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

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El Gaucho Seattle and the Inn at El Gaucho in the New York Times

SEATTLE, Wash. — (May 15, 2010) — El Gaucho and the Inn at El Gaucho are featured in the online Travel section of the New York Times this month! Check out the article here. Congrats, El Gaucho!

www.elgaucho.com | @ElGauchoSteak | @ElGauchoPDX

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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Unique Dining Across Seattle and Beyond

Enjoy the Finest Warm-Weather Dining in Seattle, Bellevue and On the Water

SEATTLE, Wash. — (May 5, 2010) — The sun is out and it is time to unveil the best dining in an urban park setting, the best dining experience afloat, and the most magnificent views of Elliott Bay  paired with the freshest seafood.

El Gaucho Bellevue

El Gaucho Brings Bellevue Al Fresco Dining in a Park-Like Setting

www.elgaucho.com | @ElGauchoSteak |Facebook

Plan a morning or afternoon of luxe Eastside retail therapy and wind up—or wind down—at El Gaucho Bellevue. Grab a table outdoors and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner while nestled in an urban park setting of City Center Plaza. Indulge in a juicy filet mignon or Dungeness crab cakes under a sheltering umbrella tucked beneath the trees. Happy hour and the full lunch and dinner menus are served on the patio, which is covered and heated for the comfort of guests. Starting May 7^th, El Gaucho Bellevue will be welcoming the return of summer with “Savor Summer Series,” comprised of an irresistible selection of festive patio events every other Saturday.  For reservations or more information, call (425) 455-2715. For video driving directions to the Eastside’s most opulent dining destination, click here.

Waterways Cruises

Dining Afloat! Waterways Cruises Offers the Best Waterfront Seat in the City

www.waterwayscruises.com| @WaterwaysCruises| Facebook

Climb aboard a Waterways’ cruise for a delightful tour around Seattle. Waterways Cruises offers guests the unique opportunity to enjoy fine dining with ever-changing scenery as they are escorted around Lake Washington on a beautifully appointed yacht. Enjoy an outstanding Northwest-inspired spread of flavorful selections prepared by Executive Chef Udo, enlivened with an entertaining narration of sights by the captain. Choose a Weekend Brunch Cruise, Sunset Dinner Cruise, or kick back with a Happy Hour Cruise.  For reservations or more information, call (206) 223-2060 or visit Waterways online.

Waterfront Seafood Grill

Waterfront Seafood Grill Offers the Best Patio to Catch Striking Views of Elliott Bay and Savor the Freshest Seafood

www.waterfrontpier70.com | @waterfront70|Facebook

Choose from the full menu of outstanding seafood dishes, such as Alaskan King Salmon or stuffed prawns, on Waterfront Seafood Grill’s sweeping patio overlooking Elliott Bay, which affords magnificent views of Mount Rainier and spectacular sunsets. Heated—as needed—for comfort, Waterfront’s dual-level terrace also provides front-row seats to weekly sailboat races. Blankets are available upon request, should guests need a bit more warmth. For reservations or more information, call (206) 956-9171.

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Celebrate Summer!

Waterfront Seafood Grill and El Gaucho Locations Celebrate the Arrival of Summer With Salmon

Delectable Preparations of Salmon from the Columbia and Copper Rivers Are Mouth-Watering Additions to Menus

SEATTLE, Wash.—(May 5, 2011)— For their last journey, Copper River salmon travel in style—via Alaska Airlines from Cordova. In a highly anticipated annual event that marks the kick-off of summer salmon season, the first shipment is due to arrive early morning, May 17, and will be heralded by news media, chefs and local celebrities.

Waterfront Seafood Grill and El Gaucho locations will be among the first area fine-dining restaurants to receive the revered delicacy, available from mid-May to mid-June. Last year, Waterfront’s Executive Chef Peter Levine was one of only three Seattle-area chefs selected to meet the plane and participate in the inaugural “Copper Chef” cook-off.

“Copper River King Salmon is one of the most prized fish in the world with an incredible story unlike any other. It is the star of the salmon world, and every season it’s anxiously awaited,” says Chef Peter Levine. “It becomes the most popular item on our menu, perfectly cooked, making halibut take second place for a while,” adds Levine. “Not only has Waterfront come up with a few new mouth watering preparations for this year’s run, but the chefs at each El Gaucho will also be featuring this delicious fish on their grills. I suggest you mark your calendars for this special time of the season!”

Preparations vary, but each restaurant will always have the choice of classic, perfectly charcoal-grilled salmon. Options include:

• El Gaucho Seattle offers a Copper River salmon dish rich in flavor and texture: A generous filet is perfectly cooked over a hot grill, placed on a golden circle of lemon butter and topped with a sweet-and-sour mixture of pickled cucumber and red onion. The dish is drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar for a sweet-tart finish.

• In a more classic preparation, bright with fresh flavors heralding the arrival of summer, El Gaucho Bellevue is featuring Columbia River King Salmon. The filet is grilled and served with a generous ring of crème fraîche, made with minced shallots, sour cream, Riesling and thyme. Before serving, the dish is topped with a relish of English cucumber, lemon and red onion for tang and color.

• Using troll-caught Alaskan salmon, El Gaucho Tacoma will feature one of the most popular Northwest salmon preparations—roasted on a cedar plank.

• El Gaucho Portland offers a fresh, savory dish with its spring Chinook (King) salmon. The filet is perfectly grilled and prepared with fish fumé, braised ramps and pancetta.

• Waterfront Seafood Grill offers a handful of special salmon dishes, including a mouthwatering, grill-roasted Copper River King. Fennel and lemon are thinly sliced, placed next to the salmon, then all are seasoned with alder-smoked sea salt, pepper and olive oil, and finished with a splash of crisp white wine.

See the full list of salmon dishes.

Copper River salmon are some of the most flavorful, nutritious and heart-healthy fish in the world—muscular, firm-textured and loaded with 25% Omega-3 fatty acids, stored up for their arduous 300-mile journey up the icy, rushing waters.

Other delicious salmon served at Waterfront Seafood Grill and El Gaucho outposts are sourced from the Columbia River and Alaska’s Kenai River, the run of which begins mid-July.

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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Salmon Dishes

El Gaucho Seattle

Grilled Copper River Salmon—with pickled cucumbers and red onions, lemon butter and a drizzle of aged balsamic

Grilled Columbia River Salmon—with an orange-white miso glaze and ponzu sauce

El Gaucho Bellevue

Grilled Columbia River King Salmon—with Riesling-thyme crème fraîche and cucumber-lemon relish

El Gaucho Tacoma

Alaskan Troll-Caught Salmon—prepared in a variety of ways, including: cedar-planked; herb- or goat cheese-crusted; with cucumber relish; lemon zest; or grilled and generously drizzled with lemon-herb butter

El Gaucho Portland

Grilled Spring Chinook (King) Salmon—with fish fumé, braised ramps and pancetta

Waterfront Seafood Grill

Grilled King Salmon Burger—with all the fixin’s

Roasted Alaskan Salmon—with shallot and smoked-bacon relish, braised fennel and watercress purée

Grill-Roasted Copper River King Salmon—with shaved fennel, lemon and alder-smoked sea salt

Treat Mom to Something Special This Mother’s Day

Waterfront Seafood Grill

SEATTLE, Wash. — (May 2, 2010) — Local restaurants, wineries and spas are making it easy to help mom feel special on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8. Below are ideas for special brunch offerings, dinner spots, wine events and spa deals — all that celebrate her.

Waterways Cruises and Events

Celebrate Mother’s Day with an Unforgettable Brunch or Dinner Cruise

www.waterwayscruises.com| @WaterwaysCruises| Facebook

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Seattle by treating mom to an extraordinary brunch or dinner cruise. Enjoy views of the ever-changing scenery along Lake Washington’s shorelines while cruising aboard a beautifully appointed Waterways’ yacht. The Brunch Cruises include a two-hour cruise, a Champagne toast upon boarding and a gourmet spread of classic Northwest brunch favorites, enhanced by a chef-attended prime rib station. The Dinner Cruise includes a two-and-a-half hour cruise, a Champagne toast upon boarding and an extraordinary four-course menu, freshly prepared on board and served at guests’ private table. Live music and the captain’s narration of sights along the way will add to the enjoyment of this very special cruise. The brunch cruises depart at 11 a.m. from Waterways Homeport in Seattle and Southport Pier in Renton; the dinner cruise departs at 5:30 p.m. from Waterways Homeport in Seattle. For more information or to purchase tickets for either event, call (206) 223-2060 or visit Waterways Cruises online.

Patterson Cellars Seattle Tasting Room

Treat Mom to Wine and Chocolate at Patterson Cellars

www.pattersoncellars.com |@PattersnCellars | Facebook

Give mom what she really wants on Mother’s Day this year — wine and chocolate. On Sunday, May 8, from noon to 5 p.m., Patterson Cellars will be offering great wines and savory chocolate from Theo Chocolate in celebration of Mother’s Day at both their Woodinville and Seattle locations. The Woodinville tasting room is located at 19501 144th Ave NE Suite D-600 and the Seattle tasting room is located at 1427 Western Ave near the Pike Street Hillclimb. For more information call (206) 724-0664 for the Seattle location or (425) 483-8600 for the Woodinville location.

Waterfront Seafood Grill

Mother’s Day Brunch at Waterfront Seafood Grill

www.waterfrontpier70.com | @waterfront70

Wow mom this Mother’s Day with a fantastic brunch at a simply stunning location. Waterfront Seafood Grill boasts Seattle’s finest seafood coupled with gorgeous, sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Space Needle. Chef Peter Levine has crafted a superb menu featuring brunch classics with a seafood spin. The brunch menu will be available from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 8. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (206) 956-9171.

Banana Walnut Pancakes ($14) – hot maple syrup, whipped cream

Classic Baguette French Toast ($15) – blueberries, strawberries, whipped cream & hot maple syrup

Crispy Corned Beef Hash ($17) – house-made, hand-formed with poached eggs & green onions

Northwest Seafood Omelet ($21) - salmon, halibut & crab, fresh herbs & jack cheese

Vegetable Omelet ($15) – French-style ratatouille & Brie cheese

Eggs Benedict ($16) – toasted English muffin, Canadian bacon, poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce

Dungeness Crab Benedict ($21)

Customizable Gift Certificates from Oasis Spa & Salon

Give Mom the Ultimate Gift of Relaxation with an Oasis Spa & Salon Gift Certificate

www.oasisspaandsalon.com| @oasisspasalon| Facebook

Pamper mom this Mother’s Day by treating her to a spa or salon day at Oasis Spa & Salon. Skip the running around in search of that perfect gift, and instead surprise her with a gift certificate to Oasis Spa & Salon. The beautiful spa and salon in Woodinville is making it easy this year to get mom what she really wants, at just a click away. Instant gift certificates can be created online at www.oasisspaandsalon.com. Guests choose the gift certificate amount, design and an optional message, and then it can either be printed or sent via email. This gift is perfect for last-minute shoppers, especially those with hectic schedules. Click here to get mom an instant gift certificate this Mother’s Day. The minimum amount is $25 and the maximum is $1,000. For more information, visit Oasis Spa & Salon online or call (425) 486-9200.

El Gaucho Bellevue

Dine in Elegance at El Gaucho

www.elgaucho.com | @ElGauchoSteak | @ElGauchoPDX

Doesn’t mom deserve only the best on her day? El Gaucho is the ideal place to enjoy an exceptionally swanky Sunday celebration. Whether Chateaubriand or lobster tail is the dish of choice, El Gaucho provides the ultimate in upscale dining.

Each of the four locations (Seattle, Tacoma, Portland and Bellevue) will open for Mother’s Day dinner. To learn more about El Gaucho’s Mother’s Day hours, click here. 

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Celebrate Mom!

El Gaucho Seattle Hosts Underground Wine Society

Thursday, April 28 at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Pampas Room

SEATTLE, Wash. — (April 26, 2011) — On Thursday, April 28th, El Gaucho Seattle invites wine connoisseurs to an exclusive underground wine tasting in search of the next great Washington wine. After tasting a classified selection of Small Lot Co-Op wines, partakers will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for their top three wines. The three wines determined to be the best by the society will then be unveiled on El Gaucho’s wine list. The top wine will not only secure premier placement on El Gaucho’s nationally recognized wine list, it will also be made available by the glass and the winemaker will be featured as an Underground Society Guest Sommelier.

WHO: El Gaucho Seattle

www.elgaucho.com

WHAT: Underground Wine Society

An exclusive tasting event featuring fine wine from

Small Lot Co-Op wineries, including:

Animale Winery (www.animalewine.com)

Castillo de Feliciana Winery (www.castillodefeliciana.com)

Challenger Ridge Vineyard and Cellars (www.challengerridge.com)

Des Voigne Cellars (www.desvoignecellars.com)

Goedhart Family Winery (www.goedhartfamily.com)

Heavens Cave Cellars (www.heavenscave.com)

Kana Winery (www.kanawinery.com)

Lodmell Cellars (www.lodmellcellars.com)

Morrison Lane Winery (www.morrisonlane.com)

Plum Hill Vineyards (www.plumhillwine.com)

Plumb Cellars (www.plumbcellars.com)

Stina’s Cellars (www.stinascellars.com)

Upland Winery (www.uplandwinery.com)

Wawawai Canyon Winery (http://wawawaicanyon.com)

WHERE: El Gaucho Seattle

2505 First Avenue

Seattle, WA 98121

(206) 728-1337

WHEN: Thursday, April 28 - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $45 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

For reservations, call El Gaucho Seattle at (206) 728-1337.

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. Offering intimate private dining and nightly live music, El Gaucho’s bar was recently named one of the “Best Places to Network” by Seattle Business, “Readers’ Choice for Best Steak” by Seattle Magazine, and has earned five Wine Spectator “Awards of Excellence” and three “Best of Awards of Excellence.” Located at 2505 First Ave., El Gaucho is open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call (206) 728-1337 or visit www.elgaucho.com.

Follow El Gaucho Online

Website: www.elgaucho.com

Twitter: @ElGauchoSteak

Facebook: El Gaucho

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NFL Mascots Invade El Gaucho Seattle

SEATTLE, Wash. — (April 12, 2011) — On April 4th, guests of El Gaucho Seattle were treated to an unusual surprise as 12 fully outfitted NFL mascots invaded the restaurant. After eating dinner, all of the mascots donned their professional costumes to run around the restaurant, causing guests to whip out their cameras and participate in the fun. El Gaucho is the official steakhouse of the Seattle Seahawks, and was delighted to host the Seahawks mascot “Blitz” and 11 other NFL mascots.

WHO:             Seattle Seahawks mascot “Blitz” and 11 other NFL mascots

WHAT:          Rare show of 12 entirely outfitted NFL mascots causing mayhem at El Gaucho. Several photos caught the NFL mascots in action as they interacted with guests and darted around the restaurant. View the photos here.

WHERE:        El Gaucho Seattle

2505 First Avenue

Seattle, WA 98121

(206) 728-1337

WHEN:          Monday, April 4th

WHY:             Blitz wanted to thank the 11 other NFL mascots for supporting him in Seattle’s MS walk the day before

· Ryan Asdourian, known as “Blitz” was diagnosed with MS in 2008

· The NFL mascots were in town for their annual mascot meeting

Assorted photos of the NFL mascots wreaking havoc at EL Gaucho Seattle are available here: http://elgaucho.com/elgaucho/Seahawks

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. Offering intimate private dining and nightly live music, El Gaucho’s bar was recently named one of the “Best Places to Network” by Seattle Business, “Readers’ Choice for Best Steak” by Seattle Magazine, and has earned five Wine Spectator “Awards of Excellence” and three “Best of Awards of Excellence.” Located at 2505 First Ave., El Gaucho is open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call (206) 728-1337 or visit www.elgaucho.com.

Follow El Gaucho Online

Website: www.elgaucho.com

Twitter: @ElGauchoSteak

Facebook: El Gaucho

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Wine Storage Bellevue Announces ‘Steve’s Picks’

Upscale Facility Offers Wine Storage Promotion Along With Spring Wines Selected by El Gaucho Wine Director, Steve Smith

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(March 15, 2011)—Wine Storage Bellevue and El Gaucho have devised the perfect wine pairing: The state-of-the-art wine storage facility and Bellevue restaurant recognized for its outstanding wine list are offering exclusive deals on four special wines and a locker rental promotion that provides customers 25 percent off their first six months’ rent.

El Gaucho Wine Director Steve Smith selected the quartet of exceptional wines based upon their incredible value and appropriateness for the season. Guests may purchase any number of bottles or combinations of ‘Steve’s Picks’ through El Gaucho Bellevue by stopping into the restaurant or phoning the front desk at (425) 455-2715. The wine will then be properly stored at Wine Storage Bellevue for pick up between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

As an added bonus, Wine Storage Bellevue is offering exclusively to ‘Steve’s Picks’ buyers ’25 percent off their first six months’ rent. Instead of arranging a pick-up time, those who elect to take advantage of the promotion can have their wine purchases added directly to a private, all-steel wine locker, where contents will be held at optimal wine storage conditions. Locker pricing starts at just $21 per month.

The inaugural selection of ‘Steve’s Picks’ provide something for virtually everyone. “We are pleased to partner with Wine Storage Bellevue to offer our loyal customers fantastic wines and an opportunity to get to know a truly exceptional wine storage facility on the Eastside. I had connoisseurs and collectors specifically in mind when I chose these wines, which are an incredible value right now because of the wine surplus,” says Smith.

The Hot Deal

Paradigm Merlot 2008

$36

This artful Napa Valley winery navigated the wild weather of 2008 to produce a lovely merlot with soft tannins and suggestions of strawberries. This wine normally retails for more than $100.

The Collector

Pahlmeyer Red 2006

$75

This complex red reveals sweet, smoky aromas and a long, heady finish. It’s a wine with longevity, and will realize its full potential with proper storage.

The Collector

Evening Land ‘La Source’ Pinot Noir 2008

$66

This Gold Label wine from Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley is no longer available from the winery. This is a rare opportunity to add #32 on Wine Spectator’s 2010 Top 100 list to a collection.

An Everyday Wine

Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot 2009

$12

This explosive bottle is loaded with complex flavors, and represents the excitement that surrounds Washington Merlots.

A limited number of bottles are available at these retail prices, offered exclusively through El Gaucho’s partnership with Wine Storage Bellevue. The four selected wines are currently on El Gaucho’s wine list but are not available at these featured prices while dining at the restaurant.

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 118^th Avenue SE, Bellevue, Washington. Access is available 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.

Follow Wine Storage Bellevue online:

http://www.winestoragebellevue.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bellevue-WA/Wine-Storage-Bellevue/124800290869549

http://www.twitter.com/winestorageblvu

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El Gaucho Portland Introduces Willamette Valley Vintners Bio-Cask System

Sophisticated Technology Keeps Premium Wines Perfect from the First Glass to the Last Drop

Willamette Valley Vineyards Founder Jim Bernau Showcases the Bio-Casks

PORTLAND, Ore.— El Gaucho is raising a glass to an exciting development that is poised to revolutionize the wine industry.

Willamette Valley Vineyards has launched “Bio-Cask,” and El Gaucho Portland is the first restaurant anywhere to feature the winery’s new wine-casking technology. A stainless steel cask that contains the equivalent of 26 (750 ml.) bottles, the wine-preserving Bio-Cask is designed to connect with a restaurant’s tap system to provide high-quality wines by the glass to the customer at an approachable price. The technology keeps each successive glass as fresh as the first.

Bio-Cask benefits the guest, the restaurant, the winery and the planet:

• Increases quality and consistency of the wine
• Is a simple system that utilizes existing tap technology and widely available gasses
• Is waste-free
• Is ecologically friendly

Says Chad Mackay, president and CEO of Mackay Restaurants, “This is an exciting development because it drives down the cost of wine for everybody involved by eliminating the extra materials. We’re introducing Bio-Cask in El Gaucho Portland, but we have plans to expand the technology into our other locations.”

Oregon is a famously “green” state, and Willamette Valley Vineyards is a participant in the Oregon winery Carbon Neutral Challenge. President Jim Bernau came up with the concept of the Bio-Cask during the winery’s early efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in 2009.

Over its estimated 10-year lifespan, each slim, sleek Bio-Cask will replace 327 cases of traditionally packaged wine, thereby eliminating the need for: 3,924 glass bottles, corks and metal cork caps; 7,848 labels and adhesive; cardboard boxes; wooden pallets; and the plastic wrap to secure packed boxes for transport. Not only does the Bio-Cask virtually eliminate materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or require recycling, but the reduced per-unit weight translates to a markedly smaller carbon transportation footprint, the single most significant impact on the environment for the wine industry as a whole.

The selections currently being served at El Gaucho Portland from the Bio Cask tap system include:

Willamette Valley Vineyards, Pinot Noir 2008 (Willamette Valley), $14 per glass

and

Troon Vineyard, Trifecta Red 2008 (Oregon), $10 per glass

“These highly food-friendly wines are on the menu right now and are pouring beautifully. Our guests know we’d only offer them the best, and they’ve embraced both the wines and the concept. Perceptions are changing rapidly about wine packaged in non-traditional ways. What’s so terrific about Bio Cask is that it offers significant ecological benefits without sacrificing a fraction of an ounce of quality,” says El Gaucho Portland Wine and Cigar Captain Leann Loveland, “and who can’t drink to that?”

Open since 2000, 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’s swanky bar was recently featured in Continental Airlines magazine and given the “Gold Standard” by Portland Monthly magazine. Located at 319 S.W. Broadway, El Gaucho is open Monday through Thursday 5 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m. Happy hour is available 5 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close Monday through Friday and all day Sunday. For more information, visit www.elgaucho.com or call (503) 227-8794.

Follow El Gaucho Online

Website: www.elgaucho.com

Twitter: @ElGauchoPDX

Facebook: Facebook

Celebrate 1/1/11 in Seattle!

SEATTLE, Wash. – (December 14, 2010) – 1/1/11 only comes around once every hundred years, so make sure this New Year’s celebration is one to remember in Seattle with the help from these local restaurants and businesses.

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Annual New Year’s Eve Bash at Waterfront Seafood Grill

www.waterfrontpier70.com | @waterfront70 | Facebook

Pier 70 is the place to say farewell to 2010 and raise a glass to the new year. With exceptional fresh seafood, amazing views and live music, Waterfront Seafood Grill’s annual New Year’s Eve bash will rock the dock. Executive Chef Peter Levine has created special dinner items that will be offered along with the regular menu:

Caviar ($90)

Sustainable osetra, 1oz., toasted brioche, crème fraiche, mother-of-pearl spoon

Sautéed Foie Gras ($25)

Caramelized onions and apples, 50 year-old balsamic vinegar, big croutons

Grilled Filet ‘Rossini Style’ with Certified Angus Beef^® ($72)

Seared duck foie gras, fresh winter black truffles, fancy Madeira sauce

Roast Maine Lobster Tails ($50)

Water chestnut and scallion relish; miso, lemon and ginger butter sauce

Dinner reservation are available from 5 to 11 p.m. Afterwards, guests are invited to stay and dance the night away to the lively sounds of pianist Benet Fleck and the Elliott Bay-O-Nettes with sultry vocalist Melanie Winslow. For reservations, call (206) 956-9171.

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Ring in 2011 at El Gaucho Seattle and The Inn at El Gaucho in Belltown

inn.elgaucho.com

Make a night of the festivities with a swanky dinner at El Gaucho Seattle and an overnight stay at the Inn at El Gaucho. From 9 p.m. to midnight, pianist Primo Kim will be playing his spirited jazz music throughout the Pampas Room. Celebrate the big night with festive décor and a toast to 2011, and then retire to a haven of plush featherbeds and Egyptian cotton sheets for some much-needed rest. The Inn at El Gaucho in Belltown is offering up this special package:

New Year’s Eve Package ($325)

Best available junior suite

In-room celebratory party favors

Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine

Priority reservation at El Gaucho Seattle*

*Time and party size subject to availability.

Must be 21-years-old or over. Prices do not include sales tax or dinner at El Gaucho Seattle (if applicable). Valet parking is optional for the package at $25 plus tax, subject to availability. Valid on December 31, 2010 only. For reservations, call El Gaucho Seattle at (206) 728-1337 or the Inn at El Gaucho at (866) 354-2824.

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Cafe Flora Offers New and Old Traditions: New Year’s Eve Dinner or Annual Brunch

www.cafeflora.com | @CafeFloraVeg | Facebook

Seattle’s favorite vegetarian restaurant, Cafe Flora, is ringing in the New Year with new and old traditions. Along with their annual morning brunch on January 1, they will now be offering a luck-themed dinner celebration during their regular hours on December 31:

New Year’s Eve Prix-Fixe Dinner – December 31

Reservations from 5 to 10 p.m.; Prix-fixe cost $45

Enjoy a three-course meal and complimentary glass of Champagne.

All bottles of Champagne will be ½ off.

Third Annual New Year’s Brunch – January 1

Reservations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Buffet cost $20 for adults, $12 for kids

Fruit and pastries; salads; signature scrambles; crème brulée French toast; potato latkes; and accompaniments such as roasted Yukon gold potatoes, cheesy grits, braised collard greens, Hoppin’ John fritters and black-eyed peas.

Large party reservations for 8 or more on both days are highly recommended. For reservations or additional information, call (206) 325-9100.

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Don’t Drop the Ball: Stick to a Resolution with Energy Fitness and Wellness

www.energyfitandwell.com | @EnergyFitnWell | Facebook

Kick 2011 into high gear and jump-start an initiative to get healthy with Energy Fitness and Wellness. Located in Lake Union, the fitness center is offering holiday specials so that the Times Square ball is the only one being dropped on New Year’s this year:

$50 Membership Fee Waived Throughout December

– or –

$100 for 5 One-on-One Sessions with a Personal Fitness Guru

These limited-time offers are only available until December 31 by calling Energy Fitness and Wellness directly at (206) 283-0526. For information on membership pricing, trainer bios and class schedules, visit www.energyfitandwell.com.

 Special New Year’s Eve Hours

Cafe Flora

December 31: Open regular hours, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

January 1: Third Annual New Year’s Day Brunch, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner 5 to 10 p.m.

El Gaucho Bellevue

December 31: Open regular hours, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

January 1: Closed all day

El Gaucho Tacoma

December 31: Open regular hours, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

January 1: Closed all day

El Gaucho Portland

December 31: Seating 4:30 to 5 p.m., 7 to 7:30 p.m., 10 to 10:30 p.m.

January 1: Closed all day

El Gaucho Seattle

December 31: Open regular hours, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

January 1: Closed all day

Waterfront Seafood Grill

December 31: Dinner, 5 to 11 p.m.

January 1: Closed all day

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For Auld Lang Syne!

Media Contact: Ashley McLean

Randall PR / (503) 490-9886

Hassle-Free Holidays: Gift Ideas From Around the Northwest

SEATTLE, Wash.—(November 24, 2010)—Do you hear what I hear? No, not jingle bells: Car horns a-honking, pushy shoppers yelling and continuous ding of the dreaded check-out line out the door. Wouldn’t it be nice to avoid it all, and find the perfect gift for everyone hassle-free? The following Northwest businesses have unwrapped presents and events so you can relax during the most hectic time of the year:

Festive Presents for Both Naughty and Nice at PersonalWineBottles.com: Custom, Personalized Wine Bottles For $82

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

Santa’s making a list, but this year he won’t have to check it twice: he’s ordering his presents from PersonalWineBottles.com. Whether the gift is for Hanukkah, Christmas or any holiday, PersonalWineBottles.com offers individually customized, hand-painted, hand-etched wine bottles making personalized gift-giving easy.

Customers select a design category like, “Seasons Greetings,” “Happy Chanukah,” “Happy New Year,” and “Merry Christmas.” Bottles can be further customized with up to two lines of text for a personalized message. Customers can select from 11 wines for their custom design. Designs and personal messaging is $75, plus the cost of wine, ranging from $7 to $37.50. Gift bags can be purchased for an additional $2.50.

To purchase a customized bottle of wine visit www.PersonalWineBottles.com.

Deck the Halls with Bottles of Wine from Tsillan Cellars: Six Mix-and-Match Bottles for Just $99

www.tsillancellars.com | @Tsillan_Cellars | Facebook

Tis’ the season to be jolly with the holiday special Tsillan Cellars is offering. Whether giving as a gift or stocking up for a winter party, Tsillan Cellars is offering six mix-and-match bottles for just $99. Choose from the 2007 Piccolo Rosso, 2007 Estate Barrel Select Syrah and 2007 Estate Chardonnay, which received 90 points in the June 2009 issue of Wine Spectator, and won double gold at the 2009 San Francisco Wine Competition. Purchase online or in the tasting room.

Additionally, those looking for a romantic holiday getaway can travel to Tsillan Cellars throughout the winter season. Start by sampling wines in the gorgeous, Tuscan-inspired tasting room. Then sit down for an unforgettable dinner at Sorrento’s Ristorante, Tsillan Cellars’ wildly popular restaurant. For reservations and more information, call (509) 682-5409.

Stuff a Stocking, Not a Turkey, with a Cafe Flora Gift Set: $80 for Cookbook, T-Shirt and $50 Gift Card

www.cafeflora.com | @cafefloraveg | Facebook

Seattle’s beloved vegetarian restaurant is celebrating the most wonderful time of year with a present that even a Grinch will love: a holiday gift set complete with a Cafe Flora cookbook, $50 gift card and a Cafe Flora t-shirt for only $80; a $95 value.

The cookbook features over 250 vegetarian and vegan recipes even meat eaters will adore. Plus, Cafe Flora’s t-shirts come from Ashbury Images, who puts 100 percent of the proceeds towards Ashbury Images’ mission of employing and supporting at-risk youth. This gift set is available from now until the end of December, and can be purchased at the restaurant.

Jumpstart a Resolution: $100 for 5 Sessions at Energy Fitness and Wellness

www.energyfitandwell.com | @EnergyFitnWell | Facebook

Fruitcake is so 2009. This year, give the gift of fitness and nutrition with an Energy Fitness and Wellness gift card. For only $100, the holiday package includes five sessions with a personal fitness guru. This limited-time holiday offer is available by calling Energy Fitness and Wellness directly at (206) 283-0526.

Located on gorgeous Lake Union, Energy Fitness and Wellness focuses on holistic health, balanced nutrition and tailored workouts. Services include personal training, customized nutrition planning and group fitness classes. For more info, visit www.energyfitandwell.com.

Waterfront Seafood Grill Makes Spirits Bright at Annual Winemaker Dinner with Mark Ryan Winery, Sleight of Hand and Sparkman Cellars on December 21

www.waterfrontpier70.com | @waterfront70 | Facebook

Wine and dine that special someone during a Pier 70 holiday tradition: Waterfront Seafood Grill’s 7^th Annual Winemaker Dinner on December 21 with Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery, Trey Busch of Sleight of Hand Cellars and Chris Sparkman of Sparkman Cellars.

The dinner will be held in the Eastbay room at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling (206) 624-4060.

Executive Chef Peter Levine has created a five course dinner with wines specially paired:

Seared Weathervane scallop – 2009 Mark Ryan Viognier & 2009 Sparkman Lumière Chardonnay

Smoked duck breast salad – 2009 Sleight of Hand Magician’s Assistant Rosé & 2007 Sparkman Ruby Leigh

Roasted Yellow fin tuna – 2008 Mark Ryan Crazy Mary Mourvedre & 2008 Sleight of Hand Levitation Syrah

Fire-roasted leg of lamb – 2008 Mark Ryan Dead Horse, 2008 Sleight of Hand Spellbinder & 2007 Sparkman Kingpin Cabernet Sauvignon

Banana coconut cream pie – paired wines to be decided

All I Want For Christmas is Gift Cards, Caramels and More From Heavy Restaurant Locations: Barrio, Purple Café & Wine Bar, and LOT No. 3

www.thepurplecafe.com | www.barriorestaurant.com | www.lotno3.com

This year, Purple Café & Wine Bar, Barrio Restaurant and LOT No. 3 are the places to mark off everything on Santa’s list. House made caramels, sold at every location, come in a special holiday package three for $5 or a dozen for $18, and make sweet stocking stuffers. Gift cards suit everyone’s liking, and are redeemable at any Heavy Restaurant location. Gift cards can be bought online or at the restaurant. For a little more Christmas cheer, Purple is selling most bottles and cases from their wine list at 40 percent off the retail price.

All three restaurants also offer catering and private dining for the holidays. Be a secret Santa and select from a variety of box lunches for coworkers or skip the holiday meal planning and order a la carte platters from the restaurants. To plan a family or business gathering, contact groupdining@heavyrestaurantgroup.com or call (206) 838-3853.

Special Holiday Hours

Barrio Bellevue

10650 NE 4^th St., Bellevue (425) 502-5021

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Barrio Capitol Hill

1420 12^th Ave., Seattle (206) 588-8105

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Cafe Flora

2901 E. Madison St., Seattle (206) 325-9100

December 24 – Closed, all day

December 25 – Closed, all day

El Gaucho Tacoma

2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma (253) 272-1510

December 24 – Dinner, seating 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

El Gaucho Portland

319 SW Broadway, Portland (503) 227-8794

December 24 – Dinner, seating 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

El Gaucho Seattle

2505 First Ave., Seattle (206) 728-1337

December 24 – Dinner, seating 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

December 25– Closed, all day

El Gaucho Bellevue

10903 NE 6^th St., Bellevue (425) 455-2742

December 24 – Happy hour at 4 p.m., dinner seating 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

LOT No. 3

460 106^th Ave. NE, Bellevue (425) 440-0025

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Bellevue

430 106^th Ave. NE, Bellevue (425) 502-6292

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Kirkland

323 Park Place Center, Kirkland (425) 828-3772

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Seattle

1225 4^th Ave., Seattle (206) 829-2280

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Woodinville

14459 Woodinville-Redmond Rd. NE, Woodinville (425) 483-7129

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Waterfront Seafood Grill

2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, Seattle (206) 956-9171

December 24 – Open 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

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Happy Holidays!

Media Contact: Ashley McLean

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

El Gaucho Tacoma Launches “Off the Vine” Recurring Wine Tasting and Retail Event

Friday, October 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.

TACOMA, Wash.—(October 8, 2010)—Uncork a favorite wine and purchase it for discounted prices without leaving south sound’s favorite steakhouse. El Gaucho Tacoma is introducing a regularly recurring wine tasting and retail event titled “Off the Vine.”

WHO: El Gaucho Tacoma

WHAT: “Off the Vine”

· Meet with local wine representatives while enjoying wine tastings and light appetizers. Guests have the opportunity to purchase bottles or cases of anything offered for tasting at discounted prices.

· $10 per person plus tax; inclusive of tastings and chef’s selections of appetizers.

· Each date will have a different mix of wines to taste and purchase. See the October 15 “Off the Vine” wines.

· No reservations needed; pay at the door.

WHERE: 2119 Pacific Avenue

Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 272-1510

WHEN: Friday, October 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Cordon Selections

Long Shadows Ninehats ‘07

Long Shadows Poets Leap Riesling ‘08

Long Shadows Pirouette ‘06

Wineglass Cellars Red Blend ‘01

Wineglass Cellars Chardonnay ‘09

Salida Tempranillo ’09

Noble Wines

Abeja Cabernet ‘07

Abeja Merlot ‘07

Abeja Chardonnay ‘08

Shafer 1.5 Cabernet ‘07

Cain Concept ‘06

Penner Ash Pinot Noir ‘08

NEXT: The next “Off the Vine” event will be held Friday, October 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. Wines to be determined.

El Gaucho^® Tacoma is renowned for its 28-Day Dry-Aged Certified Angus Beef^®, tableside preparations, extensive wine and single malt scotch lists, and intimate private dining. Recognized in Wine Press Northwest’s Best Washington Wine Lists issue as “Outstanding,” El Gaucho Tacoma is open Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to close; Saturday and Sunday 4:30 p.m. to close. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close; Saturday 10 p.m. to close and all day Sunday. El Gaucho is located at 2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. For more information, visit www.elgaucho.com or call (253) 272-1510.

Follow El Gaucho Online

Website: www.elgaucho.com

Twitter: @ElGauchoSteak

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

El Gaucho Celebrates Ten Glorious Years in Portland’s Historic Benson Hotel

 

Legendary Steakhouse Teams Up With “Shooting for the Stars” Fundraiser for an Unforgettable Night – 10/10/10

PORTLAND, Ore.—(October 1, 2010)—Ten years ago, a swanky new restaurant opened in Portland’s exclusive Benson Hotel. As it turned out, it was a perfect pairing. Woven into the fabric of the Rose City, El Gaucho has become the place for people celebrating the great events of their lives.

El Gaucho will be toasting its first ten years in grand style, with a big bash and an annual charitable event:

10^th Anniversary Party and “Shooting for the Stars” Fundraiser

Sunday, October 10, 5 - 10 p.m. (or until the festivities end!)

· Drinks and buffet dinner featuring El Gaucho's renowned 28-day dry-aged Certified Angus Beef^® Prime 12-hour roasted prime rib, Alaskan wild king salmon and signature Caesar salad prepared from scratch.

• Silent and live auctions, with Master of Ceremonies Andy Carson from Good Day Oregon and FOX 12, and Joel Iwanaga from KOIN 6.

· Casino gaming, blackjack and Texas hold ‘em tournaments; prizes awarded for each tournament winner and highest gambler of the night.

· Live music provided by Mariano De Orbegoso, Toshi Onizuka and friends.

· Cost is $150 per person, which includes dinner, select cocktails and wines, and $50 in gambling money. Reservations must be made in advance by calling (503) 227-8794. A credit card is required for reservations. Gratuity and complimentary valet parking are included.

· Black tie attire is encouraged but not required.

The Hemophilia Foundation of Oregon (HFO) and the Oregon Regional Hemophilia Treatment Center at OHSU are the beneficiaries of the fifth annual “Shooting for the Stars.” El Gaucho has lent its support to many worthy organizations over the years, but this has become the Portland location’s consistent, flagship charitable event.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate ten years of business than to raise money for local children with hemophilia, a rare and expensive blood disease. We’ve got a terrific evening planned and are hoping to see many of our guests,” says El Gaucho General Manager Greg Gonzales.

For those that can’t attend the one night auction and fundraiser, a special cocktail created by esteemed bartender Mark Joseph, the G-Ten ($11), and a 10-year cigar, Robusto ($15), will be available at El Gaucho throughout the entire year with profits benefitting HFO. The G-Ten is made up of freshly squeezed orange juice, Fee Brothers Aztec chocolate bitters, Ketel One Oranje, a splash of Pama and pomegranate liquor. It’s shaken and served with a powdered sugar rim finished with an orange twist.

Although guests will always find the finest steaks and exemplary, old-school tableside service at every location, each El Gaucho (also Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue) boasts its own distinct character, and the rich history and exclusive clientele of Portland’s outpost is no exception.

When it opened in 2000, El Gaucho took over the space once home to the equally-legendary Trader Vic’s. The restaurant continues to pay homage to its iconic predecessor by always featuring a classic Trader Vic libation on the cocktail menu.

El Gaucho is housed in the richly European elegance of the Benson Hotel.  Founder Simon Benson believed that Portland was in need of world-class accommodations and in 1912 the businessman and philanthropist opened this 287-room hotel. Nearing its century mark, The Benson is considered one of Portland’s finest hotels to this day.

Ten years later, El Gaucho continues to be the go-to destination for local and international celebrities alike. Nike co-founder Phil Knight, actors Sean Penn and Bruce Willis, players from the Portland Trailblazers, sports superstars Michael Jordan and LeBron James, and politicians the likes of John Kerry and Dick Cheney have all dined at El Gaucho.

Says El Gaucho founder Paul Mackay, “Though we have seen many famous faces, none are as important to us as our regular Portland clientele, who are as unique and exceptional as the city and El Gaucho Portland itself. They’ve been the reason behind our success for all these years.”

Open since 2000, 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’s swanky bar was recently featured in Continental Airlines magazine and given the “Gold Standard” by Portland Monthly magazine. Located at 319 S.W. Broadway, El Gaucho is open Monday through Thursday 5 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m. Happy hour is available 5 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close Monday through Friday and all day Sunday. For more information, visit www.elgaucho.com or call (503) 227-8794.

Follow El Gaucho Online

Website: www.elgaucho.com

Twitter: @ElGauchoPDX

Facebook: Facebook

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Jazz Vocalist Stephanie Porter Performs Saturdays in the Pampas Room

Sept. 25 s Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30 s Nov. 6, 13, 27

SEATTLE, Wash.—(September 22, 2010)— Looking for a swanky Saturday night with ‘all that jazz’? Head to El Gaucho Seattle where Stephanie Porter will grace Pampas Room guests with her spirited jazz music this fall.

WHO:             El Gaucho Seattle

WHAT:          Stephanie Porter Performs

· Listen to sultry jazz vocalist Stephanie Porter

· Full bar and dinner menu available

· Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Music from 9 p.m. to midnight

· No admission fee    

WHERE:        Pampas Room

2505 First Avenue

Seattle, WA 98121

(206) 728-1337

WHEN:          Saturdays, 9 p.m. to midnight

September 25; October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 27

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. Offering intimate private dining and nightly live music, El Gaucho’s bar was recently named one of the “Best Places to Network” by Seattle Business, “Readers’ Choice for Best Steak” by Seattle Magazine, and has earned five Wine Spectator “Awards of Excellence” and three “Best of Awards of Excellence.” Located at 2505 First Ave., El Gaucho is open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call (206) 728-1337 or visit www.elgaucho.com.

Follow El Gaucho Online

Website: www.elgaucho.com

Twitter: @ElGauchoSteak

Stephanie Porter, a Seattle native and outstanding jazz vocalist with a clear, sultry tone and a bright and appealing stage presence, has had a passion for music her whole life. From 1996 to 2000, Porter opened for a multitude of national acts as a member of the popular disco group, “Hit Explosion.” During this time, she also recorded “My Heart Belongs to Daddy,” which ascended to the top 100 of the Gavin Jazz Chart. National Public Radio station, KPLU (88.5 FM), still features a number of songs from her critically-acclaimed album, Mood Swings, which has been sold in over 25 countries. A longtime figure in the Northwest jazz scene, Porter has worked with over 50 groups as a freelance vocalist and is often spotlighted as a featured or special guest artist in some of the region’s top venues. In addition to the Northwest, she has performed in venues across the country, as well as Canada, France and England. Her latest album, How Deep is the Ocean, is a brilliant showcase of her amazing talent as a vocalist. For more on Ms. Porter, visit www.stephanieporter.com.

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“Why don’t we paint the town and all that jazz?”

Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757