- By Alex Schloop
- Around Town
"Our whole team is so proud to be recognized again this year," remarks Erin McElhinney, dining room manager. "We take great care in what makes it onto our list, which is designed to enhance the dishes on our menu and to ensure our guests have an exceptional experience. Ryan Williams' 2013 Gruner Veltliner for example, is the perfect complement for our pan-seared scallops with tomato risotto."
The Aurora Inn Dining Room's culinary team recently returned from New York City, where they prepared dinner at the famed James Beard House. A fundraiser for the James Beard Foundation, the sold-out dinner highlighted both the culinary achievements of executive chef Patrick Higgins and his commitment to highlighting the bounty of the Finger Lakes with a thoughtful, considered approach.
Each of that dinner's five courses were paired with wine, including three from the Finger Lakes: Red Tail Ridge Winery's 2011 Estate Blanc de Noirs, Ravines Wine Cellar's 2013 Riesling, and Heart & Hands Wine Company's 2013 Mo Chuisle Estate Pinot Noir. "While we also featured wine from Spain, France, and California, it was important to us to bring the Finger Lakes to the table," remarks Meryl Eriksen, director of food and beverage. "Our dinner at the James Beard House was an opportunity to showcase the incredible work of some of our most talented neighbors. Our community is producing some serious, thoughtful, and delicious wine, and these three wineries in particular are continuously featured on our dining room's list."
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