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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