Shari's Gourmet Dining

The Award Winning Restaurant in the Middle of a Corn Field!

After graduating at the top of her class from the Culinary Institute of America and spending several years in Lake Tahoe, California, Shari Smith moved back home to mid-Michigan to open her ownrestaurant. On Valentines Day 1990 Shari opened a fully remodeled Willard Hillton just outside of Auburn, MI. Her goal was simple, to provide the tri-cities with the ultimate dinning experience, highlighting fine food, wine, and exceptional service. 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 towns people 50 years ago, and has been know as such ever since.

Today it is one of only two 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. Shari offers Wine dinners no less than twice a year. The wines and food she showcases at these dinners are those, which Shari wants to familiarize her clientele with. Shari selects six to eight wines that she would like to feature for the upcoming menu, and pairs each wine with her cuisine resulting in an evening of exceptionally fine: wine, food, and dining experience for a very reasonable price.