Waterways Cruises Offers the Best Seats for Viewing the Spectacular Lake Union Fireworks Show

Monday, July 4, 8 to 10:30 p.m.

SEATTLE, Wash.—(June 16, 2011) — Guests will enjoy front-row seats to one of the finest fireworks displays in the country while savoring Chef Udo’s sizzling, Classic American Backyard BBQ buffet aboard Waterways Cruises’ Fourth of July Cruise.

WHO: Waterways Cruises

www.waterwayscruises.com

WHAT: Fourth of July Cruise

· 2 ½ hour cruise on Lake Union

· Guests will enjoy Seattle’s spectacular fireworks display from the deck of the Waterways’ yacht, positioned perfectly to give them excellent seats to the show.

· Handcrafted cocktails and “design-your-own” drinks, wine, beers and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the cruise.

· Guests will enjoy a delicious Classic American BBQ dinner prepared by Chef Udo:

Classic American BBQ Menu

Beef franks and burgers with everything from braised cabbage to caramelized Walla Walla onions to create your own unique burger or dog. 

Classic Caesar salad
Coleslaw
Sweet and smoky pulled pork
Fresh Kaiser Buns
Buttery grilled corn on the cob
Rosemary-roasted red potato and grain mustard salad
Honey-glazed jalapeno cheddar corn bread
Fruit display
Cookie basket
Coffee and tea

WHERE: Yachts will depart from Waterways Cruises HomePort in Seattle: 2441 N. Northlake Way

WHEN: Monday, July 4, from 8 to 10:30 p.m.

Waterways Cruises was founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith and grew from a small family operation into Seattle’s most upscale cruise and event company.  Originally starting with a single yacht for private charters, Waterways successfully expanded its operations to three luxurious vessels (Emerald Star, Olympic Star, and Destiny), accommodating upwards of 30,000 guests per year in the last 16 years.

In 2010 Waterways Cruises launched Lake Washington Dining Cruises, departing from the Southport Pier & Promenade in Renton and from the Waterways’ HomePort in Seattle.  Featuring new seasonal menus, scenic cruise routes and exciting entertainment options, Lake Washington Dining Cruises brings fine dining experience and sightseeing opportunities to Lake Union and Lake Washington.

#          #          #

Waterways Cruises Introduces Happy Hour Afloat

Every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.

SEATTLE, Wash.—(June 7, 2011) — Step aboard Waterways Cruises’ yachts for a Happy Hour Cruise around Lake Union and Lake Washington. Every Friday from May 13 to October 14, guests can relax after a long work week with a handcrafted cocktail and an outstanding spread of flavorful selections from Chef Udo’s famous Taco Bar.

WHO:  Waterways Cruises www.waterwayscruises.com

WHAT:  Happy Hour Cruise

· Two-hour cruise on Lake Union and Lake Washington

· Captain’s narration of interesting sites, local landmarks and fascinating facts about the history and culture of Seattle

· Handcrafted cocktails, including “design-your-own” Martinis and Margaritas, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase

· Cost is $45 per person; $41 for seniors and military

· This cruise is for adults 21 and over

· Happy Hour Cruises from May 13 to October 14

Chef Udo’s Taco Bar

Served with warm flour tortillas and fried tortilla chips
Taco Salad with shredded Iceberg Lettuce, Tomato, Spring Onion, Cilantro, Sharp White Cheddar and Tomatillo Vinaigrette
Blackened Saltwater Tilapia
Chipotle Pineapple Chicken
Sautéed Fajita Vegetables 
Garlic-fried Wild Rice with Roasted Corn, Red Onion and Cotija Cheese

Taco Bar sides include:
Tequila Black Beans, Chef Udo’s special Salsa and Guacamole, Cilantro-Lime Crème Fraiche, Cabbage Slaw, Shredded Lettuce and Cheeses, Home-made Hot Sauce, Limes

WHERE: Yachts will depart from Waterways Cruises HomePort in Seattle: 2441 N. Northlake Way

WHEN: Fridays, 4 to 6 p.m. (Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure time)

Reservations can be made online at http://websales.waterwayscruises.com or by phone (206) 223-2060 for groups of 8 or more guests.

Waterways Cruises was founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith and grew from a small family operation into Seattle’s most upscale cruise and event company.  Originally starting with a single yacht for private charters, Waterways successfully expanded its operations to three luxurious vessels (Emerald Star, Olympic Star, and Destiny), accommodating upwards of 30,000 guests per year in the last 16 years.

In 2010 Waterways Cruises launched Lake Washington Dining Cruises, departing from the Southport Pier & Promenade in Renton and from the Waterways’ HomePort in Seattle.  Featuring new seasonal menus, scenic cruise routes and exciting entertainment options, Lake Washington Dining Cruises brings fine dining experience and sightseeing opportunities to Lake Union and Lake Washington.

#          #          #

Congratulations to Patterson Cellars for winning several medals in the 2011 Seattle Wine Awards!

DOUBLE GOLD: 2010 Late Harvest Roussanne

GOLD: 2010 Rosé

SILVER: 2010 Roussanne/Viognier blend

SILVER: 2008 Forbidden Red

SILVER: 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

BRONZE: 2007 Syrah

For more information about Patterson Cellars’ wine click here

For the full list of 2011 Seattle Wine Awards click here

Treat Dad to a Relaxing Brunch Cruise for Father’s Day Aboard Waterways Cruises

Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

SEATTLE, Wash.—(June 2, 2011)—This Father’s Day, sail away with Waterways Cruises for a Northwest-inspired brunch aboard their beautifully appointed yachts. Enjoy a front-row view of Lake Washington’s spectacular ever-changing scenery and waterfront estates of the rich and famous. Live music will add to guests’ special afternoon afloat.

WHO: Waterways Cruises

www.waterwayscruises.com

WHAT: Father’s Day Brunch Cruise

· Champagne toast upon boarding

· Northwest-inspired brunch and a chef-attended prime rib station

· Live music

· Captain’s narration of interesting sites, local landmarks and fascinating facts about the history and culture of Seattle

· Handcrafted cocktails, including “design-your-own” Mimosa and Bloody Mary drinks are available for purchase

· Brunch Cruise: $59 per person, $53 for seniors and military, $25 for children (Ages 5-12), no charge for children 4 and under

Father’s Day Brunch Menu:

Warm Rustic Breads and Croissants

Locally Made Organic Jams and Spreads

Fresh Fruit and Berries

Crisp Seasonal Salad

Smoked Corn Chowder

House-smoked Wild Salmon with Lemon Horseradish Mousse

Prime Rib Carving Station

Blueberry Pecan French Toast with Maple Infused Agave Syrup

Chef Udo’s Smoked, Thick Cut Bacon

Butter and Herb Baby Red Potatoes

Seafood and Sushi Bar

Poached Eggs on Brioche with Pesto and Parmesan Cheese

Coffee and Tea Service

Banana Coffee Cake

WHERE: Yachts will depart from Waterways Cruises HomePort in Seattle and Southport Pier in Renton

· HomePort in Seattle - 2441 N. Northlake Way

· Southport Pier in Renton - 1083 Lake Washington Blvd. N

WHEN:  Sunday, June 19

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure time)

Book tickets online at www.waterwayscruises.com or call (206) 223-2060 for groups of 8 or more guests.

Waterways Cruises was founded in 1994 by Hilton Smith and grew from a small family operation into Seattle’s most upscale cruise and event company.  Originally starting with a single yacht for private charters, Waterways successfully expanded its operations to three luxurious vessels (Emerald Star, Olympic Star, and Destiny), accommodating upwards of 30,000 guests per year in the last 16 years.

In 2010 Waterways Cruises launched Lake Washington Dining Cruises, departing from the Southport Pier & Promenade in Renton and from the Waterways’ HomePort in Seattle. Featuring new seasonal menus, scenic cruise routes and exciting entertainment options, Lake Washington Dining Cruises brings fine dining experience and sightseeing opportunities to Lake Union and Lake Washington.

#          #          #

Olive Crest Participates in GiveBIG June 23

Olive Crest is doing big things to change the lives of children who would otherwise have no hope or chance of a safe and secure family

BELLEVUE, Wash. – (June 2, 2011) – The Pacific Northwest Olive Crest is participating in The Seattle Foundation’s first ever GiveBIG challenge on June 23.  It is a campaign that encourages the community to give back to all the non-profits in the area that help make King County a better place to live and is predicted to be one of the biggest giving days in King County history.

Between the hours of 7 a.m. and midnight, non-profit organizations around King County will rally for donor support. The Seattle Foundation and business sponsors, CHASE, Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle International Foundation will partially match funds raised by organizations, such as Olive Crest, during the 17 hours of GiveBIG.

The goal of the event is to encourage new and returning supporters to donate to local non-profits like Olive Crest. Olive Crest is doing big things to change the lives of children who would otherwise have no hope or chance for a safe and secure family.  Olive Crest plans to use GiveBIG to raise awareness about the prevalence of child abuse in Washington and the measures Olive Crest is taking against it. 

According to Prevent Child Abuse America, every 10 seconds in the United States a child experiences some type of abuse such as rape, physical and psychological abuse.  For over a decade Olive Crest has provided programs such as adoption, foster care, and counseling to protect children from becoming a statistic. In Washington State alone, Olive Crest reaches over 4,089 children and families.  Through programs like Safe Families for Children, the entire community is involved in temporarily taking care of children whose parents are in crisis, with the ultimate goal of family reunification.

GiveBIG is an exciting opportunity for Olive Crest to continue the work that it does through raised awareness and donations for the children in the program. 

Future Olive Crest benefits include:

· The 10^th Annual Olive Crest Golf Tournament – On Sept. 26, Olive Crest will host a fundraiser to fight child abuse at one of the finest golf courses in the Northwest, Overlake Golf and Country Club. The tournament is currently open for registration.

· The Annual Wine Procurement Party – Oct. 12 will be a night of entertainment and fine wine at LOT No. 3 in Bellevue to benefit the at-risk children of Olive Crest.

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.

#          #          #

El Gaucho Bellevue Presents 3rd Annual ‘Pour On the Plaza’ June 25

Spirited Wine and Food Event Showcases Prestigious Northwest Wineries; Proceeds to Benefit Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club of King County

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(June 2, 2011) — El Gaucho Bellevue is excited to announce that its annual Pour on the Plaza event is returning for a third year.  On Saturday, June 25, guests are invited to enjoy an array of delicious appetizers from El Gaucho Bellevue and Waterfront Seafood Grill while tasting wines from over 20 of the Northwest’s most distinguished wineries.  This year the event will support the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club of King County.

Taking place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Pour on the Plaza will be held on El Gaucho Bellevue’s gorgeous new outdoor patio situated in the heart of downtown Bellevue’s financial district in City Center Plaza.  Cost is $85 per person, including tax and gratuity.  Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at (425) 455-2715.  Complimentary valet parking will be offered at El Gaucho’s front door.

Setting the mood will be the upbeat Latin grooves of A Cedar Suede.  Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Season 1 Top Chef David Martin, who will be making a special appearance to autograph his latest cookbook for a minimum donation.  All proceeds will benefit the Rainer Vista Boys & Girls Club.

Participating wineries include:

Andrew Will Winery (www.andrewwill.com)

Bergstrom Winery (www.bergstromwines.com)

Caymus Vineyards (www.caymus.com)

Corliss Estates(www.corlissestates.com)

DeLille Cellars (www.delillecellars.com)

Domaine Drouhin (www.domainedrouhin.com)

Domaine Ste. Michelle (http://domaine-ste-michelle.com)

Domaine Serene (www.domaineserene.com)

EFESTĒ Winery (www.efeste.com)

Evening Land Vineyards (www.eveninglandvineyards.com)

Gorman Winery (www.gormanwinery.com)

Grand Rêve Vintners Winery and Vineyard (www.grandrevevintners.com)

Lachini Vineyards (www.lachinivineyards.com)

Long Shadows Wineries and Vineyards (www.longshadows.com)

Mark Ryan Winery (www.markryanwinery.com)

Northstar Winery (www.northstarwinery.com)

Novelty Hill Winery (www.noveltyhillwines.com)

Pepper Bridge Winery (www.pepperbridge.com)

Sparkman Cellars (www.sparkmancellars.com)

Spring Valley Vineyard (www.springvalleyvineyard.com)

Va Piano Vineyards (www.vapianovineyards.com)

Walla Faces Vineyard (www.wallafaces.com)

“The past two years everyone had such a wonderful time at Pour on the Plaza, we are thrilled to hold it again for the third year now,” says El Gaucho Bellevue’s General Manager David Scherling.  “It’s a great way for guests to relax and enjoy premier food and wine while also supporting a great cause.  This year we’re very excited to support the Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club.”

About Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club (Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse at Rainer Vista):

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse and Teen Center at Rainier Vista gives kids a place to call their own, where they can have fun, get a hot meal, be creative, be a part of a team, get help with homework…or just hang out with friends. It offers a safe, fun, inclusive, and inspiring place that kids and their families count on—every day.

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. El Gaucho offers intimate private dining and nightly live music. El Gaucho Bellevue is located at City Center Plaza at 450 108th Ave. N.E. For more information on the Bellevue location, please call (425) 455-2715 or visit www.elgaucho.com.

Follow El Gaucho Online

Website: www.elgaucho.com

Twitter: @ElGauchoSteak

Facebook: El Gaucho

#          #          #