Laurel Villa Salutes the Summer - “Pouring Rain” Vodka Tasting

MILFORD — The Laurel Villa Country Inn and Restaurant in Milford will toast the final days of the summer season on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. as it hosts a “Pouring Rain” vodka tasting. Weather permitting, the event will be held outside in the Laurel Villa’s formal English gardens. “Rain Vodka is a super-premium vodka made from organic white corn,” said Janice Halsted, Innkeeper at the Laurel Villa. “It goes through seven distinct distillations in its brewing process and recently beat Grey Goose, Belvedere, Chopin, Absolut and Stoli in a major San Francisco competition. Wine Enthusiast magazine has given it a ‘superb, 90-95’ rating.” The evening will be hosted by Dave Ciabocchi of the Sazerac Company. “Guests will savor Rain in four different presentations,” said Ciabocchi. “At first neat or on the rocks, and then as the basis of a “Dirty Rain” martini. Later on we’ll serve a French Kiss - Rain combined with French Kiss Vanilla Liqueur, and a Cherry Cheesecake - Rain with Dr. McGillicuddy’s Cherry Schnapps.” Chef Carl, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, will create tempting hot and cold hors d’oeuvres to complement each of the beverages. Guests who choose to stay for dinner afterwards will receive 15 percent off their entrees. “We’ll also be playing trivia games for Rain prizes all evening long,” said Halsted. “It will be a delicious way to cool down from the August heat, and I urge everyone to reserve early. Last month we had to turn people away.” Seating for “Pouring Rain” is limited, and reservations, at $25 per person, should be made by Monday, Aug. 18. For reservations and more information, call the Laurel Villa at 570-296-9940. The Laurel Villa, www.laurelvilla.com, is located at Second and Ann Streets in Milford.