Shari Gourmet Dining is centrally located in Mid-Michigan, in one of Michigan’s
last known Ghost Towns. The "Willard Hillton", our building, was once known as the Beaver
Hotel. It was built in the late 1800’s, and housed not only the hotel but
the local jail, general store, and saloon. It was jokingly nicknamed "Willard
Hillton" by townspeople 50 years ago, and has been know as such ever since.
Today it is one of only three original buildings remaining in the town of Willard.
Interestingly enough, the historic jail cell with its cave like walls and sand
floor now houses our Wine at perfect cellaring conditions year round.
Executive Chef and Owner Shari Rae Smith is a graduate of the Culinary Institute
of America in Hyde Park, NY. She has transformed this Historic Saloon into a
highly acclaimed Restaurant. With the ever ambitious yet creative spirit of
the restaurant she creates new menus every six to eight weeks. As a result we
are continually expanding our wine program.
Our establishment carries in excess of 70 wines at any given time, ranging in
price from $20.00 to $75.00. This allows everyone exceptional wine in every
price category. With continuous education of our staff & clientele on fine
wines we have introduced our Captain’s Odd Bottle List. Our house pours
are only $6.95 & Premium Pours for $8.95. Splits of sparkling are offered
under the wine by the glass ranging from $6.95 to $18.95.
We re-introduced Wine by the ½ Bottle last year. Though at first sales
were slow we have seen much progress and are continually getting feedback from
the clientele on what they want and how much they want to spend. As a result
we have expanded our wine list accordingly and sales have never been better.
In addition, Shari offers Wine dinners no less than four times a year. The wines
we showcase at these dinners are wines we want to familiarize our clientele
with. We select five to six wines that we would like to feature for the upcoming
menu pairing the wine with Shari’s cuisine resulting in an evening of exceptional
wine, fine food, and an enjoyable dining experience for a very reasonable price.
