarts.

Tickets for Heart ’n Soul of Jazz are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Pinehurst Resort at (910) 235-8415. The $65 ticket (or $110 for both nights) includes a concert ticket, meet-the-artists dessert reception following the concert, and a chance for a door prize.

The pre-concert dinner in the Carolina Dining Room is offered each night for $40 (tax and gratuity included), and a Valentine’s weekend overnight package at $195 per person, per night (double occupancy), including a ticket to 8 p.m. concert, dinner, meet the artists dessert reception, overnight accommodations with champagne delivered to your room and breakfast. The first dinner seating is at 5 p.m. and will run until 7 p.m. for concertgoers. Show doors open at 7 p.m. for 8 p.m. concerts on both Friday and Saturday.

The major sponsors of Heart ’n Soul of Jazz are Pinehurst Resort, Progress Energy and American Airlines. Sponsors of the meet-the-artists receptions are BB&T and Wachovia.

Lyne’s Furniture Gallery will provide a $1,000 shopping spree as Friday night’s door prize for a lucky audience member.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the programs and services of the Arts Council of Moore County.