Bath, Maine's Solo Bistro Hosting South Australian Wine Event

Solo Bistro, the innovative, European-style restaurant located in the heart of historic Bath, ME, will hold a multi-course "Wines of South Australia" dinner event on Wednesday, June 13 at 6:00 pm.

Acclaimed Executive Chef Esau Crosby will be offering a five-course meal to accompany the evening's selection of wines.

Present at the event will be Seth Ferris of Nappi Wines to offer commentary on the wines, which will include St. Hallett's "Poacher's Blend," a 2006 Semillion/Sauvingon Blanc blend from the Barossa Valley, as well as Heath Wines' "Southern Sisters," a 2004 Reserve Riesling from Clare Valley.

Additionally, a 2002 Grant Burges "Holy Trinity" from Barossa Valley will be served, composed of a Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvedre blend. South Australia's Maduro Port, a Grenache-Shiraz blend, also will be enjoyed by guests at the event.

Says co-owner Will Neilson, "Our wine dinners are really mini culinary adventures. We try to highlight regional wines and foods that differ a little from the usual or stereotypical. For example, in May we had a Spanish wine dinner where we didn't serve any wine from the well-known tempranillo grape. This month we're bypassing the many excellent Australian chardonnays, cabernets and shirazes in favor of some less heavily promoted varietals and outstanding blends that one might not try otherwise. We settle the wines first, and then Esau consults his muse. The results always blow me away!"

The menu developed by Chef Crosby features fresh local ingredients, chosen for their ability to bring out the full array of flavors and aromas in each wine.

Highlights of the evening include courses of Chevre Tart with Tomato Essence, Fresh Local Maine Oysters with Carmelized Shallots and White Balsamic, Braised Ox Tail with Creamed White Beans, Warm Pecan and Date Nut Pudding, and an additional surprise course that showcases the Australian theme of the evening.

For his part, Chef Crosby says "Wine dinners are a chance for me to play. I love doing them. We know our customers come in ready to experiment a little as well as to enjoy, and that's a gift for a chef."

"We've been excited by the fact that we're not only attracting a loyal local base of diners, but also reaching diners from farther away with events like our wine dinners," adds Pia Neilson, co-owner and manager of the restaurant. "Whether it's our seasonal dinner menu, our special wine events, or our Friday Night Jazz nights, guests are letting us know that Solo Bistro is always a great evening out."

For reservations and directions, phone Solo Bistro at (207) 443-3373. The cost for the June 13 wine dinner is $65 per person (+ tax/gratuity).

About Solo Bistro: Named an "Editors' Choice" by Yankee Magazine, the Bath restaurant, launched in June 2005, is known as much for its sophisticated interior as for its flavorful menu items. In its January 2007 issue, Edible Coastal Maine wrote, "Solo Bistro is a tiny jewel of a restaurant decorated with Danish furniture and bright colors. The food is clean and simple and not too expensive." Down East agreed, referring to Solo Bistro in its May 2007 issue as "an outpost of chic sophistication on Front Street."