ENJOY A GLASS OF WINE, GET CREATIVE, AND WIN

 

   

PersonalWineBottles.com Offers Holiday Rewards to Wine Lovers with an Artistic Streak

GIG HARBOR, Wash.—(November 29, 2010) — Nothing spurs creativity like a glass (or two) of wine. PersonalWineBottles.com, a company specializing in the individual production of custom, hand-painted, hand-etched wine bottles, is inviting wine lovers to submit their most creative, original holiday-themed bottle design template. Designs will be judged and two winners will be chosen to each receive a free bottle with his or her design etched into it.

The first-place winner will receive a magnum-sized bottle (1.5 L) featuring their custom design, while the runner-up will receive a standard bottle (750 ml) etched with their submission. Each winner will choose one of 12 wine selections with which to fill their bottle. This includes non-alcoholic selections.

WHO:             PersonalWineBottles.com

WHAT:          Design the best original, holiday-themed wine bottle

· First prize: 1.5 L magnum featuring winner’s design/artwork

· Second prize: 750 ml bottle featuring winner’s design/artwork

WHERE:        Submit: info@personalwinebottles.com;

Subject head: Original Holiday Artwork submission

WHEN:          Nov. 29-Dec. 15. Winners will be notified via email.

HOW:             Submissions should be made in EPS format (Adobe Illustrator file) with fully outlined fonts; 2 standard colors only. This is for 3-dimensional etching, as winning designs must be sandblasted into a bottle.

Completed designs can be up to, but not exceed, 6" in height and 4.25" in width maximally.

Include full name, email address, mailing address, contact phone number.

All designs submitted become the property of PersonalWineBottles.com; originator forgoes all future rights to all submitted artwork.

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. Bottles start at $75. 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 Personalized Wine Bottles Online:

Website: www.PersonalWineBottles.com

Twitter: @mywinebottles

Facebook: PersonalWineBottles.com

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

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Hassle-Free Holidays: Gift Ideas From Around the Northwest

SEATTLE, Wash.—(November 24, 2010)—Do you hear what I hear? No, not jingle bells: Car horns a-honking, pushy shoppers yelling and continuous ding of the dreaded check-out line out the door. Wouldn’t it be nice to avoid it all, and find the perfect gift for everyone hassle-free? The following Northwest businesses have unwrapped presents and events so you can relax during the most hectic time of the year:

Festive Presents for Both Naughty and Nice at PersonalWineBottles.com: Custom, Personalized Wine Bottles For $82

www.PersonalWineBottles.com | @mywinebottles | Facebook | Flickr

Santa’s making a list, but this year he won’t have to check it twice: he’s ordering his presents from PersonalWineBottles.com. Whether the gift is for Hanukkah, Christmas or any holiday, PersonalWineBottles.com offers individually customized, hand-painted, hand-etched wine bottles making personalized gift-giving easy.

Customers select a design category like, “Seasons Greetings,” “Happy Chanukah,” “Happy New Year,” and “Merry Christmas.” Bottles can be further customized with up to two lines of text for a personalized message. Customers can select from 11 wines for their custom design. Designs and personal messaging is $75, plus the cost of wine, ranging from $7 to $37.50. Gift bags can be purchased for an additional $2.50.

To purchase a customized bottle of wine visit www.PersonalWineBottles.com.

Deck the Halls with Bottles of Wine from Tsillan Cellars: Six Mix-and-Match Bottles for Just $99

www.tsillancellars.com | @Tsillan_Cellars | Facebook

Tis’ the season to be jolly with the holiday special Tsillan Cellars is offering. Whether giving as a gift or stocking up for a winter party, Tsillan Cellars is offering six mix-and-match bottles for just $99. Choose from the 2007 Piccolo Rosso, 2007 Estate Barrel Select Syrah and 2007 Estate Chardonnay, which received 90 points in the June 2009 issue of Wine Spectator, and won double gold at the 2009 San Francisco Wine Competition. Purchase online or in the tasting room.

Additionally, those looking for a romantic holiday getaway can travel to Tsillan Cellars throughout the winter season. Start by sampling wines in the gorgeous, Tuscan-inspired tasting room. Then sit down for an unforgettable dinner at Sorrento’s Ristorante, Tsillan Cellars’ wildly popular restaurant. For reservations and more information, call (509) 682-5409.

Stuff a Stocking, Not a Turkey, with a Cafe Flora Gift Set: $80 for Cookbook, T-Shirt and $50 Gift Card

www.cafeflora.com | @cafefloraveg | Facebook

Seattle’s beloved vegetarian restaurant is celebrating the most wonderful time of year with a present that even a Grinch will love: a holiday gift set complete with a Cafe Flora cookbook, $50 gift card and a Cafe Flora t-shirt for only $80; a $95 value.

The cookbook features over 250 vegetarian and vegan recipes even meat eaters will adore. Plus, Cafe Flora’s t-shirts come from Ashbury Images, who puts 100 percent of the proceeds towards Ashbury Images’ mission of employing and supporting at-risk youth. This gift set is available from now until the end of December, and can be purchased at the restaurant.

Jumpstart a Resolution: $100 for 5 Sessions at Energy Fitness and Wellness

www.energyfitandwell.com | @EnergyFitnWell | Facebook

Fruitcake is so 2009. This year, give the gift of fitness and nutrition with an Energy Fitness and Wellness gift card. For only $100, the holiday package includes five sessions with a personal fitness guru. This limited-time holiday offer is available by calling Energy Fitness and Wellness directly at (206) 283-0526.

Located on gorgeous Lake Union, Energy Fitness and Wellness focuses on holistic health, balanced nutrition and tailored workouts. Services include personal training, customized nutrition planning and group fitness classes. For more info, visit www.energyfitandwell.com.

Waterfront Seafood Grill Makes Spirits Bright at Annual Winemaker Dinner with Mark Ryan Winery, Sleight of Hand and Sparkman Cellars on December 21

www.waterfrontpier70.com | @waterfront70 | Facebook

Wine and dine that special someone during a Pier 70 holiday tradition: Waterfront Seafood Grill’s 7^th Annual Winemaker Dinner on December 21 with Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery, Trey Busch of Sleight of Hand Cellars and Chris Sparkman of Sparkman Cellars.

The dinner will be held in the Eastbay room at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling (206) 624-4060.

Executive Chef Peter Levine has created a five course dinner with wines specially paired:

Seared Weathervane scallop – 2009 Mark Ryan Viognier & 2009 Sparkman Lumière Chardonnay

Smoked duck breast salad – 2009 Sleight of Hand Magician’s Assistant Rosé & 2007 Sparkman Ruby Leigh

Roasted Yellow fin tuna – 2008 Mark Ryan Crazy Mary Mourvedre & 2008 Sleight of Hand Levitation Syrah

Fire-roasted leg of lamb – 2008 Mark Ryan Dead Horse, 2008 Sleight of Hand Spellbinder & 2007 Sparkman Kingpin Cabernet Sauvignon

Banana coconut cream pie – paired wines to be decided

All I Want For Christmas is Gift Cards, Caramels and More From Heavy Restaurant Locations: Barrio, Purple Café & Wine Bar, and LOT No. 3

www.thepurplecafe.com | www.barriorestaurant.com | www.lotno3.com

This year, Purple Café & Wine Bar, Barrio Restaurant and LOT No. 3 are the places to mark off everything on Santa’s list. House made caramels, sold at every location, come in a special holiday package three for $5 or a dozen for $18, and make sweet stocking stuffers. Gift cards suit everyone’s liking, and are redeemable at any Heavy Restaurant location. Gift cards can be bought online or at the restaurant. For a little more Christmas cheer, Purple is selling most bottles and cases from their wine list at 40 percent off the retail price.

All three restaurants also offer catering and private dining for the holidays. Be a secret Santa and select from a variety of box lunches for coworkers or skip the holiday meal planning and order a la carte platters from the restaurants. To plan a family or business gathering, contact groupdining@heavyrestaurantgroup.com or call (206) 838-3853.

Special Holiday Hours

Barrio Bellevue

10650 NE 4^th St., Bellevue (425) 502-5021

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Barrio Capitol Hill

1420 12^th Ave., Seattle (206) 588-8105

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Cafe Flora

2901 E. Madison St., Seattle (206) 325-9100

December 24 – Closed, all day

December 25 – Closed, all day

El Gaucho Tacoma

2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma (253) 272-1510

December 24 – Dinner, seating 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

El Gaucho Portland

319 SW Broadway, Portland (503) 227-8794

December 24 – Dinner, seating 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

El Gaucho Seattle

2505 First Ave., Seattle (206) 728-1337

December 24 – Dinner, seating 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

December 25– Closed, all day

El Gaucho Bellevue

10903 NE 6^th St., Bellevue (425) 455-2742

December 24 – Happy hour at 4 p.m., dinner seating 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

LOT No. 3

460 106^th Ave. NE, Bellevue (425) 440-0025

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Bellevue

430 106^th Ave. NE, Bellevue (425) 502-6292

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Kirkland

323 Park Place Center, Kirkland (425) 828-3772

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Seattle

1225 4^th Ave., Seattle (206) 829-2280

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Woodinville

14459 Woodinville-Redmond Rd. NE, Woodinville (425) 483-7129

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Waterfront Seafood Grill

2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, Seattle (206) 956-9171

December 24 – Open 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

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Happy Holidays!

Media Contact: Ashley McLean

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Down Under Answers’ Jason Mesnick Shares Video About

The Bachelor meets the Tasmanian Devil

Tasmania and Tasmanian Devil

Top Reasons to Visit Tasmania, According to “Tassie”: ‘Freshest Air in the World, Beautiful Scenery…and Me.’

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(November 17, 2010)—Award-winning travel wholesaler Down Under Answers (www.duatravel.com), widely known for their Australia vacation packages, is spotlighting Tasmania vacations with the help of Jason Mesnick, their intrepid travel ambassador.

As star of The Bachelor, Jason knows about traveling to exotic locations and being in front of the cameras: Although well-versed in Australia, he, like most, knew very little about Tasmania until recently. Accompanied by a videographer and—who else?—“Tassie,” Jason hit the streets to share the news about Australia’s smallest state. To see his hilarious video, click here.

“I was most surprised to learn that real Tasmanian Devils are called ‘devils’ for a reason; they’re unpredictable and can fly into a rage in an instant. Watch the deleted scenes in the video—I get attacked!” says Jason.

An iconic symbol of the island, the Tasmanian Devil is an elusive, carnivorous marsupial native only to Tasmania. The Devils, an endangered species, are a major draw for tourists, so DUA is doing its part to broaden interest by offering a range of unforgettable Tasmania vacation packages.

Now’s the perfect time to visit one of the best-kept secrets on earth. Thanks to ‘Roaring Forty’ winds, Tasmania has measurably the cleanest air on earth. Furthermore, with more than 40% of the island protected as a World Heritage Area or National Reserve, Tasmania is dedicated to preserving its natural beauty for generations to come.

Visitors can experience Tasmania in a variety of ways, from walking tours to vacation packages that combine visits to both Australia and Tasmania:

• Eco-conscious travelers will love the nature-based 3 Day West Coast Adventure (2-night land only, from $530 per person/double occupancy.)

• Adventure to Sydney, Hobart & Cairns (12-night air and land, from $2,499 per person/double occupancy. Includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney, Hobart and Cairns).

For a complete, detailed list of all packages, visit (www.duatravel.com/tasmaniawalks).

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. 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 any size. For further information email or call (800) 889-1464.

Follow Down Under Answers online:

http://duatravel.com/tasmaniawalks

http://twitter.com/downunderanswer

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/user/DownUnderAnswers

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A Vegan Family Thanksgiving Dinner

 

While many of us savor the smells of roasting turkey and baking pies on Thanksgiving Day, others look for creative ways to have a festive meal while adhering to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.  Seattle choices are made easy with a hearty, locally-sourced Thanksgiving dinner at Cafe Flora.

 

The talented culinary team at Cafe Flora has combined organic, sustainable, and regional ingredients in a dynamic 4-course, prix-fixe, vegetarian holiday dinner with options available for a vegan or gluten-free meal.  A full bar is offered offering choices within the same dietary guidelines.

Here’s what’s on the Thanksgiving menu:

• First Course:  Foraged Mushroom Soup, garnished with a dollop of horseradish mascarpone and served with walnut crostini (available vegan and gluten-free).
• Second Course:  Autumn Cornbread Pudding, hazelnut-sage pesto, rich cornbread, butternut squash, and Honeycrisp apple in a creamy corn custard, served with Brussels sprouts, roasted parsnips, wild mushroom gravy and apple-cranberry chutney (vegan and gluten-free) –OR- Delicata Squash Medallions, filled with Bluebird Grain Farms farro and chestnut stuffing, and topped with calvados cream sauce, roasted pears and sautéed chanterelle mushrooms.
• Third Course:  Green Bean & Fennel Salad, with Marcona almonds, pomegranate seeds and herbed mustard-maple vinaigrette (vegan and gluten-free).
• Fourth Course:  Pumpkin Tart, pecan pâte sucrée crust, roasted pumpkin and sweet potato filling, topped with cranberry caramel sauce and spiced maple pecans (vegan and gluten-free) –OR- Chocolate Roulade, with clove pastry cream, poached black plums and cacao nib brittle –OR- “Candied Apple,” warm apple cake, cinnamon ice cream, cranberry-caramel sauce and maple candy (vegan).

The kids’ menu, also 4-courses, is equally festive:

• First Course:  Carrot-Tomato Soup, served with cheesy toasts (available vegan and gluten-free).
• Second Course:  Cornbread Pudding, with fluffy mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy and apple-cranberry chutney (vegan and gluten-free).
• Third Course:  Caesar Salad with Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, olives, cherry tomatoes and kidney beans (vegan, available gluten-free).
• Fourth Course:  “Candied Apple,” warm apple cake, cinnamon ice cream, cranberry-caramel sauce and maple candy (vegan).

Make your reservations right away – this dinner always books up!

Location: 2901 E. Madison Street (map)

Date & Time: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25th, 2010.  Dinner seating begins at 1:30 pm with the last seating at 6:45 pm.

Price: $50 adults, $20 children (12 and under).  Price does not include beverages, tax, or gratuity.

Reservations: Required.  Reservation information available online.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Cafe Flora Reveals Thanksgiving Menus for the Whole Family

Four-Course, Prix-Fixe Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free Feast for Grown-ups and Kids

SEATTLE, Wash.—(November 11, 2010)— On Thanksgiving Day the President will be pardoning one very lucky turkey, but  Cafe Flora’s holiday menu is designed to save countless more Broad-Breasted Whites from the chopping block.

Every year, vegetarians, vegans and omnivores alike flock to Seattle’s favorite vegetarian restaurant, carving out time to gobble up a hearty, locally-sourced Thanksgiving dinner so delectable that no one ever asks, “Where’s the bird?”

The talented team at Cafe Flora draws inspiration from a combination of international culinary traditions and an abundance of organic, sustainable and regional ingredients. The result is inventive, dynamic vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free cuisine that not only tastes good, but is good for everybody. Relationships with Washington farms expand and grow stronger as the accolades accumulate: Last year, Vegetarian Times magazine recognized Cafe Flora as “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” in the Pacific Northwest.

Cafe Flora’s Thanksgiving dinner, prepared with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients, is $50 per adult and $20 per child 12 and under. Price excludes beverages, tax and gratuity.

The grown-ups’ menu includes:

First Course

Foraged Mushroom Soup

garnished with a dollop of horseradish mascarpone, served with Colombia City Bakery walnut crostini

(available vegan and gluten-free)

Second Course

Autumn Cornbread Pudding

hazelnut-sage pesto, rich cornbread, butternut squash, and Honeycrisp apple in a creamy corn custard, served with Brussels sprouts, roasted parsnips, wild mushroom gravy and apple-cranberry chutney

(vegan and gluten-free)

~ or ~

Delicata Squash Medallions

filled with Bluebird Grain Farms farro and chestnut stuffing, and topped with calvados cream sauce, roasted pears and sautéed chanterelle mushrooms

Third Course

Green Bean & Fennel Salad

with Marcona almonds, pomegranate seeds and herbed mustard-maple vinaigrette

(vegan and gluten-free)

Fourth Course

Pumpkin Tart

pecan pâte sucrée crust, roasted pumpkin and sweet potato filling,

topped with cranberry caramel sauce and spiced maple pecans

(vegan and gluten-free)

~ or ~

Chocolate Roulade

with clove pastry cream, poached black plums and cacao nib brittle

~ or ~

“Candied Apple”

warm apple cake, cinnamon ice cream, cranberry-caramel sauce and maple candy

(vegan)

The kids’ menu includes:

First Course

Carrot-Tomato Soup

served with cheesy toasts

(available vegan and gluten-free)

Second Course

Cornbread Pudding

with fluffy mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy and apple-cranberry chutney

(vegan and gluten-free)

Third Course

Caesar Salad

with Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, olives, cherry tomatoes and kidney beans

(vegan, available gluten-free)

Fourth Course

“Candied Apple”

warm apple cake, cinnamon ice cream, cranberry-caramel sauce and maple candy

(vegan)

Seating is available by reservation only on Thursday, November 25, beginning at 1:30 p.m. with a last seating time of 6:45 p.m.  A wait list will be made available as required.

For reservations or additional information, call (206) 325-9100. Book early to insure that the whole family may enjoy dinner with a clean conscience and go home, fully stuffed, to a clean kitchen.

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 has also been awarded “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” by Seattle Magazine for eight years running. In 2005 The Cafe Flora Cookbook was published with more than 250 house recipes. Located at 2901 East Madison, Cafe Flora serves dinner 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.

Down Under Answers Launches Africa Answers

Award-Winning Travel Experts Introduces New Division With Africa Vacation Packages Starting At Under $2,300

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(November 10, 2010)— Down Under Answers, one of the most respected specialists in travel to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, has launched a new division: Africa Answers (http://www.africaanswers.com).

Specializing in vacations to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Egypt and Dubai, Africa Answers will offer unprecedented savings and the same level of expertise and customized vacation packages that Down Under Answers is famous for.

To launch the new division, Africa Answers is offering the trip of a lifetime, a not-to-be-missed deal to Africa that includes three free bonus nights’ accommodation!

• Explore the wonders of South Africa in Style (7-night land only*, from $3,575 per person/double occupancy).

Home base for the first four days is Cape Town’s plush Cape Cadogan boutique hotel; highlights include private tours of: the Cape of Good Hope National Park and the southwesternmost point of the continent; panoramic views of Cape Peninsula; the food and wine offerings of the Winelands; and Hermanus, for land-based whale watching from June through November. Move on to three all-inclusive nights at Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, and enjoy safari game drives to see the Big Five, hippo tours, wildlife lectures, bush walks and more.

Kirk Demeter founded DUA in 1992 and grew it steadily from boutique adventure operator to one of the leading multiple award-winning travel wholesalers in North America.

“Africa is a place people dream of visiting but postpone because they’re overwhelmed by its legendary exoticness and sheer vastness. We’ve built our business and reputation on making faraway destinations approachable for North American travelers,” says Demeter.

Helming Africa Answers is travel expert and General Manager Natasha Smith. Along with the company’s dedicated team of travel professionals, she will showcase Africa Answers to travel agent partners. Born in South Africa, Smith boasts more than 12 years’ experience selling deluxe, complex Africa vacations to North Americans, and prior to that she worked for many years in South Africa for one of the country’s largest inbound tour operators. Smith is intimately acquainted with not only the regions and people of these destinations, but also the high service expectations of travelers.

“Natasha’s many years of experience ensure that the best hotels, lodges and tours are selected for travelers,” comments Demeter.

Other extraordinary Africa adventure itineraries and Safari vacations to Africa designed by Africa Answers:

• For an unforgettable vacation in Africa, book Great Zimbabwe (11-day, 10-night land only*, from $2,680 per person/double occupancy).

Visit: Masvingo, ‘The Ancient City’; the country’s second-largest city, Bulawayo; the Matopo Hills, for cave paintings and breathtaking vistas at ‘View of the World’; and Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s finest wildlife havens, including herds of protected ‘presidential elephants.’ Also offering sumptuous meals and lodge accommodations, the tour culminates at Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

• Take a walk on the wild side with the Simba Safari (7-day, 6-night land only*, from $2,260 per person/double occupancy).

Rich in multicultural heritage and home to the famous Maasai people, Tanzania also houses some of Africa’s most impressive national parks and game reserves. Highlights include: Serengeti National Park; ‘The Cradle of Mankind,’ Olduvai Gorge; and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Travelers will view wildlife daily and relax in comfortable lodge accommodations in four spectacular locations.

These and many more vacations to Africa are fully detailed at the Africa Answers website. For a complete list of all deals to Africa, plus terms and conditions, go to http://www.africaanswers.com/vacations or http://www.africaanswers.com/current-specials.

To reserve a brochure, visit http://www.africaanswers.com/tools/request-brochure.

*Airfare to and from Africa is not included in quoted tour prices; however, Africa Answers is able to supply the best available rate for a traveler’s dates and departure locations upon request.

Africa Answers employs seasoned travel experts that customize tours for independent travelers—ranging from unique, hands-on holidays to more traditional itineraries—and for groups of virtually any size alike. For further information, email info@africaanswers.com or call (866) 427-2540.

Follow Africa Answers Online:

Website: http://www.AfricaAnswers.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AfricaAnswers

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AfricaAnswers

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

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/AfricaAnswers

Blogs: http://www.AfricaAnswers.com/travel-blogs

Jason Mesnick’s Blog: http://www.jasonsjobblog.com

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Wrazz.com Asks Seattle – What Do You Want to Do?

 

 

SEATTLE, Social Shopping, Search and Networking Site is Live and Offers the Answer to the Entertainment Rut Wash.—(November 10, 2010) —Ready to be Wrazzed, Seattle? Wrazz.com is the first social networking site that connects businesses and users in a single location while offering killer daily deals for a fantastic day or night on the town.

Pronounced “razz,” the site is a one-stop social media hub that helps users find businesses and connect with friends across multiple social media sites. Wrazz is simple, efficient and easy to navigate through key factors such as:

Daily Deals – Killer local deals of up to 80 percent are displayed every day from a variety of different businesses such as restaurants, bars and salons. These promotions developed with 15,000 local businesses, are available for one to three days.

Smart Search Tools – Users are alerted to new discounts in neighborhoods they frequent. Users can also find a restaurant or business in their neighborhood by searching within the site. Simply type in what you are looking for, such as “spa in Queen Anne” or “Italian in Downtown,” and the site displays a list of businesses that fit this category.

Location-Based Functionality – Share a current location with friends via Wrazz. Users can also find a business’ location directly from the site.

Create a “Game Plan” – Organize a whole day of activities and then post it or invite friends to join in. Businesses are divided into “eat, play, shop, relax” categories so making a “game plan” for the night or day is simple.

Social Media Hub – Update a location, status or “game plan” directly from Wrazz and choose whether it’s posted to other social media sites. Users can also read reviews from their own friends, fans and other influencers about what is being said about a particular business on sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Yelp through the Wrazz platform.

Looking to organize a day and night out on the town with friends and family? The group wants to eat, play, shop, and relax so Wrazz organizes search results into these categories. Type “Ballard” into the smart search field; read the reviews and find daily deals of up to 80 percent off on shopping, spas, restaurants and clubs.

Now, upload the day’s events to the Wrazz “game plan” feature. Members of the party, and those that need to know, get the “game plan,” so any changes to the schedule are automatically disseminated to the party.

The idea behind Wrazz grew organically from Bret Eickhoff and Ian Porter’s social habits. These are the guys a city like Seattle loves: Tech savvy and plugged-in to a community of people who love hanging out downtown. Frustrated that no individual site delivered efficient local business directories and social commerce deals, they cooked-up Wrazz to be the tool to use when enjoying the city.

Wrazz will first be rolled out in the Seattle area but plans to expand into other major metropolitan markets nationwide are coming soon.

To create a “game plan” today, visit www.wrazz.com.

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

Twitter: @WrazzSeattle

Facebook: Wrazz

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Eat. Play. Shop. Relax.

Toast to Success!

Olive Crest’s 9^th Annual Wine Procurement Party Raises $11,100 for Auction Gala

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(November 3, 2010) — Crisp weather, tasty wine, delicious food, and amazing company made the 9^th annual Wine Procurement Party, “Grape Expectations,” an evening to remember.  This year, guests contributed 140 bottles and $11,100 in donations and fine wine.

Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres prepared by Lot NO. 3, and sipped wines provided by Mercer Estates Winery.  Proceeds from the event benefit Olive Crest, a local non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk children through the healing power of family.

“This year’s party was a great success,” says event chair Nicole Hankins. “It’s very rewarding watching people come together over amazing wine and food in order to support Olive Crest’s children and families.”

All of the donations and fine wine received at “Grape Expectations” will be auctioned off at Olive Crest’s “Feats of Wonder” Gala Auction. This event will be held on March 5, 2011 at The Westin Bellevue. Tickets are $150 per person. Those wishing to attend should RSVP before February 25 as space is limited. Contact Toni Young at 425-462-1612 ext. 1312 for sponsorship opportunities, donating procurement items or filling a table of 10.

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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One Life at a Time

Give Thanks This Holiday in the Northwest!

SEATTLE, Wash.—(November 1, 2010) — Before dressing a turkey, mashing potatoes or baking the pies, check out these Northwest restaurants and wineries who are opening their doors and preparing fantastic Thanksgiving meals so you don’t have to. The only thing left to do is dig in and give thanks:

Feast in a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal at Waterfront Seafood Grill

www.waterfrontpier70.com | @Waterfront70 | Facebook

Treat the family to a turkey dinner with all the trimmings at Waterfront Seafood Grill. Enjoy sweeping views of Elliott Bay from Pier 70 while indulging in savory dishes prepared by Executive Chef Peter Levine. A special Thanksgiving menu for $35 per person or $12 for kids will be offered:

Thanksgiving Menu

Fresh roasted turkey with classic country gravy

Corn bread and chorizo stuffing

Green bean casserole with mushrooms and crisp onions

Roasted yams topped with brown sugar and maple syrup

Fresh cranberry and orange relish

Thanksgiving desserts including apple crisp, pumpkin pie and pecan tarts will be offered for purchase separately. The regular menu will also be available. Thanksgiving hours are from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are required. For reservations or more information, call (206) 956-9171.

Wine and Dine this Holiday at Tsillan Cellars and Sorrento’s Ristorante

www.tsillancellars.com |@Tsillan_Cellars | Facebook

Take a break this Thanksgiving and relax by the shores of beautiful Lake Chelan. Enjoy a festive meal prepared by Sorrento’s Ristorante paired with award-winning wines from Tsillan Cellars.

Entrée options include turkey ($19.95), New York steak ($28.95) or halibut ($32.95). Each entrée comes with an array of traditional Thanksgiving sides. Special Thanksgiving desserts will also be available.  Sorrento’s will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant at (509) 682-5409.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Selections Offered at Cafe Flora

www.cafeflora.com |@CafeFloraVeg | Facebook

You can almost hear the turkeys gobbling with delight over Cafe Flora’s annual meat-free Thanksgiving dinner. Seattle’s favorite vegetarian restaurant is once again offering their prix fixe, four-course holiday menu with vegetarian, vegan and/or gluten-free selections:

Thanksgiving Menu

First Course- Foraged mushroom soup garnished with a dollop of horseradish mascarpone and Colombia City Bakery walnut crustini

Second Course- (choice of) Autumn cornbread pudding or delicate squash medallions

Third Course- green bean and fennel salad with Marcona almonds, pomegranate seeds and herbed mustard maple vinaigrette

Fourth Course- (choice of) chocolate roulade, candied apple cake or pumpkin tart

The four course dinner is $50 per person; $20 per child. Seating is available by reservation only on Thursday, November 25, beginning at 1:30 p.m. with the last reservation taken at 6:30 p.m. For reservations or more information, call (206) 325-9100.

Special Closures on Thanksgiving Day

· El Gaucho (all four locations: Seattle, Portland, Tacoma, Bellevue)

· Tsillan Cellars tasting room

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Gobble Gobble!