Washington Wine Restaurant Awards - March 26, 2010

Held March 26, the 2010 Washington Wine Restaurant Awards celebrated restaurants who have shown a dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry!

Waterfront Seafood Grill and Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant both won Washington Wine Awards of Distinction, while Wines of Substance and Olsen Estates poured their award-winning wines at the event.

First we talk to Chris Sparkman (General Manager of Waterfront Seafood Grill) and Karen Lawler (Director of Marketing for Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant) about why their restaurant's wine lists are unique and what wine events they have coming up! Then, we chat with Christa Hilt from Wines of Substance and Robert Johnson from Olsen Estates about what make their wines unique and what winery events we can look forward to!

No Easter Plans Yet? Hop To It!

Cafe Flora Vegan Cinnamon Roll

SEATTLE, Wash. — (March 26, 2010) — No-bunny likes to be frantically hunting around for last minute plans! These Northwest restaurants and wineries are offering up delicious brunches and festive outings to help make Easter planning eggs-tra easy.

Bunny-Friendly Meal: Cafe Flora Offers Vegetarian Brunch
www.cafeflora.com | @CafeFloraVeg | Facebook
Seattle’s favorite vegetarian restaurant is offering its famous weekend brunch on Easter filled with new and signature favorites that would make the Easter Bunny proud. The menu features vegan and vegetarian items from gooey cinnamon rolls ($5) to a classic Santa Fe sunrise scramble ($10) or an indulgent coconut mango waffle ($8).

Cafe Flora will be serving its brunch menu from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations for eight or more can be made by calling (206) 325-9100.

Hop to Northwest Cellars’ Tasting Room for Wine and Chocolate
www.northwestcellars.com | @nwcellars | Facebook
Skip the Easter candy and hop to Northwest Cellars’ tasting room in Kirkland for an artisan treat: April 3 and 4 from noon to 5 p.m., Northwest Cellars will be serving up six award-winning wines paired with six different hand-made confections from Brugge Chocolates in Redmond

Mingle with new friends and try the 2005 Merlot with a java-pear chocolate or the 2004 Merlot with a pistachio-cardamom chocolate. Decide which chocolate and wine pairing is the favorite after trying all six. Tastings are $5, refundable with purchase. Chocolates are available for sale as well. The Kirkland tasting room is located at 11909 124th Ave. N.E.

icon Grill Presents Annual Easter Sunday Brunch Rotunda
www.icongrill.net | @iconGrill
No need to hunt for an Easter buffet that is fit for the whole family: On April 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visit icon Grill for a family-friendly Easter Sunday brunch rotunda filled with an assortment of breakfast favorites from Executive Chef Nick Musser, who is known for his Aroused Americana comfort cuisine.

Selections include a made-to-order omelet and pancake bar, chocolate-dipped strawberries, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls and more. Entrée choices include seafood quiche, club Monte, and roasted prime rib. For $26.95 guests have both their choice of an entrée and any of the buffet dishes. Buffet-only or entrée-only options are also offered for $17.95; kids 12 and under are $7.95. For reservations, call (206) 441-6330.

Peep Inside Otis Kenyon Wine’s New Woodinville Tasting Room
www.otiskenyonwine.com | @otiskenyonwine | Facebook
Get a peep Easter weekend, no marshmallow involved, inside Otis Kenyon Wine’s new Woodinville tasting room. On April 2 and 3 sample their palate-igniting vintages and learn about the fiery Kenyon history, on which the label design is based.

Stop by from noon to 5 p.m. and visit the Walla Walla Winery’s new, second home west of the Cascades. The Woodinville tasting room is situated in Apple Farm Village, a complex located at 14525 148th Ave. N.E.

Spring Into Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant for Easter Brunch
www.siprestaurant.com | @SIPwinebar | Facebook
In celebration of Easter Sunday, all three Sip. locations are offering a special brunch menu featuring breakfast and lunch favorites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The eggs-and-entrées menu includes:

Frangelico French toast ($11) – hazelnut liquor, vanilla syrup, candied hazelnuts & bacon Crab cake Benedict ($18) – Dungeness crab & rock shrimp cakes, crisp greens, tomato, English muffin, herb-laced hollandaise Flat iron steak & eggs ($20) – three eggs done “your way” with Sip. steak sauce Banana cakes ($13) – three pancakes with sliced bananas, maple syrup, choice of sausage or bacon Build-it-your-way omelet ($12) – Choose two: rosemary ham, white cheddar, arugula, tomato, mushroom, fontina cheese, feta cheese, or roasted peppers. Crab or shrimp (add $6) Smoked salmon Benedict ($15) – Gerard & Dominique smoked salmon, asparagus, poached eggs, English muffin, capers, hollandaise Ahi melt ($16) – Seared rare black pepper tuna, duck egg, tomato, avocado, artichoke hearts, white cheddar cheese

In addition to the brunch menu, Sip. sweet roll sliders ($9), market fish of the day, salads and soups will also be available. For reservations, call: Seattle (206) 682-2779; Issaquah (425) 369-1181; Gig Harbor (253) 853-3020.

Waterfront Seafood Grill Offers Eggs-travagant Brunch Specials
www.waterfrontpier70.com | @waterfront70
Forget cooking at home this Easter: Dine out at Waterfront Seafood Grill and enjoy sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Space Needle. To please the whole family, Executive Chef Peter Levine has created these brunch specials:

Fresh fruit and honey yogurt ($7) – strawberries, blueberries, pineapple & mango Banana walnut pancakes ($14) – hot maple syrup, whipped cream Classic baguette French toast ($15) – blueberries, strawberries, whipped cream & hot maple syrup Crispy corned beef hash ($17) – house-made, hand-formed with poached eggs & green onions Northwest seafood omelet ($21) – salmon, halibut & crab, fresh herbs & jack cheese Vegetable omelet ($15) – French style ratatouille & Brie cheese Eggs Benedict ($16) – toasted English muffin, Canadian bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce Dungeness crab Benedict ($21) Bacon-wrapped filet and eggs ($48) – hollandaise sauce, demi-glace

Reservations will be taken beginning at 11 a.m. with brunch items offered till 3 p.m. and the full menu until 8 p.m. For reservations, call (206) 956-9171.

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Happy egg hunting!

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Media Contact: Ashley McLean
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Australia Vacations vs. New Zealand Vacations: Which Road Will You Take?

Down Under Answers is Fueling the Flames of the Age-Old Aussie vs. Kiwi Rivalry with Incredible Vacation Package Deals

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(March 25, 2010)— One of the nation’s most respected travel resources, multi award-winning travel wholesaler Down Under Answers, is pulling out the stops and offering the sale to end all sales.

Travelers can choose from nine Australia vacations, nine New Zealand getaways, or eight packages that include both countries. The seasoned planners at Down Under Answers are also ready to help customize an ideal dream getaway. Packages begin at an unbelievably low $1,099 per person (including airfare and six nights hotel accommodation, based upon double occupancy) and offers end April 30, 2010,* or until sold out. Contact your local travel professional, call toll free at (866) 792-5458 or visit http://www.duatravel.com/aussievskiwi/.

Down Under Answers has it covered with itineraries such as these:

• For a memorable vacation in Australia, set sights on Sydney, Ayers Rock & Cairns (8-night air and land inclusive, from $1,799 per person/double occupancy). Visit favorite Australian highlights by tracing the “Golden Triangle” from metropolitan Sydney to mystical Ayers Rock (Uluru) in the heart of the continent, to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, for diving or sunbathing on a pristine beach.

• Dreamt of a New Zealand vacation? Revel in New Zealand Splendor (16-day air and land inclusive, from $2,539 per person/double occupancy). This self-drive New Zealand holiday meanders from Auckland to Christchurch, taking in such must-see sites as Rotorua’s thermal spa pools, the capital city of Wellington, adventure-filled Queenstown, Larnach Castle in Dunedin, and more.

• For an Australia-New Zealand vacation that offers a balanced view of life Down Under, pick Auckland & Sydney (6-night air and land inclusive package from $1,099 per person/double occupancy). Experience the buzz of New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city—jaunts to lush scenery, beaches and vineyards are within 30 minutes of downtown. Then it’s off to Sydney to see the famous opera house, climb the Harbour Bridge, take in the fine restaurants and nightlife, or squeeze in more wine tasting in the acclaimed Hunter Valley.

For a complete list of all packages, click here.

“We’re honored to have been recognized as one of the nation’s best travel wholesalers for seven years running, and now we’re excited to give travelers the chance to book their Australia and New Zealand vacations at prices so low you can’t afford to stay home. The only hard part is deciding which route to go,” notes Kirk Demeter, President of Down Under Answers.

For those who are having trouble deciding upon a destination, here are a few Down Under questions to help determine who’s an honorary Aussie, a wannabe Kiwi, or both:

• Moved to tears by the voice of an angel (opera’s Kiwi Dame Kiri Te Kanawa)?
• Swoon over People magazine’s 2008 Sexiest Man Alive (Aussie actor Hugh Jackman)?
• Is it all about Rugby’s Wallabies (Aussie) or the All Blacks (Kiwi)?
• Favor the award-winning novels of Peter Carey (Aussie) or the award-winning mysteries of (Kiwi) Ngaio Marsh?
• Does sipping a glass of Dogrock Shiraz (Aussie) or Cat’s Pee on a Gooseberry Bush Sauvignon Blanc (Kiwi) fit the bill?

Recent headlines say that travel has never been more affordable and incredible bargains like these are available for a limited time only: When they’re gone, they’re gone. The trip of a lifetime is only a mouse-click away.

Founded in 1992, Seattle-based Down Under Answers is the industry leader in travel to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Dubai. Repeatedly voted Best Travel Wholesaler by Tourism New Zealand and Tourism Australia specialists, the company employs seasoned staff members to customize tours—ranging from unique, hands-on holidays to more traditional itineraries—for groups of virtually any size. For further information email info@duatravel.com, or call (800) 889-1464.

Follow Down Under Answers Online:
Website: www.duatravel.com
Twitter: @DownUnderAnswer
Facebook: Down Under Answers
Flickr: Flickr
YouTube: Youtube

*Price based on Los Angeles, CA departure. Departure deadline is September 21, 2010.

Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant Gig Harbor Celebrates Birthday with New Spring Menu, Events

Gig Harbor Local, Daniel Jackson Named Lead Captain; Adds Focus on Community Partnerships

GIG HARBOR, Wash.—(March 25, 2010)—On March 26, Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant in Uptown Gig Harbor marks its one-year anniversary with a new spring menu, addition of Gig Harbor local Daniel Jackson to the team, and a host of community-fostering events through partnerships with Gig Harbor organizations and festivals.

Daniel Jackson’s career began in 1983 at Triples in Seattle, and his palate and talents were honed at the acclaimed Fullers in the Seattle Sheraton. Most recently he developed the wine program at Brix 25 Restaurant in Gig Harbor, which, in turn, led him to Sip. Jackson has an appreciation for and extensive collection of Northwest wines: 98 percent of his personal cellar is comprised of Northwest bottles.

“Right now, there’s a lot happening in Uptown Gig Harbor, and I’m excited to be here, working with Robert Green and the rest of the team,” says Jackson.

Jackson has an exciting spring lined up for Sip. guests, including a recently added full bar and cocktail program, a new spring menu from Gig Harbor’s well-loved, Executive Chef Robert Green, and a series of community events.

New Spring Menu Additions –
• BBQ Shrimp—Jumbo shrimp, apple-wood bacon, fresh basil and housemade Asian BBQ sauce, 13.
• Fried California Roll—Spicy crab with soy dipping sauce and wasabi aioli, 12.
• Crab Salad—Fresh Dungeness crab, watercress, marinated tomato, hard-boiled egg and lemon-caper vinaigrette, 13.
• Duo of Duck—Seared breast and leg confit with cherry sauce, potato gratin, fresh daily vegetable, 27.
• BBQ Salmon—Wild Alaskan salmon, grilled and basted with housemade Asian BBQ sauce, roasted fingerling potatoes, fresh daily vegetable , 23.
• Hand Cut Ribeye—10 oz. Certified Angus with housemade steak sauce, duck fat-whipped potatoes, fresh daily vegetable, 25.

Winemakers Dinner with Barons V and DeLille Cellars, April 13, 5 p.m. –
Sip. Gig Harbor’s first winemakers’ dinner will include Chef Green’s specially prepared four-course dinner paired with award-winning wines. Special guests include Gary McLean, co-owner of Barons V; Matthew Loso, Barons V winemaker; and Greg Lill, co-owner of DeLille Cellars. Cost is $80 per person not including tax and gratuity. For reservations and more information, call Sip. at (253) 853-3020.

“Sips & Tips” Monthly Women’s Networking Event –
From 5 to 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month, Sip. provides an opportunity for women to meet, mingle and network in the spirit of community and learn about local businesses and organizations. Enjoy half-price glass pours, get a chance to win the door prize, and stay for a three-course dinner for just $30, exclusive of tax and gratuity. For more information, e-mail Karen Lawler at klawler@warestgroup.com.

Sip. in the Community –
A committed member of the Gig Harbor business community, Sip. is thrilled to be a partner in the Gig Harbor Film Festival and a contributor to the Gig Harbor Rotary Club and FISH food bank.

The staff at Uptown Sip. is grateful to the people of Gig Harbor for their patronage throughout their first year in business, and is looking forward to further developing their relationship with the community and its residents.


The Napa Valley-inspired Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant offers an approachable, global wine selection featuring nearly 70 by-the-glass choices, wine flights, and more than 250 bottles from the Pacific Northwest, California and around the world. The Northwest-driven food menu comforts and inspires, and is sourced locally whenever possible. Locations include 909 5th Ave., Seattle 98101 (206) 682-2779; 1084 NE Park Dr., Issaquah, 98029 (425) 369-1181; and 4793 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Suite 400, Gig Harbor, 98335 (253) 853-3020. For further information, visit www.siprestaurant.com.

Follow Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant online:
Website: www.siprestaurant.com
Twitter: @SIPwinebar
Facebook: Sip at the wine bar & restaurant

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

El Gaucho Pampas Room Debuts "Shaken Not Stirred" Featuring Mark Siano

El Gaucho Seattle Presents “Shaken Not Stirred” Featuring Mark Siano at The Pampas Room

Saturdays - March 27, April 10, April 24, May 8

SEATTLE, Wash.—(March 15, 2010)— Feeling nostalgic? El Gaucho Seattle and local-celebrity Mark Siano are teaming up to produce a spirited new show that will evoke memories of Sinatra and the glorious Rat Pack years:

WHO: El Gaucho Seattle

WHAT: “Shaken Not Stirred” Featuring Mark Siano
A Seattle-based performer and producer, Mark Siano has developed a show that is a little bit of comedy, dancing, singing, and burlesque and a whole lot of Gaucho!

• Front-row table seating is $225 per person and includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot per couple for either performance.
• Regular table seating is $130 per person
• Bar seating is $100 per person
• Admission includes a four-course, set dinner menu with choice of entrée (view the menu below). Full bar and wine list available.
• Tickets are available at El Gaucho, (206) 728-1337.

WHERE: Pampas Room
2505 First Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 728-1337

WHEN: All shows are on Saturday; doors open at 7 p.m.
March 27, April 10, April 24, May 8

For more information about Mark Siano, visit www.marxiano.com. For digital photography of Shaken Not Stirred Featuring Mark Siano please click: http://tiny.cc/XjPAN.

El Gaucho® is the Northwest's steakhouse legacy focused on elegant, old-school, tableside service for people celebrating their lives. The menu highlights 28-Day Dry-Aged Certified Angus Beef® Prime steaks, cutting-edge fresh seafood selections from sustainable sources, and extensive wine and single malt Scotch lists. Offering intimate private dining and nightly live music, El Gaucho’s bar was recently named one of the “Best Places to Network” by Seattle Business, “Readers’ Choice for Best Steak” by Seattle Magazine, and has earned five Wine Spectator “Awards of Excellence” and three “Best of Awards of Excellence.” Located at 2505 First Ave., El Gaucho is open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call (206) 728-1337 or visit www.elgaucho.com.

Follow El Gaucho Online
Website: www.elgaucho.com
Twitter: @ElGauchoSteak

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757


“Shaken Not Stirred with Mark Siano” Menu

AMUSE
House-cured lox, shaved red onion, horseradish cream, pumpernickel toast

Slow-roasted tomato, olives, fresh mozzarella, crostini

Bacon-wrapped dates, Parmigiano-Reggiano

BIBB LETTUCE SALAD
Scallion yogurt, Cara Cara oranges, avocado

Choice of:

FILET MIGNON
Truffle demi-glace

GRILLED ALASKAN SALMON
Bacon, sherry butter

CHICKEN EL GAUCHO
Lobster medallions, béarnaise

Add:
Grilled Jumbo Prawns ($14)
Lobster Medallions ($19)

All entrées served with braised lentils

DESSERT TRIO

Chocolate ganache
Cheesecake, fresh strawberries
Whiskey bread pudding

Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant Now Offers Full Bar Service

All Sip. Locations Add Craft Cocktail Menu

SEATTLE, Wash.—(March 11, 2010)— All Sip. at the wine bar & restaurants are now offering a full bar and new palate-tempting libations utilizing high-end liquors and ingredients.

The Seattle flagship at 5th and Madison, which opened November 2009, successfully piloted full bar service; now sister restaurants located in Gig Harbor and Issaquah have also jumped on board.

“Wine was the inspiration for Sip., and our dedication to offering wide-reaching selections and expert wine service will never change,” says owner Lane Scelzi. “But I absolutely appreciate the desire for a fine cocktail, and a full bar is something our guests have asked for.”

Instead of relying on pre-made sour mix, only fresh-squeezed citrus juices go into their expertly crafted cocktails. Housemade syrups stand in for mass-market sweeteners, in such intriguing flavors as lavender honey, Meyer lemon, mulberry, pomegranate and agave.

“We’re making sure that each liquor and mixed drink we serve is of superior quality, just as they expect from every other aspect of Sip,” adds Scelzi.

Mulberry St. Sling – 10
New Amsterdam Gin, fresh-pressed lemon juice and mulberry syrup, shaken and topped with soda

Pearhana – 11
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Clear Creek Pear Brandy, ginger syrup, fresh-pressed lime and orange juices, shaken and served iced

Lavender Sidecar – 11
Jacques Cardin Cognac, Cointreau, lavender honey syrup, lemon juice and orange bitters, shaken and served in a lightly sugar-rimmed snifter

View the full cocktail menu below

Unaffected by the addition of a full bar is Sip.’s extensive, distinguished wine list, which offers 40 by-the-glass choices, over 300 bottles from the Pacific Northwest, California and around the world, and nearly eight expertly chosen flights, each of which provides guests an opportunity to learn as well as savor.


Guests can enjoy $5 well drinks and half-priced wine glass pours during happy hour at the Seattle location, Monday through Friday 1 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close; Saturday and Sunday 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. Happy hour at the Issaquah and Gig Harbor locations occur daily from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close.

The Napa Valley-inspired Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant offers an approachable, global wine selection featuring nearly 40 by-the-glass choices, wine flights, and more than 300 bottles from the Pacific Northwest, California and around the world. The Northwest driven food menu comforts and inspires, and is sourced locally whenever possible. Locations include 909 5th Ave., Seattle 98101 (206) 682-2779; 1084 NE Park Dr., Issaquah, 98029 (425) 369-1181; and 4793 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Suite 400, Gig Harbor, 98335 (253) 853-3020.

Follow Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant Online
Website: www.siprestaurant.com
Twitter: @SIPwinebar
Facebook: Sip at the wine bar & restaurant

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR


Cocktails

Luce del Sol – 10
Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka, Grand Marnier, honey syrup and fresh-pressed orange and lemon juices, shaken on ice

Stockholm – 10
Monopolowa Vodka, fresh-pressed lemon juice, Meyer lemon syrup, shaken and topped with Champagne

Cosmopolitan – 11
Ketel One Vodka, Cointreau, fresh-pressed lime juice and a splash of cranberry juice, shaken and served up

French 75 – 10
New Amsterdam Gin, simple syrup, fresh-pressed lemon juice, shaken and topped with Champagne

Mulberry St. Sling – 10
New Amsterdam Gin, fresh-pressed lemon juice and mulberry syrup, shaken and topped with soda

Cable Car - 10
Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum, Cointreau and fresh-pressed lemon and lime juices, shaken and served over ice

1084th and Hazy – 12
A combination of aged and white rums, shaken with apricot purée, lime juice, Cointreau, orgeat and mulberry syrups, served iced

Pearhana – 11
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Clear Creek Pear Brandy, ginger syrup, fresh-pressed lime and orange juices, shaken and served iced

Sangre de Fresca – 12
Strawberries, basil and balsamic syrup muddled with a unique blend of Leblon Cachaça, Cointreau and fresh lime juice, shaken and topped with soda

Sip Margarita – 12
Patron Silver, Cointreau, fresh-pressed lime juice and a touch of agave syrup, served on ice with a lightly salted rim

Lavender Sidecar – 11
Jacques Cardin Cognac, Cointreau, lavender honey syrup, lemon juice and orange bitters, shaken and served in a lightly sugar-rimmed snifter

Old Fashioned – 10
A traditional muddle of raw sugar, orange, Angostura bitters and brandied cherries, topped with ice and finished with Jim Beam Whiskey

Sazerac – 11
A muddle of raw sugar and Peychaud’s Bitters shaken with Crown Royal Whiskey and Lucid Absinthe, served up

Pomegranate Mojito – 10
Leblon Cachaça muddled with pomegranate molasses, mint leaves, lime and sugar cubes, topped with soda

El Gaucho Seattle Legendary Swirl Photos

In honor of Washington Wine Month, El Gaucho Seattle invited Washington State’s best wine producers and winemakers to pour their finest for a small group of 100 lucky guests at “Legendary Swirl” on March 9, 2010.



Wineries pouring included:

Alexandria Nicole Cellars (alexandrianicolecellars.com)
Amavi Cellars (amavicellars.com)
Andrew Will (andrewwill.com)
Cadence Winery (cadencewinery.com)
Col Solare Winery (colsolare.com)
Côte Bonneville Winery (cotebonneville.com)
Chateau Ste Michelle (ste-michelle.com)
DeLille Cellars (delillecellars.com)
EFESTĒ Wines (efeste.com)
Fall Line Winery (falllinewinery.com)
Hedges Family Estate (hedgescellars.com)
Gramercy Cellars (gramercycellars.com)
Kerloo Cellars (kerloocellars.com)
L’Ecole (lecole.com)
Long Shadows (longshadows.com)
Northstar Winery (northstarwinery.com)
O Wines (owines.com)
Pepper Bridge (pepperbridge.com)
Sleight of Hand Cellars (sofhcellars.com)
Spring Valley Vineyard (springvalleyvineyard.com)
SYZYGY Wines (syzygywines.com)
Va Piano Vineyards (vapianovineyards.com)
Waters Winery (waterswinery.com)
Woodhouse Family Cellars (woodhousefamilycellars.com)
Woodward Canyon (woodwardcanyon.com)

Follow El Gaucho Online
Website: www.elgaucho.com
Twitter: @ElGauchoSteak

Otis Kenyon Wine to Open Tasting Room in Woodinville Wine Country This April

Walla Walla Winery Brings its Sizzling History and Award-Winning Wines West of the Cascades in April

WOODINVILLE, Wash.—(March 9, 2010) — Otis Kenyon Wine will unveil its Woodinville tasting room in April, providing the greater Seattle-Eastside environs easy access to their award-winning vintages.

The new tasting room will be situated in Apple Farm Village, a complex located at 14525 148th Ave. N.E., near the landmark Hollywood School on the west side of 148th Avenue.

In making the trek to Woodinville Wine Country, Otis Kenyon is joining the ranks of many other Walla Walla-based tasting rooms, such as Dusted Valley Winery, Gifford Hirlinger and the soon-to-open Pepper Bridge Winery. Last year alone, Woodinville generated $2.8 million revenue in wine production and welcomed 13 new tasting rooms; up to 10 more are expected to open in 2010.

The area is experiencing such rapid growth, space has become increasingly limited. When the 958 square foot tasting room became available at Apple Farm Village, even a bit off the beaten track, owners Stephen Kenyon and Deborah Dunbar jumped at the opportunity.

“The new tasting room will never replace the historic look and feel of our Walla Walla tasting room or the experience of touring in wine country,” said Kenyon. “However, Woodinville has a lot to offer as far as convenience and wine tourism traffic. We look forward to introducing Otis Kenyon Wine to the community.”

The tasting room will be open and ready to welcome the over 4,000 oenophiles set to descend on the area for the ninth annual Passport to Woodinville wine event scheduled for April 17 and 18. Otis Kenyon will offer four of its award-winning red wines, including the 2006 Merlot ($30), which landed a coveted spot on Paul Gregutt’s 100 Top Washington Wines list and the 2007 Matchless Red ($23), which has gained a cult following due to its cheeky reference to the incendiary Kenyon family history, which involves arson, estrangement and redemption.

Nearly a century ago, dentist James Otis Kenyon achieved notoriety by burning down a rival’s office. Fifty years after the legendary arson and his subsequent estrangement, grandson Stephen Kenyon reunited the family before James passed away at the ripe old age of 101.

“No doubt about it, this family legend has enflamed our passion for wine-making,” said Kenyon. “The new tasting room will allow us to continue to tell the story and gain further exposure to those who wouldn’t normally head over to Walla Walla.”

Otis Kenyon is located at 23 E. Main St., Walla Walla, Wash., and at 14525 148th Ave. N.E., Suite 111, Woodinville, Wash. and is named in tribute to four generations of Otis Kenyons. Established in 2004, the winery is dedicated to producing delicately structured and affordable wines under the direction of Winemaker Dave Stephenson. The two vineyard sites are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Walla Walla tasting room hours are Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Woodinville tasting room hours are Friday through Sunday noon to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.otiskenyonwine.com. Follow us on Twitter at @otiskenyonwine and on Facebook.

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Northwest Cellars review in Northwest Palate

Northwest Cellars

2006 Red Wine, Intrigue, Columbia Valley-

Full aromas of fresh red fruits combine with spicy barrel notes for an engaging nose. Red raspberry and cherry fruitiness is at first a bit closed on the palate, but soon opens with energy offering juicy berry and plum notes accented with light mint and tea leaf. The fruit seems to gather force and appeal before closing with a touch of tight tangin and plenty of length. Serve with lamb ragu pasta (51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah, 18% Pinot Noir, 9% Carmenere, 528 cases made) $28 www.nwpalate.com www.northwestcellars.com

"The Cult of the Crab" Returns to Waterfront Seafood Grill in March

"The Cult of the Crab" Returns to Waterfront Seafood Grill in March
Fifth Annual Crustacean Celebration Focuses on Sustainability

SEATTLE, Wash.—(March 3, 2010)—Beginning March 1, Waterfront Seafood Grill honors the Northwest’s most beloved crustacean with its annual “The Cult of the Crab” promotion, featuring a special menu of crab sourced from sustainable wild fishing practices.

This season’s delectable dream team includes:

• Maryland Lump and Soft Shell Blue Crab - from Maryland and Chesapeake Bay
• King Crab - from Hokkaido Bay in Japan, the Barents Sea and Alaska’s Bering Sea
• Dungeness Crab - a Pacific coast mainstay
• Maine Peekytoe Crab - rock crab from Maine

“All but the Hokkaido Bay King Crab are U.S.-caught, keeping the carbon footprint low, and all are harvested within state, federal and international fishing guidelines,” said Frank Ragusa, General Manager for Ocean Beauty Seafoods. “Those guidelines regulate when, how much, what size and which gender of each species of crab can be harvested in order to ensure a strong spawning biomass.”

“People don’t realize that seafood is one of the last hunted proteins on the planet,” said Executive Chef Peter Levine. “Through our sourcing, we can bring in wild seafood that has been sustainably harvested and guests get to experience all the rich flavor of a wild product.”

The live crabs will be delivered six days a week, and then prepared on site to tender, succulent perfection. Special temptations created by Executive Chef Peter Levine include:

A Fancy Little Crab Louie ($12)
asparagus, tomato, egg, olives, Dungeness crab, Louie dressing

Ice Cold Fresh Crab Tasting ($21)
Alaska Dungeness, Maryland Blue, Peeky Toe

Dungeness “Banh Mi” Sandwich ($12)
pickled daikon and carrots, head cheese, cilantro, jalapeño mayo

Crab and Sweet Pea Panna Cotta ($10)
spiced carrot broth, fried taro sticks

Blue Crab Benedict ($14 / $28)
artichoke and tasso ham salad, hollandaise, poached egg, crouton

Maryland Soft Shelled Crabs ($32)
green bean, cucumber, almond and shaved fennel salad

Steamed Red King Crab Tasting ($34 / $68)
Barents Sea, Hokkaido Bay, Bering Sea

Maryland Blue Crab Ravioli ($29)
shaved asparagus, butter-braised leeks, lemon zest


Open since 2000, the Waterfront Seafood Grill, located on Pier 70 in Seattle, features outstanding fresh seafood accompanied by sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Winner of the Washington State Wine Commission Restaurant of the Year, the restaurant is open Sunday - Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m., bar open 4 p.m. until close; Friday - Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m., bar open 4 p.m. until close. Follow us on Twitter at @Waterfront70.


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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Northwest Cellars Offers 50% Off Wine Tasting & 4 Bottles of Wine - Today Only!

Kirkland’s Northwest Cellars is celebrating the latest additions to its already crowded trophy shelf – three awards in just the last couple of months for its 2006 Intrigue, Columbia Valley, a unique red blend. And now the award-winning winery is giving you something to cheer about, too: 50% off four bottles of wine, which puts the price tag at $41 instead of $82 and makes us wonder if they were thinking clearly when they cut the deal! Start with their complimentary wine tasting, which will uncork five leggy winners for you to swirl and sip. Then you’ll leave with four of the winery’s best bottles: two Seattle Wine Awards gold medalists – a rich merlot and crisp sauvignon blanc / chardonnay blend – and two multiple-medal-winner blended reds, the 2005 and 2006 Intrigues, Columbia Valley.


50% Off Wine Tasting & 4 Bottles of Wine - LivingSocial Deals

The Little Details

* No cash value/cash back
* Limit 1 per person, up to 2 additional as gifts
* Entire value must be used in one visit
* Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion
* Wine tastings are Saturdays and Sundays from 12PM to 5PM
* Voucher includes 4 bottles of wine: 2008 Adagio, Columbia Valley; 2005 Merlot, Yakima Valley; 2005 Intrigue, Columbia Valley; 2006 Intrigue, Columbia Valley

Must be redeemed by 09/03/2010

Deal Location

11909 124th Avenue NE

Kirkland, WA 98034

425-825-WINE

Google Maps
@nwcellars
www.northwestcellars.com