Fox’s Gem Shop Hosts 18th Annual Watch Event October 13 – 15

Featured Brands Include Chronoswiss, Bedat & Co, IWC, Bell & Ross, Mühle Glashütte, Panerai, Nomos, Ulysse Nardin, Maurice Lacroix and Hermès

Seattle, Wash.—(September 29, 2011)—To every thing there is a season, and the arrival of fall means it’s time for Seattle’s premier watch event at Fox’s Gem Shop on October 13, 14 and 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For novice collectors and established aficionados alike, there is nowhere else in Seattle to view such exceptional timepieces as those on display at Fox’s during this three-day event. Many additional pieces have been flown in expressly for this special occasion, other timepieces, straps and winders will also be available throughout the month of October with once a year special pricing.

Watch expert and Fox’s Gem shop owner, Chai Mann, offers tips on what to look for from this year’s event and watch trends for the ladies and the men.

“Heading into 2012, men’s watch case sizes have become thinner, while women’s are getting larger. Shoppers can expect to see clean, classic styles leading the industry, as well as a movement toward an oversized vintage look, such as pieces within the Bell & Ross Heritage Collection. While Bedat & Co is characterized by simple elegance; high-polish metals and diamonds pair sophistication with everyday wearability.” said Mann.

“Hermès leads the way in casual-dressy versatility, with watches that feature high-quality leather wrist-wraps in a multitude of colors, changeable with the season or the wearer’s mood. The new and classic designs of Chronoswiss will complement the unique collection of fine timepieces we already offer. “continues Mann.

The event’s special guests will include Mr. Thilo Mühle, the fifth-generation owner of Germany’s Mühle Glashütte, and estate watch dealer Jeff Knepper of Portland, Oregon, who will be showing a large collection of new and estate watches and offering expert advice on trade-ins. Brand representatives will be on hand to answer questions from the following companies:

Chronoswiss
Bedat & Co
IWC
Bell & Ross
Mühle Glashütte
Panerai
Nomos
Ulysse Nardin
Hermès
Maurice Lacroix

The event is free and validated parking is available at Rainier Square garage.

About Fox’s Gem Shop

Established in 1912, Fox’s Gem Shop was purchased in 1948 by Sid and Berta Thal, who built the business into Seattle’s premier jeweler. In 1979 the store expanded, moving into its present Rainier Square location in the heart of downtown’s business district. Fox’s is known for its custom designs, fine Swiss and German watches, exceptionally rare gemstones and Ideal cut diamonds. The Thals’ daughter, Joy Thal Mann, her husband Chai Mann and their daughter Zoey Mann are proud to be serving long-standing loyal customers and a new generation of clientele alike, providing the personalized service, quality and integrity that has always characterized this family business. Fox’s Gem Shop is located at the corner of 5^th and Union, 1341 5^th Avenue, in Seattle, Washington. For more information about jewelry, watches, or custom design, call (206) 623-2528 or go to http://www.foxsgemshop.com.

#     #     #

Tutta Bella Joins Passionate Pizzerias in ‘Slice of Hope’ for Breast Cancer Research on Friday, October 7, 2011

October’s National Pizza Month and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Coincide for Good Cause

(SEATTLE, Wash.) — September 29, 2011 —National and local pizzerias, including Seattle’s own Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria, are offering breast cancer patients across the country a Slice of Hope in October. Tutta Bella Pizzeria locations in Columbia City, Stone Way, Westlake and Issaquah are among the Seattle area pizzerias that will donate 15 percent of sales on Friday, October 7^th, to the Karen Mullen Breast Cancer Foundation, a national charity based in Seattle. Funds raised across the country will support the nation’s leading breast cancer researchers, including those at UW Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Slice of Hope unites pizzerias across the nation in an effort to fight this disease, which will impact hundreds of thousands of women and men this year. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, there were 209,060 new cases of female breast cancer in 2010. And, sadly, close to 40,000 women will die from the disease this year. That’s approximately 110 breast cancer deaths daily, and Tutta Bella owner Joe Fugere says that’s simply too many.

“There isn’t a person in this country who hasn’t felt the effects of breast cancer in some way,” Fugere says. “Tutta Bella wants to do something to help end this disease. That’s why from September 9^th until the October 7^th event we will match dollar for dollar up to $5,000 for any donations made at Tutta Bella in addition to donating 15 percent of sales on October 7^th.”

Slice of Hope is spearheaded by Pizza Today magazine editor Jeremy White. White, Pizza Today publisher Pete Lachapelle, and a small team of cyclists will bike from Portland, Ore. to Seattle, Wash., from October 4^th to 7^th to raise awareness for Slice of Hope’s fight against breast cancer. For a complete list of participating pizzerias click here.

Karen Mullen Breast Cancer Foundation, has committed to giving 100 percent of the Slice of Hope proceeds to a handful of the nation’s leading breast cancer research labs. www.endthisdisease.org

Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria has three Seattle locations; Columbia City, Stone Way, Westlake and one in Issaquah. For more information on specific locations, visit www.tuttabella.com.

#   #   #

Slice of Hope Participating Pizzerias

 

JP’sLacombe                                                           Alberta, Canada
Acme Pizzeria                                                          Cottonwood, AZ
Mama’s Famous Pizza & Heros                                         Tucson, AZ
CRUST Restaurants                                                     Scottsdale, AZ
NY 54 Pizza & Ristorante                                               Chandler, AZ
Dole Packaged Foods                                       West Lake Village, CA
Knockout Pizza Mira Mesa                                           Mira Mesa, CA
Valentino’s Pizza                                                 Redondo Beach, CA
Ginos Sicilian Express                                           Santa Barbara, CA
Domenico’s Jr.                                                             Glendora, CA
Napoli Pizza                                                                    Vallejo, CA
Milk Barn Pizza and Dairy                                          Long Beach, CA
Pizzeria Colore                                                               Denver, CO
Blackjack Pizza                                                                    Eric, CO
Cheesy Lee’s Amazing Pizza                                       Estes Park, CO
Renaldo's Apizza                                                      Southington, CT
Café Riveria Pizzeria                                                Wilmington, DE
Lamotta’s Pizzeria and Italian                                      Ft. Myers, FL
Bobby V’s Original Westshore Pizza                                   Tampa, FL
Aldos Restorante Italiano & Bar                                         Naples, FL
Pizza Scene                                                             Miami Lakes, FL
Gino's Pizza                                                                    Orlando, FL
Mama's Pizza & Pasta                                                Boca Raton, FL
That Pizza Place                                               DeFuniak Springs, FL
Blue Moon Pizza                                                             Atlanta, GA
Ingleside Village Pizza                                                      Macon, GA
Zeppes Pizza & Subs                                                       Gooding, ID
Spacca Napoli                                                                 Chicago, IL
Anna’s Pizza &Pasta                                                   Winnebago, IL
JADE PIZZA INC (dba Domino’s Pizza)                                 Herrin, IL
Alex’s Washington Gardens                                          Highwood, IL
Mama Nita’s PizzaNew                                                  Palestine, IN
Feltner’s Commiskey                                                 Commiskey, IN
East of Chicago Pizza Co.                                                   Berne, IN
Pizza Gallery                                                                 Clay City, IN
Pietro’s Pizzeria                                                       Bossier City, LA
BJ’s Pizza of Alexandria                                             Alexandria, LA
Pomodori Roast Beef & Pizzeria                                     Lpswich, MA
Pisa Pizza                                                                      Malden, MA
Mr. G’s pizza                                                    Sagamore Beach, MA
Pizza 1 & Subs 2                                                  Marstons Mills, MA
Belisimo’s                                                                Hampstead, MD
Mustang Pizza                                                        Westminster, MD
Three Brothers                                                           Greenbelt, MD
Manny & Olga’s Pizza                                             Silver Spring, MD
Ugly Child Inc. DBA The Lure                                       Boyne Falls, MI
Buccilli’s Pizza                                                                   Clare, MI
B.C. Pizza of Boyne                                                     Boyne City, MI
Domino's Pizza                                                            Ann Arbor, MI
Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria-Eden Prairie                      Eden Prairie, MN
Chanticlear Pizza                                                          Andover, MN
Big Bear Pizzeria & Deli                                               Lake City, MN
Mansetti’s Pizza & Pasta                                        Saint Francis, MN
Rosati’s Pizza                                                           Springfield, MO
Nalivka’s Original Pizza Kitchen                                        Havre, MT
Simonettis Pizza                                                            Belmont, NC
Uncle Scott's Pizza                                                         Fletcher, NC
Fox’s Pizza Den                                                            Waxhaw, NC
La Casa Pizzeria Inc.                                                       Omaha, NE
Mangia Italiana                                                               Omaha, NE
Carmine’s Pizza Factory and Catering                         Jersey City, NJ
Esposito Pizza and Pasta                                               Matawan, NJ
Cassies Pizzeria                                                         Englewood, NJ
Nicky V's Neighborhood Pizzeria                                 Albuqerque, NM
Wally’s Pizza                                                            Carson City, NV
Hometown Pizza                                                         Bloomfield, NY
Geoffano's Pizzeria                                                            Alden, NY
Goombas Wood Fired Pizza                                          Castleton, NY
Michel Angelos                                                               Mineola, NY
Village Pizzeria & Restorante                                  Middle Grove, NY
Westshore Pizza                                                              Mason, OH
Capuano’s Pizza                                                         Pataskala, OH
Luigi’s Pizza and Subs                                                  Marietta, OH
Grando’s Pizza                                                           Corington, OH
Jim’s Pizza Chalet                                                        St. Paris, OH
Kettering Italian Oven                                                     Dayton, OH
Ramundo’s Pizzeria                                                    Cincinnati, OH
Nashport Pizza                                                               Newark, OH
LaPizzeria Restaurant                                                 Huntsville, OH
Pizza Den                                                                   Cleveland, OH
Park Street Pizza                                                      Sugarcreek, OH
Regina's Pizza                                                                  Akron, OH
Cardo's Pizza of Waverly                                                Waverly, OH
Between the Buns Café                                                      Xenia, OH
Portsmouth Pizzeria                                                 Portsmouth, OH
Papa Strom                                                                     Aurora, OH
Champs Pizza                                                             Thornville, OH
Mama Mimi's Take N Bake                                           Columbus, OH
Papa Chuck’s                                                             Zanesville, OH
Fox’s Pizza Den                                                             Franklin, PA
Bettinas Italian Restaurant                                         Marienville, PA
Fox’s Pizza                                                                   Ridgway, PA
Lucci’s Pizza and Pasta                                               Pittsburgh, PA
Fox's Pizza Den                                                     Punxsutawney, PA
Fox's Pizza Den                                                            Brockway, PA
Hercules Pizza Works                                                       Lincoln, RI
Ray’s Pizzeria & Ice Cream                                          Lexington, SC
Michelle’s Pizza                                                         McCormick, SC
Parthenon                                                                   Lexington, SC
Christina's Pizza & Subs                                               Ridgeville, SC
Shakers Pizza                                                                  Selmer, TN
Shakers Pizza                                                             Middleton, TN
Bella Blak Pizzeria                                                          Waverly, TN
Sparky’s Pizzeria & Grill                                                 Jackson, TN
Fox’s Pizza Den                                                                Cibolo, TX
Pietro’s Pizzeria                                                          Longview, TX
Family Pizzeria                                                              Stafford, VA
LUNA Pizza                                                                  Abingdon, VA
tutta bella NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA                                    Seattle, WA
Pied Piper Pizza                                                        Vancouver, WA
Mattioli Pizzeria                                                           Seabeck, WA
Papa Murphy's Pizza                                                   Vancouver, WA
The Junction, LLC                                                      Elk Mound, WI
Pie High Pizza                                                               Fontana, WI
Bada Bing Pizza                                                       Cedar Grove, WI
Mr. Jim’s Pizza                                                          Cheyenne, WY

Olive Crest Annual Wine Procurement Party Held on October 12

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(September 28, 2011)— Olive Crest, an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children and preserving the family…“One Life at a Time®”, will host its annual wine procurement party at Lot No. 3 in Bellevue on October 12. Olive Crest offers attendees the opportunity to help the local nonprofit collect bottles for the upcoming gala auction while enjoying an evening filled with Northwest wines and delicious appetizers. Last year, guests contributed 140 bottles and $11,100 in donations and fine wine.

WHO: Olive Crest

WHAT: Olive Crest’s 10^th Annual Wine Procurement Party ‘Grape
Expectations’
· Each guest is asked to bring one bottle of fine wine (valued at $100, see Wine registry for ideas) to be auctioned at Olive Crest’s Gala Auction on March 3, or make a $100 donation.
· Complimentary hors d'oeuvres from Lot No. 3 and wine tastings from Mercer Estates, O Wines and William Church Winery.
· Tickets will be sold for $50 each for a chance to win a Chelan Crush Weekend Package.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2011
5 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Lot No. 3
460 106th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

For more information about the event or to reserve a glass, visit Olive Crest online.

For those who cannot attend the event but wish to make a contribution, donations can be made online at any time, or mailed to Olive Crest, 515 116^th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

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 more information call 1-800-550-CHILD (2445) or visit www.olivecrest.org.

#    #    #

Altura Restaurant to Open October 5, 2011

Chef Nathan Lockwood Crafts Seasonal Italian Cuisine at New Capitol Hill Dining Room

Seattle, Wash.—(September 27, 2011)—Chef Nathan Lockwood and Business Manager Rebecca Lockwood are excited to announce the opening of Altura, a seasonal Italian restaurant that celebrates the bounty of the Northwest through the traditions of classic Italian cuisine. The Lockwoods are thrilled to be joined by certified sommelier Guy Kugel, who spent most of the last decade as manager and wine director at Flying Fish. A welcome addition to the burgeoning dining scene at the north end of Broadway, Altura—meaning ‘hill’ in Italian—offers a refined dining experience in a rustic-elegant setting on Capitol Hill.

Chef Lockwood most recently led evening dining operations at The Ruins, the private supper club on Lower Queen Anne. In previous years he worked closely with celebrated Chef Hubert Keller at Fleur de Lys and held the position of Chef de Cuisine under Suzette Gresham at San Francisco’s Acquerello when the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. 

Lockwood also earned glowing reviews for his work at Fork in San Anselmo, California and Jory in the Willamette Valley. His parents and two sisters also make Seattle their home.

“Nathan and I fell in love over food,” said Rebecca Lockwood. “We met at the Broadway Dicks in 2004 when I was a law student at UW, and to open Altura just a few blocks away is a wonderful homecoming. We are so excited to be a part of the vibrant Capitol Hill restaurant scene.”

Driven by seasonality and local availability, the weekly changing menu showcases artistically presented Italian fare and draws inspiration from the Northwest. Most produce, meat, seafood and foraged items will be sourced from Pike Place Market vendors, specialty Italian purveyors, and the sizable vegetable and herb garden the Lockwoods tend at their North Seattle home.

Scheduled to open October 5^th, Altura (www.alturarestaurant.com; 617 Broadway E.) has been carved out of a former retail space in a nearly century-old building. Old World refinement and Northwest craft and materials ground Altura’s décor and mirror the culinary philosophy. Reclaimed wood, 18^th- and 19th-century European antique furnishings, original fir structural beams and an exposed brick chimney are watched over from the mezzanine by an angel rescued from a French chapel bombed during World War II.

The host stand and wine cabinetry were designed and crafted by Chef Lockwood himself out of wood salvaged from the former Jade Pagoda restaurant building across the street—now home to neighbor Bako. The ‘Chef’s Table’ is a massive carved oak piece that accommodates 6 to 10 guests and oak church pews are repurposed as banquette seating.

The restaurant’s menu will typically include bold dishes like handmade Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi with Abruzzese lamb-and-beef ragu and Lockwood’s signature ‘Steak for Two,’ accompanied by crispy herb-fried potatoes, balanced by lighter fare, such as Yellow Tail Tuna Crudo and Grilled Escarole Salad with lemon, anchovy and duck egg. Altura encourages its guests to celebrate dining in the Italian style by providing a ‘3–4–5’ coursed dinner format, whereby the guest chooses three, four, or five courses from the five menu sections. Guests are also welcome to dine à la carte. Vegan and vegetarian options are available based on daily market selections.

See a complete sample menu here.

3 COURSES $49    ̴ 2 PAIRED WINES $27

4 COURSES $59    ̴ 3 PAIRED WINES $37

5 COURSES $69    ̴ 4 PAIRED WINES $47

Altura’s wine offerings are presented as a soulful counterpart to the handcrafted fare. “We believe that wine should be enjoyable, enhancing and easy,” said Guy Kugel.  “Value is at the heart of the list and guests are encouraged to relax and explore.” Altura’s list highlights Old World selections and the best offerings from local producers, placing focus on food-worthy wines from small producers in a range of styles.

Seating 39 guests in total, including 10 each at the open-kitchen dining counter and chef’s table, Altura will offer dinner service Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. When not reserved, the chef’s table is available for communal dining.

Reservations may be made by phone, and soon at Altura’s website or on OpenTable.com.

Follow Altura Online:
http://www.alturarestaurant.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Altura-Restaurant/123161951102840

#     #     #
__________________________________________________________

APPETIZER

GRILLED OCTOPUS
BUTTER BEAN PURÉE, CUCUMBER, MINT

BURRATA CHEESE
FRIED CUBANELLE PEPPERS, SEL GRIS, GRILLED PUGLIESE

YELLOW TAIL TUNA CRUDO
SWEET PEPPER, ALICI, SALSA VERDE, SALSA TONNO

GOLDEN JUBILEE TOMATO SOUP
CHERRY TOMATO, OPAL BASIL, LIGURIAN OLIVE OIL

GRILLED ESCAROLE SALAD
LEMON, ANCHOVY, DUCK EGG, CRISPY BREADCRUMBS
___________________________________________________

PASTA

BUCCATINI
FRIED GARLIC AND PARSLEY, CUORE DI TONNO

PECORINO RAVIOLI
SUNGOLD TOMATO, CALABRIAN CHILI, GARLIC CONFIT

YUKON GOLD POTATO GNOCCHI
ABRUZZESE RAGU OF LAMB AND WHIDBEY ISLAND BEEF

TAGLIATELLE
SEA URCHIN, DUNGENESS CRAB, TARRAGON, LIME

AGNOLOTTI
SQUAB AND PHEASANT, MADEIRA JUS, CRISPY SAGE
___________________________________________________

ENTREE

RIBEYE STEAK, CUT FOR TWO
HERB FRIED POTATOES, ROMANO BEANS, ANCHOVY BUTTER
7   – supplemental per person

PANCETTA WRAPPED PACIFIC SCALLOPS
LATE SUMMER SHELLING BEANS, TROMBONCINO, BLOSSOM

ROASTED MAD HATCHER CHICKEN
FARRO, ROASTED GRAPES, WILTED ARUGULA, FRIED PINE NUTS

TRIO OF ANDERSON RANCH LAMB
LOIN, SHOULDER, RIBS, EGGPLANT INVOLTINI, NEPITELLA MINT

COLUMBIA RIVER STEELHEAD
SMOKED BELLY, SWEET CORN, SHRIMP AND CRAB FRITTI
__________________________________________________________

CHEESE

ARTISANAL AND FARMSTEAD CHEESE SELECTION
PRESENTED WITH SEASONAL ACCOMPANIMENT AND FRUIT

BELTRAME, VERDUZZO FRIULANO 2005 –13

DESSERT

BOURBON CARAMEL SEMIFREDDO
HAZELNUT PRALINE, CHOCOLATE FONDUE, VANILLA TUILE

ACCORDINI, RECIOTO DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2006 –18

VANILLA-RUM PANNA COTTA
GOLDEN RASPBERRIES, BLACK PEPPER HONEY, NEPITELLA

REISLING SPATLESE “ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN” DR. LOOSEN,
MOSEL, GERMANY 2009 -13

PEACH AND PLUM CROSTATA
ALMOND STREUSEL, SPICED CARAMEL, MASCARPONE

MOSCATO D’ASTI, “LA CALIERA”, BORGO MARAGLIANO,
PIEDMONT, ITALY, 2009 -7

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKE
SALTED CARAMEL, CRUSHED AMARETTI, PRALINE CREAM
VIN SANTO DEL CARMIGNANO, AMBRA, TUSCANY, ITALY 2003 -13

Down Under Answers’ Travel Deals and Qantas Airways’ Non-Stop Route from Dallas to Brisbane Making Holiday Travel to Australia More Accessible

DUA Expects More Midwest, Southeast and East Coast Travel to Australia

     

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(September 23, 2011)—For U.S. travelers looking for international alternatives to spending another bone-chilling winter in the States, the Southern States of Australia offer the best value for a warm-weather holiday vacation Down Under.

Down Under Answers (www.duatravel.com), is expecting more travelers from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas to take advantage of the company’s new “Southern Splendor” (www.duatravel.com/south) vacation offerings as a result of Qantas Airways’ recently launched non-stop from Dallas Forth Worth to Brisbane.

“The new route to Brisbane has essentially made it easier to access the southern states of Australia from the U.S.,” explains Kirk Demeter, Down Under Answers President and CEO. “Before the Dallas to Brisbane route was introduced, travelers from the Midwest and Eastern U.S. would have to first fly to Los Angeles before boarding their onward flight to Australia. Now, travelers have a convenient international gateway from the U.S. that offers additional seating capacity to Australia to connect with flights to regional Australia.”

The DUA “Southern Splendor” vacation packages include such getaways as a 12 night air and land inclusive vacation from $2,599 per person U.S.

Demeter went on to say, “The Southern States of Australia are the most lush and scenic part of the country, and offer the greatest value and experiences for travelers. Packages like these with options for travel through much of the peak season are not often seen.

For more about Southern Splendors Vacation Packages and ideas visit www.duatravel.com/south.

Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and seasonal surcharges.  Advertised priced reflects lowest season pricing. Add-on fares available from other U.S. cities. Seats/Rooms are limited and subject to availability at time of booking. A higher class of service may be offered as an alternative. U.S./foreign taxes/fees, including September 11th security fee, are not included, and are approximately U.S. $190-$250/person.  Amendment fees and cancellation penalties apply. 

About Down Under Answers
Down Under Answers, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012, is the recognized industry leader in vacation packages to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti and the Cook Islands. The Bellevue, Washington-based tour operator offers a wide variety of travel package options ranging from escorted tours to self-drive vacations, adventure travel, island escapes, groups and special interest travel, as well as customized independent arrangements. The company has repeatedly been voted the “Best Travel Wholesaler” by Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialists and Tourism New Zealand’s Kiwi Specialists as well as “Best Travel Wholesaler” by Australian Supplier Partners. For additional information, visit www.duatravel.com or call 800-889-1464.

Twitter: @downunderanswer
Facebook: www.facebook.com/downunderanswers
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/downunderanswers/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/DownunderAnswers2

#    #    #

Down Under Answers Extends Spectacular Savings to Australia with $1999 Per Person Travel Package

Australia Travel Specialist Offers 12-Night Australian Treasures Vacation with Over $1225 Per Person in Savings

BELLEVUE, Wash. — (September 9, 2011) — Down Under Answers, the leading wholesaler for Australia and New Zealand vacation packages, has extended its Australian Treasures package with a limited sale window through September 19, 2011. This package deal is priced from $1,999 offering huge savings to the southern regions of Australia with special emphasis on Tasmania, Adelaide, and Melbourne.

This vacation package is per person and includes round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles, 12-nights hotel accommodation, and fuel surcharges all in the $1,999 per person price.

Travel is based on double occupancy for departure from Los Angeles from September 11-24, 2011; November 11-14, 2011; and May 1-31, 2012.  Add-on fares available from other U.S. cities.

According to Kirk Demeter, President of Down Under Answers, "The southern region of Australia is truly unmatched in its beauty and provides such varying and spectacular experiences. This destination is perfect for a wide range of travelers including repeat vacationers who want to experience another side of Australia; vacationers who love to participate in adventure activities; price-conscious families who are looking for the best value for their travel dollar; and the upscale market who seek touring via private aircraft, five-star hotel accommodations, and more.

The 12-night Australian Treasures package includes the following:

• Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Melbourne, Hobart, and Adelaide
• 3 nights hotel in Melbourne
• 3 nights hotel in Hobart
• 3 nights hotel in Adelaide
• 3 nights hotel in Sydney
• Applicable fuel surcharges

Prices are from $1,999 per person, based on twin share in U.S. $ and traveling Qantas Airways from Los Angeles.  Packages are available for travel September 10, 2011 through May 31, 2012. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and seasonal surcharges.  Advertised priced reflects lowest season pricing.  Add-on fares available from other U.S. cities. Seats/Rooms are limited and subject to availability at time of booking. A higher class of service may be offered as an alternative. U.S./foreign taxes/fees, including September 11th security fee, are not included, and are approximately U.S. $190-$250/person.  Amendment fees and cancellation penalties apply. Book by:  September 19, 2011.

For additional information on this great package and more, visit www.duatravel.com/sale.

About Down Under Answers
Down Under Answers, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012, is the recognized industry leader in vacation packages to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and Dubai. The Bellevue, Washington-based tour operator offers a wide variety of travel package options ranging from escorted tours to self-drive vacations, adventure travel, island escapes, groups and special interest travel, as well as customized independent arrangements. The company has repeatedly been voted the "Best Travel Wholesaler" by Tourism Australia's Aussie Specialists and Tourism New Zealand's Kiwi Specialists as well as "Best Travel Wholesaler" by Australian Supplier Partners.  For additional information, visit www.duatravel.com or call 800-889-1464.

#   #   #