Friday, October 29, 2010

WRAZZ.COM IS LIVE TODAY

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One-Stop Shop for Seattle Daily Deals, Social Networking and Social Commerce

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SEATTLE, Wash.—(October 28, 2010)—What’s the “gameplan” for the evening? Decide with Wrazz (www.wrazz.com), offering killer daily deals, venue information and updates to friends across social networking sites- all from one website.

WHO: Wrazz.com

WHAT: Wrazz Launches to the Seattle Market

· Sign up at Wrazz.com or with a Facebook account.

· Search for a business by location or category, or click on one of the daily deals being offered.

· Use Wrazz cash or a credit card to purchase deals with discounts of up to 80 percent.

· Get venue details by viewing the Twitter and Facebook news feed, details, photos or a map.

· Make a “gameplan” of where to go and then share it with friends.

· Check Wrazz daily to receive local deals, get business information and share or connect with friends.

· Earn Wrazz cash by referring friends to join.

WHERE: Online – www.wrazz.com

WHEN: TODAY - Thursday, October 28, 2010

Wrazz.com connects consumers and their social networks with enticing local deals in the hippest North American markets. Launched by Bret Eickhoff and Ian Porter to facilitate a night on the town, Wrazz.com promises to integrate social commerce with a dynamic user experience. For a good time visit Wrazz.com.

Follow Wrazz Online

Website: www.Wrazz.com

Facebook: Wrazz

Twitter: @WrazzSeattle

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What’s your “gameplan”?

Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

$1,000 GIVEAWAY FROM WRAZZ.COM

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Social Media Site Gives Away Clues to Hidden Cash When Facebook Page Reaches 5,000 Fans

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SEATTLE, Wash.—(October 27, 2010)—In celebration of their upcoming launch tomorrow, October 28, Wrazz.com is giving away $1,000 when its Facebook page reaches 5,000 fans.

WHO: www.Wrazz.com

WHAT: Wrazz Gives Away $1,000 Cash

Wrazz.com is a social media website that connects people with places and offers killer daily deals.

· Wrazz will give away $1,000 when the fan page (www.facebook.com/wrazz) reaches 5,000 “likes.”

(Currently, Wrazz has 3,625 “likes.”)

· Cash will be hidden somewhere in the Seattle area.

· Wrazz will begin posting clues about the location of the cash on the Facebook page and Twitter: @wrazzseattle.

· Wrazz.com launches tomorrow, October 28 at 6 a.m.

WHERE: Online – www.facebook.com/wrazz

WHEN: Whenever the Facebook fan page receives 5,000 “likes”

Wrazz.com connects consumers and their social networks with enticing local deals in the hippest North American markets. Launched by Bret Eickhoff and Ian Porter to facilitate a night on the town, wrazz.com promises to integrate social commerce with a dynamic user experience. For a good time visit wrazz.com.

Follow Wrazz Online

Website: www.wrazz.com

Facebook: wrazz

Twitter: wrazzseattle

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

PersonalWineBottles.com’s Single-Bottle Ordering Makes Holiday Gift Giving Easy for the Wine Lover On Your List

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GIG HARBOR, Wash.—(October 27, 2010)—Gift-giving just got a whole lot easier with PersonalWineBottles.com (http://www.PersonalWineBottles.com), a company specializing in the individual production of custom, hand-painted, hand-etched wine bottles. Ordering is done by single bottles rather than cases, making it easier and more affordable than ever to celebrate the wine lover in your life this holiday season.

Customers select everything from the design to the varietal allowing for the ordering of a truly personalized wine bottle in three easy steps:

1) Choose a Design. Customers select a design category, including “Seasons Greetings,” “Happy Chanukah,” “Happy New Year,” and “Merry Christmas.”

2) Customize and choose a wine. Bottles can be further customized with two lines of text allowing for a personalized message. Customers may also order a stock design without customizing it further. All designs and messages are hand-etched and hand-painted on the bottle. Partner wineries are: L’Ecole N° 41, Flying Fish, Hedges Family Estate, Northwest Totem Cellars, Sequoia Grove and Spanish Sons; and include non-alcoholic varieties from Ariel Vineyards and Fre.

3) Place Order. Designs and personal messaging is $75, plus the cost of the selected wine, ranging from $7-$37.50. Gift bags can be purchased for an additional $2.50. From order to shipping takes seven days. Delivery and prices are based on personal requirements, and are selected at checkout.

Ordering Information:

PersonalWineBottles.com ships to all U.S. states wherein interstate wine shipping is legal. Bottles are shipped through UPS, and an adult signature is required upon receipt of delivery by anyone 21 years of age and older. The company accepts most major credit cards; checks or money orders are not accepted. According to State Law, taxes must be collected on the entire purchase regardless of ultimate destination. Sales tax is 8.4 percent.

PersonalWineBottles.com is a Washington State-based, privately held company that custom produces single quantity wine bottles by hand—creating a treasured gift friends, co-workers and family won’t forget. To order a custom designed bottle of wine, go to www.PersonalWineBottles.com. For questions, visit the contact page on the website. Responses will be made as soon as possible during business hours (excluding holidays), Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PST. For weddings, parties, holidays or gifts, PersonalWineBottles.com makes any occasion extra special.

Follow Personal Wine Bottles Online:

Website: www.personalwinebottles.com

Twitter: @mywinebottles

Facebook: Personal Wine Bottles

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/personalwinebottles/

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Custom Wine Bottles Now Available For Single-Bottle Orders

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Barons V Releases 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

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Woodinville Winery Introduces New Vintage at Release Party, October 23

WOODINVILLE, Wash.—(October 21, 2010)—For the first time since its inception in 2001, Barons V (www.baronsv.com) is releasing its newest vintage to the public:

2007 Barons V Cabernet Sauvignon ($55)

Blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot

Only 1,185 cases of the 2007 Cabernet were produced, making the $55 per bottle asking price a steal. Currently, this new vintage is only available through the winery, which is offering select discounts to mailing list members. To join the mailing list or purchase the wine, contact the winery at (425) 398-7147 or via email info@vineandsun.com.

Vine & Sun LLC was founded in 2001 by five partners who share a passion for fine wines. Since then, the company has produced seven vintages under the Barons V label that were originally only available to a mailing list of customers, and in select fine restaurants and wine shops. The company also produces a smaller quantity of Syrah, but it concentrates its efforts on producing Washington State’s leading red varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon.

It is bold to declare that Washington State’s Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best in the world, but Barons V winemaker Matthew Loso believes this to be true. Washington State sits comfortably between the same latitudes as Burgundy and Bordeaux, and the Columbia Valley region of the rugged Eastern Washington desert shares their charmed winemaking conditions. Loso has harvested the best grapes from the Columbia Valley and Red Mountain regions to create a magnificent wine in the Barons V 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Matthew Loso has artfully contributed to the Cabernet Sauvignon’s powerful, complex nature with a dash of Merlot, a pinch of Cabernet Franc and a dram of Petit Verdot. The blend is held in 100% new American oak barrels for 25 months before being bottled and aged for another year.

“We’re definitely excited to have the public taste this new release for the first time,” Loso said. “Washington Cabernets age beautifully, but if you drink them when they’re young, inside the first five years, you better hold on to your hat, because they’re going to take you for a ride.”

To celebrate their first vintage made available to the public, Barons V is hosting a party:

Barons V Release Party

Saturday, October 23 - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· Enjoy pours of the newest vintage, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, and complimentary bites.

· Held at the Vine & Sun Winery in Woodinville (18504 142nd Ave NE).

· Winemaker Matthew Loso and Vine & Sun winery partners will be present.

· Wine will be available to purchase by the case or bottle.

Vine & Sun LLC was formed in 2001 by five partners who share an avid interest in fine wines. The company’s winemaker, Matthew Loso, has extensive experience in the Washington wine industry, and produces two labels under the company name -- Barons V and Vine & Sun wines. Both the wines are blended using grapes from top vineyards in Washington’s Columbia Valley and are aged in 100% new American oak barrels for 25 months before being bottled and aged for another year. Located at 18506 142nd Ave NE, Woodinville, the winery is only open to the public during release parties and special events. For more information, call (425) 398-7147 or visit www.vineandsun.com.

Follow Barons V Online

Website: www.baronsv.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/baronsv

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Media Contact: Ashley McLean

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

PersonalWineBottles.com Fills Market Gap with Custom-Designed, Single-Bottle Wines for Gifts, Special Occasions!

 

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Individual Custom Orders Make it Easy to Create a Unique Bottle of Wine

GIG HARBOR, Wash.—(October 20, 2010)— PersonalWineBottles.com, a privately-held company specializing in the individual production of hand-painted, hand-etched wine bottles, announced today its official launch, just in time for Holiday gift-giving. The company fills a hole in the marketplace by allowing customers to order single bottles rather than cases, making it more affordable than ever to create a customized, engraved wine bottle for any occasion.

The 10-employee company, based in Gig Harbor, WA, offers 85 different hand-etched and hand-painted designs and keeps an inventory of 12 red wine varietals from eight wineries in its 2500 square-foot studio. Partner wineries are: L’Ecole N° 41, Flying Fish, Hedges Family Estate, Northwest Totem Cellars, Sequoia Grove and Spanish Sons and includes non-alcoholic varieties from Ariel Vineyards and Fre.

Customers select everything from the design to the varietal allowing for a truly unique personalized wine bottle entirely over the web, which differentiates PersonalWineBottles.com’s process from its competitors.

PersonalWineBottles.com ships to anyone 21 years of age or older to all U.S. states wherein interstate wine shipping is legal. Bottles are shipped through UPS and an adult signature is required upon receipt of delivery.

Ordering from PersonalWineBottles.com is done in three easy steps:

1) Choose a Design. Customers select a category for the occasion. Templates range from holiday Christmas trees and menorahs to weddings, birthday designs and humor messages such as “You had me at Merlot.”

2) Customize and choose a wine. Bottles can be further customized with two lines of text allowing for a personalized message. Customers may also order a design without customizing it further.  All designs and messages are hand-etched and hand-painted on the bottle.

3) Place Order. Designs and personal messaging is $75, plus the cost of the selected wine ranges from $7-$37.50. Gift bags can be purchased for an additional $2.50. From order to shipping takes seven days. Delivery and prices are based on personal requirements and are selected at checkout.

About PersonalWineBottles.com

Founded in 2010, PersonalWineBottles.com is a Washington State-based, privately held company that custom produces single quantity wine bottles by hand—creating a treasured gift friends and family won’t forget. To order a custom designed bottle of wine, go to www.PersonalWineBottles.com. For questions, visit the contact page on the website. Responses will be made as soon as possible during business hours (excluding holidays), Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST. For weddings, parties, holidays or gifts, Personal Wine Bottles makes any occasion extra special.

Follow PersonalWineBottles.com Online

Website: www.PersonalWineBottles.com

Twitter: @mywinebottles

Facebook: PersonalWineBottles.com

Flickr: PersonalWineBottles.com

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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Patterson Cellars Participates in the Warehouse Wineries Crush Festival

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Experience the Ins and Outs of Grape Harvest with 20 Woodinville Wineries

Saturday, October 23, from noon to 5 p.m.

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WOODINVILLE, Wash.—(October 19, 2010) — Patterson Cellars joins the Woodinville Warehouse Wineries for the Crush Festival at Woodinville Park North.

WHO:             Patterson Cellars

WHAT:          Warehouse Wineries Crush Festival

· Learn about the many different grape varietals and fermentation techniques, and experience the unique opportunity of punching down grapes.

· Taste Patterson Cellars’ full catalogue of wines:

o 2009 Chardonnay (90 pts Wine Advocate)

o Woodslake Due Anni

o 2008 Woodslake CSMS

· Lunch available for purchase from Veraci Pizza, Skillet, and Dante's Inferno Dogs.

WHERE:        Woodinville Park North

19501 144th Ave NE

WHEN:          Saturday, October 23, noon to 5 p.m.

PRICE:           Regular tasting fees apply; all other activities are complimentary.


Family-owned Patterson Cellars is located at 19501 144th Ave NE, Suite D-600, Woodinville, Wash., in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country.  Father and son, Jack and John Patterson worked side by side to start production in 2000, with their first release in 2003. From crush to cork, the winery focuses on producing wines as unique as the grapes themselves. Patterson Cellars uses grapes from Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, Chelan and Horse Heaven AVAs to provide consistent quality in their wines.
Their Woodinville facility offers a unique space and experience for parties and events, a retail tasting room, a wine club and custom crush facilities for local wineries, as well as a bottling program and a private label program where award-winning wines have been created for local restaurants. Tasting rooms are open Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Follow Patterson Cellars Online:

Website: www.pattersoncellars.com

Facebook: Patterson Cellars

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Monday, October 18, 2010

Wine Storage 101 from the Mr. Rogers of Wine

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Experts at Wine Storage Bellevue Offer Tips on How to Keep Wine in Peak Condition

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(October 18, 2010) – Don’t keep worries about how to store wine “bottled up”; ensure valuable vintages age properly with the help of your friendly neighborhood wine storage experts.

The staff at Wine Storage Bellevue (www.winestoragebellevue.com), a state-of-the-art wine storage facility, have teamed up with the likes of Mr. Rogers of Wine to offer a few tips on keeping wine in optimal condition. Learn how best to store bottles in his instructional video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mApoDPxumg.

According to the Mr. Rogers of Wine, there are four guidelines to keeping safe that bottle of 1947 Château Cheval Blanc (once you’ve found it):

1) Proper Humidity. Wine should be stored in the 60 percent range, and stay that way. If it’s too dry, the cork can disintegrate, and the wine can oxidize. If it’s too damp, mildew can form and ruin the wine.

2) Consistent Temperature. The temperature should be between 55 degrees and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping this consistent allows the wine to best mature. If a bottle is stored at a higher temperature, it will experience an increased rate of aging.

3) Dark Space. Store bottles in a dark area. Ultraviolet light damages wine and can breakdown flavors, leaving a less-desirable aroma and taste.

4) Horizontal Storage. When bottles are stored horizontally, wine covers the cork and prevents it from becoming dry. A dry cork allows air to enter the bottle and oxidize the wine.

But what if your storage space doesn’t meet these guidelines? No worries. Just take valued bottles to the Mr. Rogers of Wine’s neighborhood, Wine Storage Bellevue, where those ideal conditions are closely monitored.

Wine Storage Bellevue is a different kind of off-site wine storage space. It is accessible from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has steel lockers with cylinder locks which are more secure than simple padlocks. Additionally, the facility has an inviting wine resource center, often used as a tasting room, which is beautifully furnished in the Tuscan style, with ornate stone work and heavy, carved doors.

Maximum security, increased accessibility, and old-world Tuscan ambiance set Wine Storage Bellevue apart from any competition. It’s nearly as perfect as having a wine cellar of one’s own.

Wine Storage Bellevue offers secure climate-controlled, state-of-the-art all-steel storage lockers for valued wine collections of all sizes. Prices begin at $24 per month. Rental includes use of the generously appointed 1,000-square-foot Wine Resource Center and Tasting Room, equipped with a computer and internet access. Wine Storage Bellevue is situated inside Stor-House Self Storage, located at 1614 118th Avenue SE, Bellevue, Washington.  Locker Room open daily from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.; Wine Resource Center open 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., or by special appointment. For more information call (425) 453-2242 visit http://www.winestoragebellevue.com.

Follow Wine Storage Bellevue Online:

Website: www.winestoragebellevue.com

Twitter: @WineStorageBlvu

Facebook: Wine Storage Bellevue

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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Free Pumpkin Decorating Party for Kids and Parents at Cafe Flora

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Saturday, October 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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SEATTLE, Wash.—(October 13, 2010)—Parents are invited to bring their little princesses, pirates, superheroes, ghosts and more to Cafe Flora for a morning of pumpkin decorating with no trick, all treat.

WHO:             Cafe Flora

WHAT:          Pumpkin Decorating Party

  • Adorn pumpkins from Tonnemaker Farm with sequins, feathers, pipe cleaners, pens and other arts-and-crafts supplies provided by Thrive Art School. No carving.
  • Free cinnamon bites from Cafe Flora and free cider provided by Rockridge Orchards & Cidery.
  • Kids are encouraged to come in costume.
  • Thrive’s staff will be helping kids decorate.
  • Event is free and open to everyone.

WHERE:        Cafe Flora

2901 E. Madison St., Seattle, 98112           

WHEN:          Saturday, October 30

                        9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

COST:            Free

Cafe Flora’s award-winning menu features modern and sophisticated vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free cuisine inspired by international culinary traditions and created with local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Accolades include Vegetarian Times magazine’s Dining Award for “Reader Favorite Vegetarian Restaurant in the Northwest 2009” and “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” by Seattle Magazine eight years running. Located at 2901 East Madison, dinner is served Sunday through Thursday 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 5 to 10 p.m. Breakfast is served weekdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is served weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a happy hour menu from 3 to 6 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (206) 325-9100. www.cafeflora.com | Twitter:@CafeFloraVeg

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Who says Halloween has to last only one night?

Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Photo Courtesy of Flickr User Tambako

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Olive Crest’s 9th Annual Wine Procurement Party

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Wednesday, October 13, 5 to 8pm

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(October 12, 2010) — Support local at-risk children at Olive Crest’s “Grape Expectations” Wine Procurement Party from 5 to 8p.m. at Lot NO. 3. Wine donations from the night will be auctioned off at the Annual Gala Auction, “Feats of Wonder”, held on March 5, 2011 at the Westin Bellevue.

WHO: Olive Crest

WHAT: 9th Annual Wine Procurement Party

· Hors d’oeuvres provided by LOT No. 3 .

· Wine sampling from several local northwest wineries.

· Entry fee: one bottle of fine wine per guest, valued at $50 - $100, as a donation for the March auction.

· All donated wine will be auctioned at the Olive Crest Annual Gala Auction, “Feats of Wonder”, March 5, 2011 at the Westin Bellevue.

· Contact Toni Young, at toni-young@olivecrest.org or (425) 462-1612 Ext 1312 of you would like to make a donation.

WHERE: LOT No. 3

Loft, 460 106th Ave NE

Bellevue, WA 98004

WHEN: Wednesday, October 13, 5 - 8 p.m.

Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of over 50,000 abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families. We work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. With unwavering compassion, the Olive Crest family maintains a lifelong commitment to the youth and families we serve even after they have graduated from our programs. Olive Crest serves nearly 1,000 children and families each day throughout California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. For information call 1-800-550-CHILD (2445) or visit www.olivecrest.org.

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Media Contact: Angela McConnell

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Friday, October 8, 2010

El Gaucho Tacoma Launches “Off the Vine” Recurring Wine Tasting and Retail Event

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Friday, October 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.

TACOMA, Wash.—(October 8, 2010)—Uncork a favorite wine and purchase it for discounted prices without leaving south sound’s favorite steakhouse. El Gaucho Tacoma is introducing a regularly recurring wine tasting and retail event titled “Off the Vine.”

WHO: El Gaucho Tacoma

WHAT: “Off the Vine”

· Meet with local wine representatives while enjoying wine tastings and light appetizers. Guests have the opportunity to purchase bottles or cases of anything offered for tasting at discounted prices.

· $10 per person plus tax; inclusive of tastings and chef’s selections of appetizers.

· Each date will have a different mix of wines to taste and purchase. See the October 15 “Off the Vine” wines.

· No reservations needed; pay at the door.

WHERE: 2119 Pacific Avenue

Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 272-1510

WHEN: Friday, October 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Cordon Selections

Long Shadows Ninehats ‘07

Long Shadows Poets Leap Riesling ‘08

Long Shadows Pirouette ‘06

Wineglass Cellars Red Blend ‘01

Wineglass Cellars Chardonnay ‘09

Salida Tempranillo ’09

Noble Wines

Abeja Cabernet ‘07

Abeja Merlot ‘07

Abeja Chardonnay ‘08

Shafer 1.5 Cabernet ‘07

Cain Concept ‘06

Penner Ash Pinot Noir ‘08

NEXT: The next “Off the Vine” event will be held Friday, October 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. Wines to be determined.

El Gaucho® Tacoma is renowned for its 28-Day Dry-Aged Certified Angus Beef®, tableside preparations, extensive wine and single malt scotch lists, and intimate private dining. Recognized in Wine Press Northwest’s Best Washington Wine Lists issue as “Outstanding,” El Gaucho Tacoma is open Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to close; Saturday and Sunday 4:30 p.m. to close. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close; Saturday 10 p.m. to close and all day Sunday. El Gaucho is located at 2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. For more information, visit www.elgaucho.com or call (253) 272-1510.

Follow El Gaucho Online

Website: www.elgaucho.com

Twitter: @ElGauchoSteak

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Cafe Flora Features Half-Priced Wine Wednesdays Through October

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Wine Program Reflects Cafe Flora’s Mission to Support Pacific Northwest Producers

SEATTLE, Wash.—(October 7, 2010)—Cafe Flora has always been dedicated to employing local, sustainable and organic elements at every level of their operation, and now they’ve honed in on Washington state. Once again, Seattle’s favorite vegetarian restaurant has reinforced its mission by staying close to home

Cafe Flora is emphasizing their locally-focused wine menu by offering half-off every bottle on Wednesday nights through the end of the month—October 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Of the revised list, wine director Brandon Sanford elaborates, “Of course, the proof is in the glass. It’s important not only that a wine be delicious, but that it’s also a great fit for our cuisine. Supporting our local community and small producers is what we’re all about, and we’re truly blessed to live in a part of the country that’s home to so many world-class wineries.”

In addition to superior flavor profiles, and a predominant Northwest focus, Sanford searches out wines that are organic, biodynamic and vegan. He’s also drawn to intriguing family stories and wineries that, in keeping with the Cafe Flora mission, give back to the land and the community of which they are a part:

· Washington’s Kyra Winery employs sustainable growing practices, and their 2008 Dolcetto ($45) is vegan, made in the traditional Italian style using Wahluke Slope fruit, aged in neutral oak. (Half priced savings $22.50)

· The 2007 Eyrie Pinot Gris ($38, Willamette Valley, Ore.), vegan and organic, is rich, dry and complex. Eyrie has an impressive history with this popular grape: The first Pinot Gris vines in the New World were planted at Eyrie Vineyards in 1965. (Half priced savings $19)

· Part of the proceeds of every 2007 Zero One Wild Sky Cabernet Sauvignon sold ($65, Walla Walla Valley, Wash.) benefits Leave No Trace, a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible enjoyment and stewardship of the outdoors. (Half priced savings $32.50)

· For those with an affinity for the arts, a portion of sales of the 2008 Chateau Rollat Semillion ($50, Columbia Valley, Wash.) helps to support the Seattle Dance Project. (Half priced savings $25)

“We couldn’t think of a better way to introduce our Northwest wine list than with our very first half-off wine special,” adds owner Nat Stratton-Clarke. “Our local, holistic philosophy carries through the entire restaurant, from the food and décor to the cocktail menu and, now, the wine.”

Cafe Flora’s award-winning menu features modern and sophisticated vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free cuisine inspired by international culinary traditions and created with local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Voted one of Seattle Weekly’s “Favorite Restaurants 2006,” Cafe Flora was also awarded “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” by Seattle Magazine eight years running. In 2005 The Cafe Flora Cookbook was published with more than 250 house recipes. Located at 2901 East Madison, dinner is served Sunday through Thursday 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 5 to 10 p.m. Lunch and afternoon menus are served weekdays 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (206) 325-9100 www.cafeflora.com.

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Monday, October 4, 2010

El Gaucho Celebrates Ten Glorious Years in Portland’s Historic Benson Hotel

 

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Legendary Steakhouse Teams Up With “Shooting for the Stars” Fundraiser for an Unforgettable Night – 10/10/10

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PORTLAND, Ore.—(October 1, 2010)—Ten years ago, a swanky new restaurant opened in Portland’s exclusive Benson Hotel. As it turned out, it was a perfect pairing. Woven into the fabric of the Rose City, El Gaucho has become the place for people celebrating the great events of their lives.

El Gaucho will be toasting its first ten years in grand style, with a big bash and an annual charitable event:

10th Anniversary Party and “Shooting for the Stars” Fundraiser

Sunday, October 10, 5 - 10 p.m. (or until the festivities end!)

· Drinks and buffet dinner featuring El Gaucho's renowned 28-day dry-aged Certified Angus Beef® Prime 12-hour roasted prime rib, Alaskan wild king salmon and signature Caesar salad prepared from scratch.

  • Silent and live auctions, with Master of Ceremonies Andy Carson from Good Day Oregon and FOX 12, and Joel Iwanaga from KOIN 6.

· Casino gaming, blackjack and Texas hold ‘em tournaments; prizes awarded for each tournament winner and highest gambler of the night.

· Live music provided by Mariano De Orbegoso, Toshi Onizuka and friends.

· Cost is $150 per person, which includes dinner, select cocktails and wines, and $50 in gambling money. Reservations must be made in advance by calling (503) 227-8794. A credit card is required for reservations. Gratuity and complimentary valet parking are included.

· Black tie attire is encouraged but not required.

The Hemophilia Foundation of Oregon (HFO) and the Oregon Regional Hemophilia Treatment Center at OHSU are the beneficiaries of the fifth annual “Shooting for the Stars.” El Gaucho has lent its support to many worthy organizations over the years, but this has become the Portland location’s consistent, flagship charitable event.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate ten years of business than to raise money for local children with hemophilia, a rare and expensive blood disease. We’ve got a terrific evening planned and are hoping to see many of our guests,” says El Gaucho General Manager Greg Gonzales.

For those that can’t attend the one night auction and fundraiser, a special cocktail created by esteemed bartender Mark Joseph, the G-Ten ($11), and a 10-year cigar, Robusto ($15), will be available at El Gaucho throughout the entire year with profits benefitting HFO. The G-Ten is made up of freshly squeezed orange juice, Fee Brothers Aztec chocolate bitters, Ketel One Oranje, a splash of Pama and pomegranate liquor. It’s shaken and served with a powdered sugar rim finished with an orange twist.

Although guests will always find the finest steaks and exemplary, old-school tableside service at every location, each El Gaucho (also Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue) boasts its own distinct character, and the rich history and exclusive clientele of Portland’s outpost is no exception.

When it opened in 2000, El Gaucho took over the space once home to the equally-legendary Trader Vic’s. The restaurant continues to pay homage to its iconic predecessor by always featuring a classic Trader Vic libation on the cocktail menu.

El Gaucho is housed in the richly European elegance of the Benson Hotel.  Founder Simon Benson believed that Portland was in need of world-class accommodations and in 1912 the businessman and philanthropist opened this 287-room hotel. Nearing its century mark, The Benson is considered one of Portland’s finest hotels to this day.

Ten years later, El Gaucho continues to be the go-to destination for local and international celebrities alike. Nike co-founder Phil Knight, actors Sean Penn and Bruce Willis, players from the Portland Trailblazers, sports superstars Michael Jordan and LeBron James, and politicians the likes of John Kerry and Dick Cheney have all dined at El Gaucho.

Says El Gaucho founder Paul Mackay, “Though we have seen many famous faces, none are as important to us as our regular Portland clientele, who are as unique and exceptional as the city and El Gaucho Portland itself. They’ve been the reason behind our success for all these years.”

Open since 2000, 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 malt scotch lists. El Gaucho’s swanky bar was recently featured in Continental Airlines magazine and given the “Gold Standard” by Portland Monthly magazine. Located at 319 S.W. Broadway, El Gaucho is open Monday through Thursday 5 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m. Happy hour is available 5 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close Monday through Friday and all day Sunday. For more information, visit www.elgaucho.com or call (503) 227-8794.

Follow El Gaucho Online

Website: www.elgaucho.com

Twitter: @ElGauchoPDX

Facebook: Facebook

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425 Magazine features Bella Dental Care’s Free Custom-Made Sports Mouthguards for New Patients!

 

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Free Mouthguards Athletes!

Posted: Oct 04, 2010

Keep Back-to-School Students Smiling: Custom-Made Sports Mouthguards Help Prevent Injury

Dr. Marie Durflinger of Bella Dental Care in Bellevue is celebrating 1 year by offering free custom sports mouthguards to new patients. is committed to her patients who schedule a comprehensive examination, including x-rays and an initial cleaning.

“If your child plays any sport where there is physical contact, a custom-made sports mouthguard is vital for protecting their smile, and the same goes for parents, too. Sports mouthguards prevent an estimated 200,000 facial injuries every season in high school and college football alone with the most common injuries being broken teeth and cut lips. They also aid in the prevention of tooth fracture and tooth loss from high impact,” explains Dr. Marie Durflinger.

In celebration of Bella Dental Care’s one-year anniversary, Dr. Durflinger is also hosting an open house that everyone is invited to attend:

Bella Dental Care Open House, Thursday, September 30, 4 - 8 p.m.

Address: 1550 140th Ave NW #110 Bellevue, WA 98005  RSVP to belladentalcare@yahoo.com.

http://www.425magazine.com/blog_read.php?blogid=963

“I Love Aussie” Australia Vacations Starting at $1,449 Extended Through October 15!

I heart Aussie pic

Down Under Answers Offers Last Chance to Escape Winter at Bargain Prices

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(October 4, 2010)— Winter in the U.S. means summer in Australia. Down Under Answers has extended their “I Love Aussie” Australia vacation packages (www.duatravel.com/luvpr) for another 15 days, giving last-minute travelers a chance to trade in the cold for the warmth of the sun.

These limited-time offers are good for travel between October 11, 2010 and November 23, 2010, and from January 30, 2011 to March 22, 2011, with the option to travel until March 31, 2011. The “I Love Aussie 2” offer expires October 15, 2010.

It takes seasoned pros like Down Under Answers (www.duatravel.com) to know how to navigate the vastness of the world’s smallest continent. The 10 vacation packages of the “I Love Aussie” program are designed to take advantage of Australia in the best ways that time and money will allow.

According to the Australia Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, Americans shell out an average of $4,622 for an Australia vacation package. Even Down Under Answer’s $2,999 package, an 11-night extravaganza that takes you to Sydney, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Port Douglas, is $1,600 less than the average tour.

This same report also found that 62 percent of all visitors to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef were returning visitors. Why would so many people return to the ends of the earth? Down Under Answers knows why.

Kirk Demeter, DUA president, knows how daunting it can be to plan a vacation a world away. “Down Under Answers takes the complications out of planning a vacation to Australia. We know where to go, how to book and we can do it the most affordable way for the traveler. We can find the most affordable rates. ”

For example, DUA’s package to Sydney and Cairns includes four nights in each destination, allowing travelers ample time to enjoy everything both fantastic cities have to offer. Take in a show at the iconic Sydney Opera House, or tour the historic harbor. Then move up the coast to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the lush Daintree Rainforest. This air- and land-inclusive package starts at $1,449 (per person, based on double occupancy) with guests able to upgrade to four- or five-star hotels for just $180 more -- a savings of $1300.

Other offerings include:

  • Sydney, Cairns & Melbourne (12-night air and land inclusive, from $1,749 per person/double occupancy). Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, snorkel over the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, and dine at an award-winning restaurant in Melbourne.
  • Brisbane, Rail & Cairns (7-night air- and land-inclusive, from $2,049 per person/double occupancy). This classic adventure includes three nights on a five-star rail journey through coastal Australia, crocodile tours, and three nights at the luxurious Cairns Colonial Club.
  • Sydney, Rainforest, Noosa, Fraser Island & Brisbane (10-night air- and land-inclusive, from $3,439 per person/double occupancy). Explore Sydney and Queensland’s best kept secrets, and spend five nights at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort, where adventurers can enjoy guided tree-top walks. A cable ferry connects to Fraser Island and two nights at the Kingfisher Bay Resort.

For a complete list of all 10 packages, click here.

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 destination specialists to customize tours—ranging from unique, experiential holidays tailored to suite style, taste and budget, to pre- and post-cruise itineraries, shore excursions, escorted tours, destination weddings and honeymoons, private tours to groups of any size and much more. New for 2010 is the launch of Africa Answers. For further information email info@duatravel.com, or call (800) 889-1464.

Follow Down Under Answers Online:

Website: http://www.duatravel.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/downunderanswer

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Down-Under-Answers/121442450475?v=info&ref=search

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/downunderanswers/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/DownUnderAnswers2

Blog: http://www.jasonsjobblog.com

Jason Mesnick, star of ABC’s season 13 of “The Bachelor,” is online most weekdays at noon discussing travel-related topics.

*All prices based on Los Angeles, CA departure. Seasonal surcharges & blackout dates may apply.