Waterleaf to Host Wines of Australia Dinner on March 18

Waterleaf Restaurant in Glen Ellyn will host an exclusive Wines of Australia dinner on Wednesday, March 18.

Following a reception at 6:30 p.m. featuring Jansz Premium Rose, Tasmania Australia, the first course includes Citrus Cured Salmon with cucumber, mango and daikon radish paired with 2013 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc, Malborough, New Zealand. The second course offers Almond-crusted Barramundi with butternut squash and pear beurre blanc paired with 2013 Yalumba Viognier, Eden Valley, Australia. The third course features Roasted Cornish Game Hen with wild mushrooms, port glazed shallots and potato galette paired with 2012 Jim Barry Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon, Claire Valley, South Australia and 2011 Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz, Barossa Valley, South Australia. The final course is Peach Crème Brulèe paired with 2012 Yalumba FSW8B Botrytis Viognier, Wrattonbully, South Australia.
The price of this exclusive four-course, six-wine dinner is $80 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required for this event. To make a reservation for this exclusive Wines of Australia dinner at Waterleaf, call (630) 942-6881.

The world’s fourth largest exporter of wine, Australia has more than 2,400 wineries located throughout 65 regions around the country. Winemakers there grow approximately 130 varieties of grapes and while well known for premium Shiraz and Chardonnays, other major varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Riesling. Australia hosts nearly every soil type and climate, offering a wide variety of growing conditions. While the country had no native grape varieties suitable for wine making, Australian wineries began establishing vineyards from European imports in the late 1700s. Australia is now home to some of the oldest grape vines in the world after many of Europe’s established vineyards were destroyed in the 1800s with the only survivors being the vines brought to Australia.

Waterleaf, led by Leroux and Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian, is located on the College of DuPage campus in the Culinary & Hospitality Center, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.

Featuring moderately priced brunch, lunch and dinner options, the restaurant’s menu contains offerings developed with locally-sourced ingredients. The contemporary light-filled dining room has a modern décor and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a beautiful view of a scenic lake. Its walls display a collection of black-and-white lithographs by renowned American artist Richard Serra, and there is a cozy bar area to enjoy cocktails and light snacks.

Waterleaf has earned Diner’s Choice Awards for Best Ambience, Best Overall, Best Service, Fit for Foodies and Special Occasion on OpenTable.com, where it maintains a 4.7/5.0 rating. Most recently, Waterleaf received its third consecutive Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This award, given annually to restaurants in the U.S. and 65 countries worldwide, confirms that Waterleaf’s beverage program is consistent with its dining concept, style and price point. In addition, Waterleaf recently received a three-star “Excellent” review from Chicago Tribune’s renowned food critic Phil Vettel.

For more information and to make reservations, call (630) 942-6881 or visit www.waterleafrestaurant.com.