AURORA | A perfect pairing of Finger Lakes food and wine is the basis for a bountiful Farm Dinner at the Inns of Aurora, and a look at what's new and fresh in the region this season.
For the second year in a row, the inn will host a six-part dinner series to encourage education of local food and wine in the backyard of the Finger Lakes. Local wineries and breweries are invited to speak on behalf of what they bring to the table, and menus were built based on the wines and beers used.
This year, the Aurora Inn and Executive Chef Patrick Higgins will come together to collaborate with wineries and brewers again with that same mentality in mind. Meryl Davis, director of training and service at the inn, said this year's first dinner is like a launching pad for the series to begin — or a sneak peek.
“Our first event is all about the Finger Lakes,” she said. “We're still in the midst of harvest and the season is winding down, so let's use as much as we can so we're still in the middle of it.”
The farm dinner will feature local farmer Rose Ryan, who also works closely with the inn. Ryan, owner of Harvest Home Organics in Moravia, is working with Higgins to choose a menu that best suits the wine and beer being served.
“Rose is kind of the main speaker at this event,” Davis added. “We want to talk about the grower and food. We want it to be more about the products.”