Part of Several Enhancements to “Warm Up” the Overall Dining Experience

(Highlands, NC) Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, located in the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC announces a new dinner menu to complement the new breakfast and lunch menu introduced earlier this year.

The changes are part of an overall image makeover for Madison’s designed to create a more relaxed social gathering atmosphere and increase the value of offerings for guests. One of the first moves in that direction was inviting the public to enjoy cocktails, a light menu and piano music in Hummingbird Lounge, which was previously designated for guests only.

The new dinner menu at Madison’s reflects the culinary philosophy of new Executive Chef Johannes Klapdohr and his commitment to utilize sustainable and organic ingredients wherever possible. It even includes a section recognizing the efforts of local growers like Dave Taylor Farm, Ashland Farm, Sunburst Trout Company, Ashley Farm, Barker’s Creek Mill and Sweet Grass Dairy.

Some of the changes to Madison’s menu include:

• A new Grill section where guests can choose a simple steak, pork chop, fresh fish or a juicy burger
• A focus on fresh ingredients prepared in a simple yet creative way to produce maximum flavor enjoyment of each ingredient
• A farm-to-table emphasis in many of the menu items, like Dave Taylor’s Garden Salad and the Farm and Local Produce Inspired Soup of the Day
• And an overall focus on value throughout the menu items

Overall enhancements at Madison’s restaurant include beautiful walnut wood tables that match the rustic overhead beams of the restaurant’s interior. The music and lighting levels, as well as the staff uniforms, have been enhanced to create more of a social aura in what previously might have been referred to as a quiet fine-dining environment.

Richard Delany, president of Old Edwards Hospitality Group, says, “Madison’s Restaurant has such great potential to become a drop-in restaurant where families, friends and neighbors can meet for a relaxed breakfast, lunch or dinner in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere—much like that of the Wine Garden. Our company culture revolves around providing a fun, relaxed environment. That’s what we want our guests to feel when they dine with us. Add to that a menu of fresh, flavorful food at a good value—and that’s really what a dining experience should be.”

Madison’s restaurant is open to the public seven days per week. To view the new breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert menus, visit www.oldedwardsinn.com and click on “Dining” and then “Madison’s.” You may also call the restaurant at 828-787-2525.

About Old Edwards Hospitality Group: (www.oldedwardsinn.com) The Old Edwards Hospitality Group encompasses The Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, NC, as well as The Old Edwards Club—a private club that features a professionally designed golf course, outdoor heated mineral pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse and pro shop. Old Edwards Inn and Spa is Condé Nast Johansens Most Excellent Inn in the USA and Canada for 2008. The Mobil Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond resort is located at 445 Main Street in Highlands, NC. Also included in the Old Edwards Experience are a Mobil Four-Star wellness spa, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, The Farm at Old Edwards special events and wedding facility, Acorn’s and Acorn’s Annex upscale retail shops, and The Rib Shack & Sports Corner. Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden has won the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” every year since 2005 and the “Best Of” award in 2008.