El Gaucho Bellevue Celebrates Summer with Launch of Themed Patio Parties

Bellevue Invites Guests to Savor Summer on its Newly Opened Patio

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(May 12, 2011)— El Gaucho Bellevue has kicked-off summer with the opening of its new premier patio. Weather permitting, the new patio is open daily for lunch, happy hour and dinner. To celebrate the opening of its perfect summer patio, Bellevue will also be hosting its first ever “Savor Summer Series,” comprised of an irresistible selection of festive patio events.

El Gaucho Bellevue’s new patio is surrounded by water fountains and beautiful grassy landscapes, creating the ultimate urban oasis in Bellevue’s City Center Plaza situated in the heart of Bellevue’s financial district.

El Gaucho Bellevue’s Savor Summer Series takes place every other Saturday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Each patio event will include delectable appetizers and two specialty drinks per person. The first event of the series was held on May 7, with the theme “¿Hey Baby, Que Pasa?,” delighting guests with south-of-the-border specials and the perfect margarita. Now through September, guests will have the opportunity to attend a total of nine more exclusive patio parties in the Savor Summer Series, allowing them to savor all that summer has to offer.

May 21: Anchors Away
Ahoy matey! Set sail on the S.S. Gaucho while you savor a tropical array of appetizers and drinks. $48 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

June 4: Hog Wild

This little piggy rode his Harley to El Gaucho for some finger-lickin’, squealin’ good times.

$35 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

June 18: Boys of Summer
Bring your favorite father out for an afternoon of grilling and chilling over your ballpark favorites, Gaucho-style. Chef Steve Cain will teach the basics of grilling the perfect steak.

$45 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

July 9: Vive La France

Ooh la la, it’s another hot night on El Gaucho’s patio! Chill down with a flight of Champagnes to complement le menu français in honor of Bastille Day.

$70 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

July 23: Happy as a Clam(bake)

A New England tradition comes to El Gaucho as Chef Steve Cain goes coastal with premium Northwest shellfish. Roll out the newspapers and roll up your sleeves for a delicious feast!

$65 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

August 6: True Blues and True Brews
It’s a weekend for the blues: Blue Angels at Seafair and Blue Moon beer. Put on a happy face and enjoy El Gaucho’s killer barbeque to lift your spirits.

$40 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

August 20: Devil in Disguise
Bacon lovers will rejoice in this sinfully delicious extravaganza, filled with your favorite of guilty pleasures.

$72 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

September 10: The Rain in Spain…

Join us for a weekend fiesta with festive sangria, tapas and paella.

$62 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

September 24: An Afternoon with Charlie and Buster

Lindy hop your way back to the Roaring Twenties with classic martinis and all that jazz.

$58 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

Reservations for the events can be made by calling El Gaucho Bellevue at (425) 455-2715.

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

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"I Love Aussie" Deals Boomerang Back with Australia Vacations

Down Under Answers’ Second Time Around Promo Offers 10 Vacations to the Furthest Corners of Australia

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(September 2, 2010)—Back by popular demand, the award-winning travel experts at Down Under Answers (www.duatravel.com) are offering several “I Love Aussie” travel deals that break down any barriers between a much-needed vacation and the Great Barrier Reef.

These 10 new Australian vacation deals start at the incredible low price of just $1,399 per person (including airfare and accommodation, based on double-occupancy). Interested travelers should hurry, as the sale ends September 30, 2010. These limited-time offers are good for travel between October 11, 2010 to November 23, 2010 and from January 30, 2011 to March 22, 2011, with the option to travel until March 31, 2011. Contact DUA experts to book directly at (866) 792-5458 or visit http://www.duatravel.com/luvpr

“Those who traveled last year during the “I Love Aussie” campaign couldn’t stop raving about their vacations. After the response, we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to send more travelers to our favorite Australian destinations, and our partners, V Australia and Tourism Australia, couldn’t agree more,” says Kirk Demeter, President of Down Under Answers.

During the “I Love Aussie” campaign, customers can expect huge savings on customizable itineraries such as:

· For a taste of Australia, look no further than Luv Sydney & Cairns (8-night air and land inclusive, from $1,399 per person/double occupancy). Spend the days exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, and famous Bondi Beach.

· Enjoy the city and the islands with Luv Sydney, Hamilton Island & Cairns (10-night air and land inclusive, from $1,699 per person/double occupancy.) Enjoy two cities bursting with Australian culture—Sydney and Cairns—plus the luxury of a Great Barrier Reef island stay.

· Experience a little of everything from Luv Sydney, Cairns, Tangalooma & Brisbane (12-night air and land inclusive, from $1,899 per person/double occupancy). Discover iconic favorites such as Sydney and Cairns, plus two nights’ stay at Tangalooma Island Resort and a wild dolphin feeding.

· For the ultimate Australian vacation enjoy Luv Sydney, Rainforest, Noosa, Fraser Island & Brisbane (10-night air and land inclusive, from $3,389 per person/double occupancy). Bounce along with kangaroos in the wild, explore Sydney and Queensland’s best-kept secrets, relish the resort life, and explore Australia’s largest subtropical rainforest and the world’s largest sand island.

For a complete list of all 10 packages, click here.

Each package can be purchased as-is, or the travel gurus at Down Under Answers can help customize a vacation. Even with add-ons, deals abound. “Guest can upgrade to 4 and 5 star hotels in the Luv Sydney & Cairns package for just $130 more. That’s a savings of $1,300,” Demeter says.

Thanks to the opposite seasons of the Southern Hemisphere, springtime in Australia means returning to the beach. Each of the ten options allow travelers as much—or as little—time as they want to soak up the sun, while still having time to delight in the best Australia has to offer. Those ready to trade the dreary cold of fall and winter in the States for spring and summer in Australia can book their vacation with Down Under Answers by calling toll-free at (866) 792-5458 or visiting (http://duatravel.com/luvpr).

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. Repeatedly voted Best Travel Wholesaler by Tourism New Zealand and Tourism Australia specialists, the company employs seasoned destination specialists to customize tours—ranging from unique, experiential holidays tailored to suite style, taste and budget, to pre- and post-cruise itineraries, shore excursions, escorted tours, destination weddings and honeymoons, private tours to groups of any size and much more. New for 2010 is the launch of Africa Answers. For further information email info@duatravel.com, or call (800) 889-1464.

Follow Down Under Answers Online:

Website: http://www.duatravel.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/downunderanswer

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

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

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

Blog: http://www.jasonsjobblog.com

Jason Mesnick, star of ABC’s season 13 of “The Bachelor,” is online most weekdays at noon discussing travel-related topics.

*All prices based on Los Angeles, CA departure. Seasonal surcharges & blackout dates may apply.

El Gaucho® Bellevue Introduces New Line-Up of “Medicinal” Cocktails

El Gaucho Bellevue’s Medicinal Cocktails (L to R) Pain Killer, Remember Me and Gin Zing

Mixologists Put a Unique Twist on El Gaucho’s Inventive Cocktail Menu

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(August 30, 2010)— “To your health!” is a universal toast when raising a convivial glass, but El Gaucho Bellevue has gone one better: They’ve introduced cocktails designed both to be delicious and to do the body good, by bringing ancient herbal remedies into the mix.

Created by El Gaucho’s Lead Bartender Chris Leroy and the skilled mixology team, four new cocktails have been added to the swanky steakhouse’s innovative bar program. These will spotlight such mood-enhancing herbs as ginseng, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort and skullcap.

“Bars everywhere have begun to feature ingredients such as housemade bitters, infused spirits and syrups, ginger brews and more to enhance flavor profiles. With all the stress that people deal with these days, I thought I would take the trend a step further and combine it with the healing properties of natural herbs and tinctures, which have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to great effect,” says Chris LeRoy.

New medicinal cocktails, all $14, include* (see note below):

Remember Me: Cachaça, honey syrup, lime, gingko biloba

This cocktail blends gingko biloba (thought to enhance memory and to alleviate altitude sickness and premenstrual symptoms) with cachaça (for energy), honey syrup (for healing and immunity as well as sweetness) and lime (a powerful antioxidant and scurvy cure).

Gin Zing: Boodles gin, triple sec, lemon, honey syrup, ginseng

Asian ginseng (Panax Ginseng) is considered to be an energizer for the entire body, partially attributable to the human shape of the ginseng root. In addition to being an energy tonic and physical and emotional stress reducer, it is used to treat everything from common colds to diabetes to erectile dysfunction.

Pain Killer: Hendrick’s gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon, cucumber, St. John’s Wort

Popularly known as “nature’s Prozac,” St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) has been used for millennia, most widely as a treatment for mild depression as it increases levels of serotonin in the brain.

Stress Reliever: Calvados, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, pear liqueur, lemon, ginger, medicinal blend

The medicinal blend contains 20 calming herbs, including skullcap, (Scutelleria Lateriflora) whose powerful sedative properties are used to treat a range of nervous conditions. Ginger calms the stomach and alleviates symptoms of the common cold.

Cocktails as medicine have a long history. Distilled spirits such as vodka and gin were considered to be “medicinal” when first introduced; hot toddies and the unlikely combination of whiskey, milk and butter are old remedies to soothe a sore throat; nineteenth-century New Orleans apothecary Antoine Peychaud mixed his curative bitters into brandy, which became the classic Sazerac.

Quips LeRoy, “Each cocktail contains half the recommended daily dose of the featured herb, so I suggest that guests take two and call me in the morning. And the next time your doctor asks if you drink alcohol, tell them ‘yes, but strictly for medicinal purposes.’”

*The Fine Print: Herb tinctures are pre-made by expert herbalists at Herb Pharma and are added to the cocktails by El Gaucho’s mixologists, who have carefully devised these recipes to contain ingredients well within accepted usage levels. However, people are reminded that some of these substances are considered powerful drugs in their own right that can also interfere with other medications.

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 the 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

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A Votre Santé!

Bellevue Fashion Week Discussed on "Chat With Women"

"Vogue" Special Events & Marketing Director Anne Vincent was on Chat with Women this morning discussing Bellevue Fashion Week. Click on the link below to listen to the podcast where she discusses upcoming trends for this fall and Bellevue Fashion Week, August 25-29!

http://www.chatwithwomen.com/podcast/?p=1377

Tickets for Bellevue Fashion Week are still available. (VIP Shopping Night $25; Front Row Fashion General Admission $75). To purchase tickets, visit https://v2.interactiveticketing.com/tickets/t12_2010_bellevue_square_fashion_week_10061499f3/form_purchase.php?step=intro

More info on Bellevue Fashion Week: http://www.bellevuesquare.com/fashionweek/fw_calendar.php

More about Chat With Women: Listen to the Chat With Women Radio Show 5 days a week - airing LIVE Monday-Friday at 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on KKNW 1150 AM, King County, WA.

It's Not Too Late!!! Join El Gaucho Bellevue for the Brews and Q’s Patio Party
Friday, August 27, 2010 l 5:30pm - 7:30pm
$65 inclusive of tax and gratuity
Includes validated self-parking, up to three hours in garage

The patio will be rockin’ to the likes of Johnny Cash and Hank Williams as we fire up the BBQ and
pour some Brews by Mac and Jacks, Bulleit Bourbon Old Fashioned and Soft Tail Vodka Martini’s. Chef Steve Cain
will be manning the Q and serving up some classic BBQ nourishment for the soul.

MENU
Mac and cheese bites
Fried okra with Remoulade dipping sauce
Roquefort bruschetta with roasted grapes and thyme
Heirloom tomato salad
Roasted sweet corn chipotle honey butter
Barbecued chicken molasses with Bourbon glaze
Barbecued beef brisket, with original 1951 El Gaucho barbeque sauce
Grilled Alaskan salmon with citrus herb garlic butter
And much more…

Call 425.455.2715 for reservations!

Fall Trends Previewed on New Day Northwest

"Vogue" Special Events & Marketing Director Anne Vincent was on New Day Northwest this morning discussing Bellevue Fashion Week. Preview the top trends for fall by watching the TV segment below and visit http://www.bellevuesquare.com/fashionweek/fw_calendar.php to find out more about Bellevue Fashion Week, August 25-29!



Tickets for Bellevue Fashion Week are still available. (VIP Shopping Night $25; Front Row Fashion General Admission $75). To purchase tickets, visit https://v2.interactiveticketing.com/tickets/t12_2010_bellevue_square_fashion_week_10061499f3/form_purchase.php?step=intro

New Video Helps Guests Find El Gaucho Bellevue

Where in the World is El Gaucho® Bellevue?
New Awning and Location Video Help Guests Find Swanky Eastside Steakhouse

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(August 23, 2010)— The cat’s out of the bag. Despite all efforts to keep El Gaucho Bellevue’s (www.elgaucho.com) location a sworn secret, it has become considerably easier to spot downtown Bellevue’s finest steakhouse.

A brand new awning now heralds El Gaucho’s location at 450 108th Ave. N.E. in the 26-story City Center Plaza. Since opening in November 2008, the Bellevue fine dining restaurant has largely been regarded as an upscale, members-only club by in-the-know Eastsiders and Microsofters occupying the same building.

“We’ve held on to our air of location exclusivity for long enough. After nearly two years, we had to break it to our Microsoft regulars that after all the new signage was put in they wouldn’t be the only ones able to find us,” quips Chad Mackay, COO of Mackay Restaurant Group.

The El Gaucho Bellevue homepage also now features a video http://tinyurl.com/2dxtbvg that shows people how to drive in off of 108th Ave. N.E. and transition from underground parking to the restaurant on the main level. Until recently, there had been no signs at the street, along the unobtrusive driveway entrance, in the garage or elevators, or even on the door in the lobby: No wonder El Gaucho was harder to find than Jimmy Hoffa.

Finally, at long last, there is signage.

(Ironically enough, even such geography experts as UPS, Google Maps and the Bellevue Fire Department couldn’t pinpoint the Bellevue steakhouse. El Gaucho had to negotiate with the City of Bellevue—with the full and unconditional support of the fire department—to be assigned a dedicated street address.)

“It took a long time to sort out the details, but we’re thrilled to finally have our signage in place. We’re confident that once guests have managed to find the way here the first time, they’ll never, ever forget how to come back,” concludes Mackay.


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 malt scotch lists. El Gaucho offers intimate private dining and nightly live music. El Gaucho Bellevue is located at the 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

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Wine Storage Bellevue Holds Giveaway for 2 Tickets to Pour on the Plaza, Sat. Aug 14 (a $190 value)

Come in to Wine Storage Bellevue from now until end of day Thursday and fill out an entry form for a chance to win two tickets to El Gaucho's Pour on the Plaza on Saturday, August 14. Tickets are $95 each, so don't miss this chance to get TWO tickets for free!

Participants must fill out an entry form in person. Winners will be drawn end of day Thursday and will be contacted by Wine Storage Bellevue.

Wine Store Bellevue is located at 1614 118th Avenue SE, Bellevue, adjacent to I-405.
Wine Storage Bellevue offers secure climate-controlled, state-of-the-art all-steel storage lockers for valued wine collections of all sizes. Prices begin at $24 per month. Rental includes use of the generously appointed 1,000-square-foot Wine Resource Center and Tasting Room, equipped with a computer and internet access. Wine Storage Bellevue is situated inside Stor-House Self Storage, located at 1614 118th Avenue SE, Bellevue, Washington. Locker Room open daily from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.; Wine Resource Center open 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., or by special appointment. For more information call (425) 453-2242 visit http://www.winestoragebellevue.com.

About Pour on the Plaza:
Taking place from 2 to 5 p.m., Pour on the Plaza will once again be held on the City Center Plaza’s expansive, grassy outdoor area, in the heart of downtown Bellevue’s Financial District located at 450 108th Ave. NE, Bellevue. Cost is $95 per person and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at (425) 255-2715 or by visiting the reservations page here. Validated self-parking is available in City Center Plaza Garage. The event benefits Room to Read. Guests must be 21 years or older.

The gifted jazz guitarist and vocalist Brian Nova will lend his smooth, jazzy vibe to the event.

Partnering Northwest wineries include:

Alexandria Nicole Cellars (alexandrianicolecellars.com)
Andrew Will (andrewwill.com)
Barons V (baronsv.com)
Col Solare (colsolare.com)
Darby Winery (darbywinery.com)
DeLille Cellars (delillecellars.com)
Domaine Drouhin (domainedrouhin.com)
Domaine Serene (domaineserene.com)
Dunham Cellars (dunhamcellars.com)
EFESTĒ (efeste.com)
Elevation Cellars (elevationcellars.com)
Fidelitas (fidelitaswines.com)
Gorman Winery (gormanwinery.com)
Lachini Vineyards (lachinivineyards.com)
L’Ecole (lecole.com)
Long Shadows (longshadows.com)
Mark Ryan Winery (markryanwinery.com)
Northstar (northstarwinery.com)
Novelty Hill (noveltyhillwines.com)
Pepper Bridge (pepperbridge.com)
Sparkman Cellars (sparkmancellars.com)
Stevens Winery (stevenswinery.com)
SYZYGY (syzygywines.com)
Va Piano Vineyards (vapianovineyards.com)
Woodhouse Family Cellars (woodhousefamilycellars.com)
Woodward Canyon (woodwardcanyon.com)

El Gaucho will offer an array of appetizers, including its signature 28-day Certified Angus Beef®. Additional partnering restaurants include:

Grand Cru (grandcru-winebar.com)
Palomino (palomino.com)
Wild Ginger (wildginger.net)

‘Pour On the Plaza’

El Gaucho^® Bellevue Presents

2^nd Annual ‘Pour On the Plaza’ August 14

Spirited Wine and Food Event Showcases Prestigious Northwest Wineries; Proceeds to Benefit Global Organization Room to Read

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(July 26, 2010)— Hot on the heels of being awarded Best in Show, Best Service and Best Private Dining by the Eastside’s own 425 magazine, El Gaucho Bellevue—is announcing the second annual Pour on the Plaza. On Saturday, August 14, guests are invited to sample the offerings of some of the region’s most distinguished wineries and restaurants while supporting the award-winning organization Room to Read.

Taking place from 2 to 5 p.m., Pour on the Plaza will once again be held on the City Center Plaza’s expansive, grassy outdoor area, in the heart of downtown Bellevue’s Financial District located at 450 108^th Ave. NE, Bellevue. Cost is $95 per person and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at (425) 255-2715 or by visiting the reservations page here. Validated self-parking is available in City Center Plaza Garage. Guests must be 21 years or older.

The gifted jazz guitarist and vocalist Brian Nova will lend his smooth, jazzy vibe to the event.

Partnering Northwest wineries include:

Alexandria Nicole Cellars (alexandrianicolecellars.com)

Andrew Will (andrewwill.com)

Barons V (baronsv.com)

Col Solare (colsolare.com)

Darby Winery (darbywinery.com)

DeLille Cellars (delillecellars.com)

Domaine Drouhin (domainedrouhin.com)

Domaine Serene (domaineserene.com)

Dunham Cellars (dunhamcellars.com)

EFESTĒ (efeste.com)

Elevation Cellars (elevationcellars.com)

Fidelitas (fidelitaswines.com)

Gorman Winery (gormanwinery.com)

Lachini Vineyards (lachinivineyards.com)

L’Ecole (lecole.com)

Long Shadows (longshadows.com)

Mark Ryan Winery (markryanwinery.com)

Northstar (northstarwinery.com)

Novelty Hill (noveltyhillwines.com)

Pepper Bridge (pepperbridge.com)

Sparkman Cellars (sparkmancellars.com)

Stevens Winery (stevenswinery.com)

SYZYGY (syzygywines.com)

Va Piano Vineyards (vapianovineyards.com)

Woodhouse Family Cellars (woodhousefamilycellars.com)

Woodward Canyon (woodwardcanyon.com)

El Gaucho will offer an array of appetizers, including its signature 28-day Certified Angus Beef^®. Additional partnering restaurants include:

Grand Cru (grandcru-winebar.com)

Palomino (palomino.com)

Wild Ginger (wildginger.net)

“We want to position Pour on the Plaza as Bellevue’s premiere food and wine event. Everyone last year had a wonderful response, so we are thrilled to hold it again in City Center Plaza– this time with ‘Room to Read’ as the beneficiary,” says Mackay Restaurant Group COO Chad Mackay.

About Room to Read:

Room to Read is a non-profit organization established in 2000 by former Microsoft executive John Wood. Room to Read promotes literacy and gender equality by collaborating with local communities, governments and partner organizations in developing countries through Asia and Africa.

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 the 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

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757