Cafe Flora Puts Amore on the Menu with Romance-Inducing Dishes

Handmade Chocolate Truffles Add a Sweet Ending—or Beginning—to Valentine’s Day

SEATTLE, Wash.—(January 27, 2011)— Celebrating its 20^th year in Madison Valley, Cafe Flora will play Cupid with a special vegetarian Valentine’s menu designed to ratchet up the romance level.

Cafe Flora’s culinary team has relied, and naturally so, on the bounty of the earth for inspiration in creating this year’s lovingly named dishes and amorous ingredients.  Offered at $45 per person on Monday, February 14, from 5 to 9 p.m., this reservation-only, four-course, prix fixe Valentine’s Dinner Menu includes these love-inducing ingredients:

· Asparagus, once said to “stir up lust in man and woman,” was fed to bridegrooms in 19^th-century France—three courses’ worth—on the eve of their nuptials.

· Regarded as symbols of fertility throughout antiquity, almonds and their seductive aroma were believed to arouse passion in females.

· Rich and creamy in texture and voluptuously feminine in shape, avocados were considered so libidinous that Spanish priests forbade people from eating them.

· Widely consumed throughout Asia and the Americas, chili peppers up the romance quotient by raising body temperature and bringing a healthy glow to the cheeks.

· Red wine heightens the senses while lowering inhibitions. Notes in the bouquet of certain red wines are even said to mimic male pheromones.

· Most people admit to having “great chemistry” with the world’s most popular confection, Chocolate, which contains the stimulant theobromine, similar to caffeine. This “food of the gods”—the darker the better—helps the brain produce serotonin, and is loaded with antioxidants.

The full Valentine’s Day menu featuring these ingredients can be found below.

Oysters may possess a long-cherished lusty reputation, but many plant-based foods, like asparagus, almonds and chocolate, are believed to evoke amore. “We’re celebrating our twentieth year in Madison Valley in 2011, so we wanted to do something really special for all our vegetarian and vegan Valentines out there,” says owner Nat Stratton-Clarke. “Everybody knows about the oyster, but we’ll be demonstrating that the likes of avocados and asparagus are well-versed in the art of seduction in their own right.”

If dinner weren’t enough, Cafe Flora’s housemade truffles, a Valentine’s Day tradition, will be available for purchase in the restaurant from February 7 – 14 at $2 each. Gluten-free and vegan, this year’s truffle flavors include raspberry and nibby gianduja, a traditional Italian confection flavored with hazelnut paste.  The chocolate comes from Seattle’s own Theo Chocolate: Theo sources fair-trade, organic cocoa beans exclusively, which makes them a perfect partner in keeping with the restaurant’s philosophy.

Valentine’s Dinner Menu

1^st course

Wonton Affection Canapé - topped with avocado butternut paté, drizzled with a trio of sauces: truffle aioli, cilantro sauce and chili oil.

2^nd course

Layers of Love – almond phyllo roulade stuffed with a mushroom-leek ragoût, grilled asparagus, bok choy, mushroom essence and a red wine-cherry sauce.

3^rd course

Citrus Kiss Salad – grapefruit, pea shoots, jicama and watercress, with a mango vinaigrette and beet essence.

Dessert (choice of)

Kumquat Wishes and Almond Dreams – almond génoise, brown-butter buttercream, marzipan, and kumquats macerated in Champagne.

or

Smoldering Chocolate and Raspberry Glances – devil’s food cake and molten Mexican chocolate with cacao crumble and raspberry gel.

Reservations can be made by calling (206) 325-9100.

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, Cafe Flora serves dinner Sunday through Thursday 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 5 to 10 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are served weekdays 9 a.m. to 2 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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Happy Valentine’s Day!

Patterson Cellars’ Seattle Tasting Room Now Open

Grand Opening Events This Weekend

January 28 through 31

¨¨¨¨¨

SEATTLE, Wash.—(January 27, 2011)— Woodinville-based winery, Patterson Cellars, is bringing its value-priced, award-winning wines to Seattle and unveiling a new tasting room with a grand opening party this weekend.

WHO:                         Patterson Cellars

WHAT:                      Patterson Cellars’ Seattle Tasting Room Opens

Grand Opening Party

Sample the 2010 Rosé and Chardonnay before their release

· 2008 Forbidden Red

· 2007 Syrah

· 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Complimentary bites by Volterra Restaurant

WHERE:                    Patterson Cellars Seattle Tasting Room

1427 Western Avenue, Seattle

(on Western Avenue below Pike Place Market adjacent to the Pike Street Hill Climb)

WHEN:                      Friday (Wine Club Members) and Saturday, January 28 and 29, noon to 8 p.m.

                                    Sunday, January 30, noon to 5 p.m.

                                    Monday, January 31, 1 to 7 p.m. (Industry)

            PRICE:                       Complimentary

Patterson Cellars offers two exciting places to try their wines, an urban tasting room located near the Pike Street Hill Climb, on Western Avenue, below the famous Pike Place Market in Seattle, and at the Woodinville tasting room and winery in the wine warehouse district. Both venues offer a unique space and experience for tasting their approachable new world style wines, and for parties and events. Crafting wines for over 12 years, from crush to cork, Patterson Cellars focuses on producing wines as unique as the grapes themselves, sourcing grapes from Washington States’ Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, Lake Chelan and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs. Visit the website for tasting room hours, and wine club, bottling program, and custom crush information.

Follow Patterson Cellars online:

Website: www.pattersoncellars.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patterson-Cellars/119372784759130

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/pattersncellars

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Patterson Cellars Opens Tasting Room on Western Avenue Below Pike Place Market

Quintessential Washington Winery Unveils Second Location in Seattle’s Hottest Tourist Destination

SEATTLE, Wash.— Based in Woodinville, Patterson Cellars is thrilled to open a second tasting room in the heart of Seattle, on Western Avenue below Pike Place Market adjacent to the Pike Street Hill Climb. The tasting room is located in the former Spanish Table space, which recently relocated across the street.

Recognized for its range of value-priced, award-winning wines, Patterson Cellars has been producing New World-style reds and whites for over 12 years in Woodinville. To help bring their wines to out-of-state visitors, the Washington winery is capitalizing on the thriving tourism at Pike Place Market, which sees an estimated 10 million visitors every year, making it the single best place to introduce palates to Washington’s extraordinary wine industry.

“We wanted to be accessible to the millions of tourists that visit Pike Place every year, but also to be convenient for the locals who shop here year-round. With great neighbors like The Spanish Table, Paris Grocery and World Spice, we feel like we’re part of what makes Western Avenue a destination in its own right,” says owner and winemaker John Patterson.

Home to more than 700 wineries, Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state in the country. While wine is available for sale and sampling at a number of purveyors in the immediate surroundings, Patterson Cellars will be one of only two dedicated tasting rooms at the Market; the other is The Tasting Room, a cooperative of six Washington wineries open since 2004.

Doubling as a showcase for local artists, Patterson Cellars’ tasting room boasts a contemporary, modern-industrial vibe, with floor-to-ceiling windows over two floors allowing in an abundance of natural light. The wine-barrel tables lend a homey, rustic touch to the space. At 1,800 square feet, the facility is ideal for private parties of up to 100 reception-style and 50 seated, and has a full catering kitchen.

“We’ve actually had our sights set on this location since 2006 and couldn’t believe that it finally became available. It took over a year to get moved in, but it was well worth the wait to become part of Seattle’s most iconic institution,” continues Patterson.

Initially, Patterson Cellars will pour their 2007 Syrah, 2008 Forbidden Red, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Chardonnay. Fans and new friends of the winery will be able to enjoy these and more at the Grand Opening celebration:

Tasting Room Grand Opening Party

When:  Saturday, January 29, noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 30, noon to 5 p.m.

Industry only: Monday, January 31, noon to 7 p.m.

Wine:  Complimentary tastings, including current releases and yet-to-be-released Rosé

Food:   Complimentary bites provided by Volterra Restaurant

Tasting Room Information and Hours

Location: 1427 Western Avenue, Seattle

Phone:     206.724.0664

Website: www.pattersoncellars.com

Winter Hours:  Thursday to Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon 5 p.m.; check website for current tasting room hours

Private Functions: 100 reception-style; 50 seated. Facilities include full catering kitchen

Patterson Cellars offers two exciting places to try their wines, an urban tasting room located near the Pike Street Hill Climb, on Western Avenue, below the famous Pike Place Market in Seattle, and at the Woodinville tasting room and winery in the wine warehouse district. Each venue offers a unique space and experience for tasting the winery’s approachable, New World-style wines, and for parties and events. Crafting wines for over 12 years, from crush to cork, Patterson Cellars focuses on producing wines as unique as the grapes themselves, sourcing grapes from Washington States’ Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, Lake Chelan and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs. Visit the website for tasting room hours, and wine club, bottling program, and custom crush information.

Follow Patterson Cellars online:

Website: www.pattersoncellars.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patterson-Cellars/119372784759130

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/pattersncellars

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Wine, Dine and Impress This Valentine’s Day

SEATTLE, Wash.—(January 21, 2011)—Love is in the air at the following Northwest restaurants, wineries and businesses, which are offering special Valentine’s dinners, events and gifts that are sure to turn up the romance.

© Impress

“Nothing is more exciting in relationships than creating together.” – Stephen Covey

“You Had Me at Merlot” - Romance a Date with a Unique Gift from PersonalWineBottles.com

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

This Valentine’s Day, forget wearing a heart on one’s sleeve: Say “I Love You” or “Be Mine” to a Valentine on an etched and hand-painted bottle of wine from www.PersonalWineBottles.com.

After choosing a design, bottles can be customized with up to two lines of text, creating a personalized message for one’s “schnookums” or “buttercup.” Customers also select from 12 wines to fill their unique bottle. Non-alcoholic wines are also available. Designs and personal messaging is $75, plus the cost of the wine, which ranges from $7 to $37.50. Gift bags can be purchased for an additional $2.50. Etched bottles are produced by hand, so order quickly; the deadline for online orders is February 11 at 8 a.m. To order a customized bottle of wine, visit www.PersonalWineBottles.com.

Get in Tip’sy-Top’sy Shape with Waterfront Seafood Grill’s Sparkling Wine Boot Camp

www.waterfrontpier70.com | @waterfront70 | Facebook

Ten-hut! It’s time to uncork and explore the different tastes and characteristics of sparkling wine and Champagne with help from Waterfront Seafood Grill. On February 12, Waterfront’s wine director Kristen Young will lead a Sparkling Wine Boot Camp, just in time to impress a date on Valentine’s Day.

From 3 to 5 p.m., taste a variety of Champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world, learn about food pairings, and maybe even find out how to “saber” a bottle. Cost is $35 per person plus tax and includes a blind tasting of several sparklers. To reserve a spot, call (206) 956-9171.

© Wine

“True love is like a fine wine, the older the better.” – Fred Jacob

Hearts Flutter for Chocolate, Cheese and Wine at Patterson Cellars

www.pattersoncellars.com | @PattersnCellars | Facebook

Wine, chocolate and cheese: What more is needed this Valentine’s Day? Indulge in all three on February 12 and 13 at Patterson Cellars’ tasting rooms in Woodinville or on the Pike Street Hill Climb below Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market.

From noon to 5 p.m., Patterson Cellars will pour its popular Forbidden Red and sultry Syrah and provide delectable samples of Theo chocolate and an assortment of cheeses, all of which are complimentary. Attendees will also have the chance to win either a Theo Chocolate gift basket or the opportunity to create their very own wine at a Patterson Cellars blending party for 10 people.

Northwest Cellars He’arts’, Wine and Chocolate

www.northwestcellars.com  | @nwcellars | Facebook

Experience a match made in heaven with art, wine and chocolate all Valentine’s Day weekend at Northwest Cellars’ tasting room in Kirkland.

Art and Aperitifs – Feb. 12, 2-5 p.m.

Sample and learn about five award-winning wines, and then create a collage-style art piece using paint, paper, fabric and other embellishments. Wine tasting, snacks, all materials and instruction are included in the $40 fee. Additional glasses of wine available for purchase. Reserve a spot online.

Chocolate and Wine Pairing – Feb. 12 noon to 6 p.m. & Feb. 13, noon to 5 p.m.

Five Northwest Cellars’ wines will be paired with handmade chocolates from Brugge Chocolates in Redmond. Purchase a bottle of wine and receive a paired chocolate for free. Tastings are $5, refundable with purchase.

© Dine

“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” – Fanny Fern

“Veg” One’s Heart Out with Cafe Flora’s Amore-Inspired Menu

www.cafeflora.com | @CafeFloraVeg | Facebook

Hearts will leap with excitement for Cafe Flora’s vegetarian Valentine’s Day dinner. Spotlighting several romance-inducing ingredients, the vegan, prix-fixe menu, also available gluten-free, will be offered from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on February 14:

Wonton Affection Canapé - topped with avocado butternut paté, drizzled with a trio of sauces: truffle aioli, cilantro sauce and chili oil

Layers of Love – almond phyllo roulade stuffed with a mushroom-leek ragoût, grilled asparagus, bok choy, mushroom essence and a red wine-cherry sauce

Citrus Kiss Salad – grapefruit, pea shoots, jicama and watercress, with a mango vinaigrette and beet essence

– Dessert (choice of) –

Kumquat Wishes and Almond Dreams – almond génoise, brown-butter buttercream, marzipan, and kumquats macerated in Champagne

Smoldering Chocolate and Raspberry Glances – devil’s food cake, molten Mexican chocolate with cacao crumble and raspberry gel

Cost is $45 per person. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling (206) 325-9100. Cafe Flora will also be selling their handcrafted, vegan and gluten-free truffles for $2 each: Made using Theo chocolate, flavors include nibby gianduja and raspberry.

Waterways Cruises Offers Special Valentine’s Day Dinner  Cruise

www.waterwayscruises.com |@waterwayscruise | Facebook

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a sweetheart aboard a beautifully appointed Waterways’ yacht, with a champagne toast upon boarding.  An extraordinary four-course menu is freshly prepared onboard and served at a private table.  A classical guitar performance will add that extra touch of romance to this very special evening aboard the 2.5 hour cruise on Lake Washington.

Handcrafted cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase during the cruise, including wine pairing for each dining selection.  Romance and celebration packages with roses, champagne, signature flutes, and a personalized cake are available to complement the dining experience with an advance purchase.  Request a window table upgrade for the best views.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu

Seared Ahi – Yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber slaw, lemongrass-infused jasmine rice, spicy soy and mustard butter

Sherried Mâche and Apple Salad – fresh mâche greens with a sweet sherry vinaigrette, served with crisp apples, celery and candied walnuts

Freshly baked bread served with whipped herbed butter

Intermezzo (palate cleanser): Raspberry Sorbet

Entrée (choice of):

Petit Filet and Lobster Tail Duet – with Béarnaise sauce, sea-salted asparagus and red caviar, accompanied by purple potato purée

Grilled Belgian Endive – stuffed with a purée of roasted cauliflower and fresh tarragon, served with a light Champagne and tomato risotto, butter-leek emulsion and black truffle oil

Dessert: Banana Crème Brulée – served with chocolate-covered strawberries

Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise departs from the Waterways HomePort on the North end of Lake Union in Seattle and from the Southport Pier and Promenade in Renton on February 14 at 7 p.m. Boarding starts 30 minutes prior to the departure time. Tickets are $99 for general, $89 for senior or military personnel. Purchased tickets online at www.waterwayscruises.com.

Seduce a Sweetheart on Pier 70 with Waterfront Seafood Grill’s Valentine’s Weekend Specials

www.waterfrontpier70.com | @waterfront70 | Facebook

A breathtaking view, an opulent atmosphere and delectable food will make any date swoon on Valentine’s Day. Bring that special someone to Waterfront Seafood Grill, where Executive Chef Peter Levine has designed a custom menu celebrating romance. Offered February 12-14, special dishes include:

Asparagus Salad with Grilled Scallops ($18)

Bell pepper remoulade

Hearts of Palm with Maine Lobster ($21)

Citrus vinaigrette

Brie Cheese-Stuffed Filet of Beef ($48)

Wild mushroom mashed potatoes

Seared Halibut Cheeks ($38)

Fennel, arugula, grapefruit salad

Three Chocolate Delights ($12)

Chocolate panna cotta with brandied Bing cherries

Chocolate flourless soufflé with Chantilly cream

Chocolate and port ganache

Reservations will be accepted beginning at 5 p.m. The full, regular menu will also be available. For reservations, call (206) 956-9171.

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Avalon Opens in West Seattle Today

January 3 at 3 p.m.

SEATTLE, Wash.—(January 3, 2011)—Fittingly located on S.W. Avalon Way in West Seattle, Avalon restaurant and lounge opens today, spotlighting Northwest fare with a touch of rustic Mediterranean flavor.

WHO: Avalon – Pacific NW Casual Fine Dining & Lounge

www.avalonws.com

WHAT: Restaurant Opens

· Menu created by Chef Deborah Breuler focuses on local Pacific Northwest fare with a touch of rustic Mediterranean flavor. See a sample of menu items below.

· Prices range from $7 to $12 for starters and $15 to $22 for entrées.

· Full bar highlights local distilleries and wineries.

· Open seven days a week, with dinner service daily (dine in or take out) from 5 to 10 p.m. and happy hour in the lounge from 3 to 6 p.m.

WHERE: Avalon in West Seattle

2940 S.W. Avalon Way

Seattle, Washington 98126

WHEN: Today: January 3

3 p.m. (Happy Hour)

5 p.m. (Dinner Service)

Situated in the historic Luna Park neighborhood, West Seattle’s Avalon offers an approachable, regionally inspired, locally sourced menu as well as a full bar and wine list focusing on Washington and Oregon. Dishes are available for dine in or take out. The warm and welcoming ambiance makes an equally comfortable backdrop for casual meals and special occasions alike. Located at 2940 S.W. Avalon Way, Avalon serves dinner daily from 5 to 10 p.m.; brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and happy hour is offered daily in the lounge from 3 to 6 p.m. (206) 922-3606.

Follow Avalon Online:

http://www.avalonws.com

http://twitter.com/AvalonWS

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 551-1651

 

Sample of Menu Items:

Small Plates

Artichoke Fritter

with zesty tomato spread ($7)

Bruschetta of Crab

with mascarpone, arugula and lemon vinaigrette ($11)

Grilled Curly Endive

with honey crisp apples, Seastar goat cheese and candied walnuts ($7)

Entrées

Grilled Marinated Pork Loin

with fig mostarda, braised Brussels sprouts with pancetta, and smashed potatoes ($17)

Forty Clove Garlic Chicken

with preserved lemon, green olives, almonds, Bluebird Farms grains and sautéed kale ($17)

Thundering Hooves Farm Short Ribs

Syrah-braised and served with potato dumplings and roasted roots ($19)

Cedar Planked Wild Salmon

balsamic-glazed, with roasted cauliflower and fingerling potatoes ($20)