Dear Ann Powers,

I’m dating a girl who spent two party-hardy semesters in Brazil. What should I play for her birthday dinner? While you’re at it, can you throw in a foolproof recipe?

– James L., Chicago

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Hey lover! You’ve got some obvious choices when it comes to Brazilian music – if the Gilbertos are hanging around, she’ll think you’re competent, and if you have a little CSS for the cocktail hour (or morning after) she’ll think you’re hip. But go for the brainier Brazilians to set the foundation for more than a one-night stand.

Caetano Veloso’s languid tenor has graced dozens of recordings, and even the sharply political ones still have the power to seduce. Does a more gorgeous description of erotic surrender exist than his version of Mexican songwriter Tomas Mendez’s “Cuccurucucu Paloma”? (You might have seen Caetano perform it in Almodovar’s insanely romantic film “Talk To Her.”) Veloso’s a world class songwriter in his own right; try one of his mellower outings, like “Cinema Transcendental” or “Cores, Nomes” (which includes this beauty) to set the mood.

I’m also a fan of Milton Nascimento. His music is a bit earthier than Veloso’s; he’s influenced by both jazz fusion and the folkloric sounds of Minas Gerais, the region where he was raised. Like Veloso, Nascimento has a bushel of great releases, but start with his classic 1970s stuff, like “Minas” or “Clube de Esquina” (the latter also features his homeboy Lo Borges).

But to really impress – and show off your pan-Latin style – seek out the work of New York producer Kip Hanrahan. A conceptualist and a percussionist, he gathers amazing players from places like Cuba, Haiti and Greenwich Village (plus Cream bassist Jack Bruce, maybe his most frequent collaborator) to flesh out his unabashedly carnal Beat fusion hippie experiments. Two of his best albums are “Vertical’s Currency” and “All Roads Are Made of the Flesh.” If you reach the next phase of the relationship, try “Desire Develops an Edge.”

As for dinner, take my old friend Tori’s advice: stick to cheese, cured meats if you eat them, fresh fruit and wine. No need to waste time in the kitchen that could be spent in other rooms.

Illustration by Jason Gelt. Letters to Ann is a regular feature where Soundboard readers get to pick Ann’s brain about music, love, life, good hummus recipes or whatever you want, as long as you can hum along to it. Send questions to ann.powers@latimes.com.