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

# # #

Happy Holidays!

Media Contact: Ashley McLean

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

LOT No. 3 Opens in Bellevue

Photo Credit: Denise Sakaki

LOT No. 3 Opens in Bellevue

Comfort Food Compliments Whiskey and Beer Focused Beverage Menu

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(June 15, 2010)— Heavy Restaurant Group, the creative force behind restaurants Barrio and Purple Café and Wine Bar, has introduced a new concept to the Eastside in the form of LOT No. 3. Located in the Bellevue Towers, LOT No. 3 is a casual eatery and bar that pairs clever, sophisticated food and drink menus with the cozy ambiance of a favorite ‘locale.’

The round, convivial bar at the entrance welcomes guests while a bluesy, eclectic soundtrack plays in the background. Inside, exposed brick and metal accentuate the masculine space. Tables, booths, communal seating, and leather sofas and chairs offer a range of options for a solo meal, a date or an after-work gathering of friends. For a lofty view of the entire room, take a seat on the second story or when the weather is warm, grab a table on the patio planned for later this summer.

Executive Chef Mike Davis has devised an approachable menu of seasonally inspired, simple-yet-sophisticated gastro-fare such as:

Select cheeses and cured meats from Salumi ($3.25-$5)

Duck confit, short-rib or BLT sliders ($3.50-$3.75)

Seafood Gumbo ($14.50)

Plate O’ Bacon ($6)

Peanut Butter, Bacon & Jelly sandwich ($6.75)

Pretzel ($3.25)

Spiced Jar Cake ($5.75)

When it comes to beverages, LOT No. 3 focuses on beer and brown liquor. The arguable king of brown cocktails, the Manhattan, is featured on the menu with a choice of six whiskies (three ryes, three bourbons), four types of bitters, and three different sweet vermouths. In addition to six rotating brews on draught, available by the pint or growler, there are 50-plus bottled-beer varieties and a dozen specialty cocktails of around 100 spirits. Rounding out the liquid program is the by-the-glass wine list, hand-selected by wine director Dawn Smith. Purple Café’s extensive bottle list will also be offered to LOT No. 3 guests.

Happy hour is offered from 4 to 6 p.m., and features discounted snacks and select beer and cocktails. View the happy hour menu here.

“Where Purple is wine-centric and Barrio gives tequila a starring role, LOT No. 3 puts the spotlight on beer and brown spirits. What I love most about the restaurant is that there’s a comfortable, relaxed vibe that makes it equally great for a casual date or hanging out with friends. It’s the kind of place where I want to spend time,” says owner Larry Kurofsky.

LOT No. 3 Information and Hours

Location: Bellevue Towers, 460 106^th Ave. NE, Bellevue

Phone: 425.440.0025

Online: www.lotno3.com | @heavyrestaurant

Hours: Tue - Sun 4 p.m. until 2 a.m.; Closed Monday/available for private parties;

Food served until 1 a.m. Tue – Sun; Happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m.

Capacity: 100; minors are permitted in dining areas.

Reservations: Accepted for groups of 6 or more. Private parties of all sizes welcome.

Parking: Available in Bellevue Towers Parking garage with free 4-hour validation.

Key Bank surface lot on NE 4^th Street available after 5 p.m.

Heavy Restaurant Group is the management team supporting Barrio, Purple Café and Wine Bar and LOT No. 3. Heavy’s management office is located at 1218 Third Ave., Ste. 900, Seattle, 98101 (206-838-3852). For information, please see Heavy Restaurant Group online at www.heavyrestaurantgroup.com.

LOT No. 3 is a casual eatery offering an eclectic, seasonally inspired menu and an extensive, global selection of beers and brown spirits, including 6 draughts, more than 50 bottled beers, 100 top-shelf spirits, signature cocktails and wines by the glass and bottle. LOT No. 3 is located next to Barrio and Purple Cafe and Wine Bar at 460 106^th Ave. NE, Bellevue, Wash., (425-440-0025). Open Tuesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. until 2 a.m.; closed Monday. For further information, please see LOT No. 3 online at www.lotno3.com.

# # #

Cheers!

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

Contact: David Yusen

Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Heavy Restaurant Group/ (206) 452-0515

davidy@heavyrestaurantgroup.com

Waterfront Seafood Grill, Sip., El Gaucho, and Purple Cafe Highlighted in French Magazine, IDEAT

Seattle is featured in the May issue of the French Magazine, IDEAT. Waterfront Seafood Grill, Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant, El Gaucho and Purple Cafe & Wine Bar are all mentioned!

More Info:
www.waterfrontpier70.com
www.siprestaurant.com
www.elgaucho.com
www.purplecafe.com

Purple Café & Wine Bar’s Inventive Wine Cocktail List Goes Beyond the Spritzer

Purple Café & Wine Bar’s Inventive Wine Cocktail List Goes Beyond the Spritzer
Wine in Cocktails Showcased at New Bellevue Location

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(December 1, 2009)—Drawing on their vast cellar and the extensive experience of Christene Prentice, Director of Liquids for Heavy Restaurant Group, Purple Bellevue is introducing five scintillating new wine cocktails to their beverage menu.

The current cocktail culture boom shows no sign of slowing, but—sparkling notwithstanding—wine-based potent potables remain largely unexplored territory. Spritzers, Kir Royales, sangria and the French 75 have all become ubiquitous. But there’s a whole new drinks rage waiting to be discovered, and Bellevue’s Purple Café & Wine Bar is leading the way:

The Harvest Fizz ($9)
Gewürztraminer, Bellringer gin and Austrian orchard pear liqueur…
The perfect way to prepare you for the snowy slopes

The Montoya ($9)
A movie character that is forever etched in our minds…
Rich and exotic Spanish brandy, Argentine Malbec and a splash of Pedro Ximénez

Di Mora ($9)
Our wine director’s favorite… she insisted on this…
Bourbon, cabernet sauvignon, Fernet-Branca (yes, it will soothe your belly) and muddled blackberries

The Thymeless Kiss ($9)
You will not find this anywhere else…yet.
Riesling is the base here, with fresh thyme and green Chartreuse

The Karmic Sour ($9)
This cocktail is designed to give you goose pimples… hopefully, it will.
Chai-infused syrah, pisco (Peruvian un-aged brandy), lime, egg white and black pepper

Christene Prentice is the mastermind behind these innovative drinks. Prentice started with Purple Kirkland in 2003 as a wine bartender. She currently oversees all liquids for Purple (Seattle, Bellevue, Woodinville, Kirkland) and Barrio (Seattle, Bellevue).

Notes Prentice, “I wanted to bring out certain characteristics inherent to each grape, just as mixologists do with different spirits. Bolder spirits are matched with more ‘masculine’ grapes, and clear spirits with more delicate varietals. Fresh fruits, spices and herbs make these drinks a delicious food pairing alternative to a glass of wine.”

Purple Café & Wine Bar is a multifaceted food and wine concept specializing in an eclectic Northwest-inspired menu coupled with an extensive global wine selection, including 90 wines by the glass, wine flights, and hundreds more wines by the bottle. Purple is a two-time winner of Evening Magazine’s “Best of Western Washington” contest in the category of “Best Wine Bar,” and has been awarded Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” and Wine Enthusiast’s “Award of Ultimate Distinction.” In 2008 Purple was named “Best Place for Wine Tasting” and “Best Washington Wine Focused Wine Bar” by Seattle Magazine. Purple is located in downtown Bellevue at NE 4th St and 106th Ave. NE, Bellevue, Wash. (425) 502-6292.Visit www.thepurplecafe.com for hours and more information.

# # #
In Vino Veritas!

Media Contact: Kelsey Simmons
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757 / kelsey.simmons@randallpr.com

Purple Café & Wine Bar Opens October 6th in Bellevue Towers

Purple Café & Wine Bar Opens October 6th in Bellevue Towers

Bringing Dramatic Interiors, Sophisticated Cuisine and an Extraordinary, Global Wine Selection to Downtown Bellevue

BELLEVUE, Wash.—(October 1, 2009)— When Purple Café and Wine Bar opens October 6th on the street level of Bellevue Towers (NE 4th St. and 106th Ave. NE), it will become the fourth outpost of Larry and Tabitha Kurofsky’s stylish, urban wine bar.

Purple Bellevue boasts a vibe similar to the downtown Seattle flagship: Chic, bustling and industrial, with wine country-inspired warmth. In addition to the heavy, wrought-metal furnishings, two rounded, wrought-metal semi-private dining “areas”—unique to this site—host parties of up to 15. Open at the top and entry, these elegant, sculptural, semi-private spaces provide separation without seclusion, so guests won’t sacrifice the buzz and excitement of the 175-seat dining room, which includes a tasting bar, wine bar and lounge. Purple Bellevue shares a private dining space with neighbor Barrio, which seats up to eighty, and is perfect for anything from business meetings to large banquets.

Bellevue’s answer to Seattle’s famous spiral wine tower is a set of similarly dramatic “wine libraries,” with rows of floor-to-ceiling shelves with the ability to house some 15,000 bottles of wine.

Says owner Larry Kurofsky, “We wanted a stylistic equal to our Seattle space, and we’re thrilled with the result. The design and construction teams have really outdone themselves. It’s dramatic with great flow.”

Purple Bellevue’s menu will feature the same classic American styles and seasonal Northwest ingredients that keep guests flocking to the other locations. Executive Chef Mike Davis and Chef de Cuisine Casey Barnes will oversee the menu, which will have several items unique to the Bellevue restaurant. Chef Davis is best recognized for his distinguished, wine-centric restaurant 26Brix (Walla Walla), and is excited to add his unique signature to Purple’s eclectic, inventive menu with dishes such as Dungeness Crab Ravioli, Autumn Vegetable Salad and Roasted Rack of Lamb with Spicy Lamb Sausage.

Recently named Seattle magazine’s Sommelier of the Year, Wine Director Dawn Smith is putting her expert spin on Purple Bellevue’s extensive wine and beverage program. Purple Bellevue will pay homage to outstanding Washington State and domestic selections, and the broad, deep wine list will also be distinguished by global favorites and lesser-known varietals.

Purple Bellevue is ideal for a quick business meeting, a leisurely lunch, an after-work glass of wine or a special-occasion dinner.

Purple Bellevue will be open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. until midnight; and Sunday, 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Reservations are accepted for parties of all sizes.

Purple Café and Wine Bar is a multifaceted food and wine concept specializing in an eclectic Northwest-inspired menu coupled with an extensive global wine selection, including 90 wines by the glass, wine flights, and hundreds more wines by the bottle.

Purple is a two time winner of Evening Magazine’s “Best of Western Washington” contest in the category of “Best Wine Bar,” and has been awarded Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” and Wine Enthusiast’s “Award of Ultimate Distinction.” In 2008 Purple was named “Best Place for Wine Tasting” and “Best Washington Wine Focused Wine Bar” by Seattle Magazine.

Purple is opening October 6, 2009 in downtown Bellevue at NE 4th St and 106th Ave. NE, Bellevue, Wash. (425) 502-6292, with locations at 323 Park Place Center, Kirkland, Wash. (425-828-3772), 1225 Fourth Ave., Seattle (206-829-2280) and 14459 Woodinville-Redmond Rd. NE, Woodinville, Wash. (425-483-7129). Purple Café and Wine Bar’s management office is located at 1218 Third Ave., Ste. 900, Seattle, 98101 (206-838-3852). Visit www.thepurplecafe.com for hours and more information.

# # #

Media Contact: Kelsey Simmons
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757 / kelsey.simmons@randallpr.com

Media Note: Media dinners are available upon request. Please contact Kelsey Simmons.

Purple Café & Wine Bar Opens

Purple Café & Wine Bar Opens
Today, October 6th

Heavy Restaurant Group Brings Its Chic Urban Wine Bar to Bellevue Towers

BELLEVUE, Wash. – (October 6, 2009) – Bellevue’s Purple Café & Wine Bar boasts a similar bustling, industrial chic vibe as the Seattle location. Here, though, dramatic “wine libraries” house the impressive wine collection, with rows of floor-to-ceiling shelves with the ability to hold some 15,000 bottles of wine. Wine Director Dawn Smith has put her expert spin on the global wine program, while Executive Chef Mike Davis introduces several signature dishes to Bellevue’s menu such as Roasted Rack of Lamb with Spicy Lamb Sausage. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week.

• WHO: Heavy Restaurant Group opens its sixth restaurant with its fourth location of Purple Café & Wine Bar. www.heavyrestaurantgroup.com
  
• WHAT: Purple Café & Wine Bar serves new American cuisine, which highlights seasonal Northwest ingredients.
  
• WHERE: Located at NE 4th St and 106th Ave. NE on the retail level of downtown Bellevue’s Bellevue Towers. For a link to the map of Purple Bellevue, click here.
  
• WHEN: Tuesday, October 6th, 11 a.m.
  Regular hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. until midnight; and Sunday, 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Reservations are accepted for parties of all sizes.

Purple Café and Wine Bar is a multifaceted food and wine concept specializing in an eclectic Northwest-inspired menu coupled with an extensive global wine selection, including 90 wines by the glass, wine flights, and hundreds more wines by the bottle.

Purple is a two time winner of Evening Magazine’s “Best of Western Washington” contest in the category of “Best Wine Bar,” and has been awarded Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” and Wine Enthusiast’s “Award of Ultimate Distinction.” In 2008 Purple was named “Best Place for Wine Tasting” and “Best Washington Wine Focused Wine Bar” by Seattle Magazine.

Purple is located in downtown Bellevue at NE 4th St and 106th Ave. NE, Bellevue, Wash. (425) 502-6292; at 323 Park Place Center, Kirkland, Wash. (425-828-3772); 1225 Fourth Ave., Seattle (206-829-2280) and 14459 Woodinville-Redmond Rd. NE, Woodinville, Wash. (425-483-7129). Purple Café and Wine Bar’s management office is located at 1218 Third Ave., Ste. 900, Seattle, 98101 (206-838-3852). Visit www.thepurplecafe.com for hours and more information.

# # #

Media Contact: Kelsey Simmons
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757