Fresh Halibut On Deck at El Gaucho and Waterfront Seafood Grill

Exquisite Preparations Showcase Versatility of Popular Alaskan Fish

SEATTLE, Wash.—(March 17, 2011)— With the arrival of the Alaska halibut season, diners who have been floundering for an exciting dinner destination can hardly do better than to drop their line at Seattle’s Waterfront Seafood Grill (http://www.waterfrontpier70.com) or any El Gaucho location (http://www.elgaucho.com).

“El Gaucho is so renowned for serving the finest beef that many people aren’t aware that we offer a wide array of delectable fish and seafood preparations, from our famous ‘wicked’ shrimp and tuna tartare to Dungeness crab cakes, a daily fresh fish, and that classic steak escort, lobster tail. And now, each location is offering exceptional halibut dishes that Chef Peter Levine at Waterfront would be proud to serve,” notes Ken Sharp, Corporate Chef of Mackay Restaurants.

With excellent, firm-yet-flaky texture that holds up to a variety of cooking methods and boasting a sweetness that works with a wide range of ingredients, halibut truly shines when its snow-white flesh is treated as a blank canvas for a mélange of flavors—which is precisely what the talented chefs at Waterfront Seafood Grill and all El Gaucho locations demonstrate with this year’s spring halibut specials:

· An El Gaucho Seattle preparation takes grilled Alaskan halibut and tops it with a sautéed combination of chanterelle mushrooms, pancetta, garlic and shallots, finished with lemon juice, butter and chopped basil. Chanterelles in this dish lend an earthy, regional flavor: These distinctive fungi flourish in the damp, coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest, a major North American mushroom region.

· El Gaucho Bellevue gives their grilled halibut filet the bright, fresh flavors and cheerful colors of spring, serving it on a bed of shaved asparagus-and-fennel salad—accented with dill, parsley, lemon and olive oil—and ringed by the sweet contrast of charred cherry tomatoes, all finished with a generous drizzle of lemon-thyme oil.

· El Gaucho Portland continues the theme of spring and sparkling flavors by serving their grilled halibut with haricots verts, citrus beurre blanc and the deep, sweet tang of 10-year-aged balsamic vinegar.

· Not to be outdone, Waterfront Seafood Grill’s Executive Chef Peter Levine borrowed his inspiration from a favorite annual Waterfront event— ‘Lobster-Maine-ia,’ formerly known as ‘Lobsterpalooza.’ A topping of sautéed fresh Maine lobster, fresh roasted corn, sweet peas, bacon, sweet butter and a squeeze of tangy lemon juice beautifully complement the flavor and texture of seared, roasted halibut.

· As wonderfully rich as that sounds, for sheer decadence, El Gaucho Tacoma’s halibut served ‘Oscar’-style, that is, with Dungeness crab and creamy, buttery sauce Béarnaise, can’t be beat. With its anise-like flavor, the tarragon in the sauce makes a perfect companion for the meaty white fish.

See the full list of halibut dishes and prices.

The Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepus) is an excellent source of minerals and high-quality protein, is low in fat, calories, sodium and, unlike most other popular finfish, contains very few bones.

El Gaucho® is the Northwest’s steakhouse legacy focused on elegant, old-school, tableside service for people celebrating their lives. The menu highlights 28-Day Dry-Aged Certified Angus Beef® Prime steaks, cutting-edge fresh seafood selections from sustainable sources, and extensive wine and single malt Scotch lists. Check the website for specific hours at the Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue and Portland locations. For more information, call (206) 728-1337 or visit www.elgaucho.com.

Open since 2000, the Waterfront Seafood Grill, located on Pier 70 in Seattle, features outstanding fresh seafood accompanied by sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Winner of the Washington Wine Commission’s Restaurant of the Year, the restaurant is open seven days a week at 4 p.m., with dinner service starting at 5 p.m. For reservations and more information call (206) 956-9171 or visit www.waterfrontpier70.com.

Follow El Gaucho and Waterfront Seafood Grill Online

Website: www.elgaucho.com | www.waterfrontpier70.com

Twitter: @ElGauchoSteak | @Waterfront70

Facebook: El Gaucho | Waterfront Seafood Grill

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Spring Halibut Dishes

El Gaucho Seattle

Grilled Halibut ($45)—with sautéed chanterelles, pancetta, shallots and lemon butter

Grilled Halibut ($45)—with soy-orange gastrique and petite herb salad

El Gaucho Bellevue

Grilled Halibut ($54)—with shaved asparagus-fennel salad and lemon-dill vinaigrette, and charred cherry tomatoes, drizzled with lemon-thyme oil

El Gaucho Portland

Grilled Halibut ($42)—with haricots verts, citrus beurre blanc, and 10-year balsamic vinegar

El Gaucho Tacoma

Alaskan Halibut ($45)—served ‘Oscar’-style with Dungeness crab and sauce Béarnaise

Alaskan Halibut ($40)—with lemon-artichoke sauce

Waterfront Seafood Grill

Roasted Halibut ($38)—with fresh Maine lobster, corn, sweet peas, bacon and sweet butter