Laurel Villa hosts ‘A Taste of Down Under'

MILFORD — The Laurel Villa Country Inn & Restaurant will salute the foods and wines of Australia as it presents its “A Taste of Down Under” wine-tasting dinner on Friday, at 7 p.m. on June 13. The event will be held under the stars on the Laurel Villa’s patio, adjacent to its formal English gardens and koi pond. “Australian wines have become a major attraction based both on their quality and their reasonable prices,” said Janice Halsted, Innkeeper at the Laurel Villa, “and we’ve chosen to highlight four of the very best.” Featured during the evening will be two whites - Wishing Tree Unoaked Chardonnay and McWilliams Dry Riesling, and two reds - Frankland River Rocky Gully Shiraz Viognier and Rutherglen Estates “Red”, a subtle Petit Shiraz. Each will be presented and discussed by Tom Rogari of Capital Wines and Spirits Heritage Collection. Chef Carl will create a gourmet feast to complement each of the wines, including a grilled Ginger Shrimp appetizer, a Kiwi Field Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette dressing, Grilled Medallions of Lamb Tenderloin with Walkabout Potatoes and Roast Vegetable Medley, and a decadent Chocolate Key Lime Pie. “A pan-seared Mahi Mahi is available for those who prefer it to the lamb main course,” said Halsted, “and we can also provide vegetarian alternatives to each course. We just ask that guests let us know when they make their reservations.” Seating for “A Taste of Down Under” is limited, and reservations, at $55 per person, should be made by Sunday, June 8. The Laurel Villa serves dinner from 5 PM Wednesday through Sunday, and features a $20 three-course “Inflation Busting Menu” during the week in addition to its regular dinner menu. For reservations and more information, call the Laurel Villa at 570-296-9940. The Laurel Villa, www.laurelvilla.com, is located at Second and East Ann streets in Milford.