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Wine Storage and Purple to host March wine events

March 13, 2012

Italian Wine Tasting: March 15

Wine Storage Bellevue invites you to join them for a fun, casual evening of wine sampling from three of Italy’s most famous regions, Thursday, March 15 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. They can be purchased online through Brown Paper Tickets here (enter the code “amoroso”).

The host for the evening will be the Gilroy Family, owners of Wine Storage Bellevue, the premier wine storage facility serving Greater Eastside wine enthusiasts. Whether you are a serious collector or simply a person with a passion for wine, you will enjoy touring this state-of-the-art wine storage facility designed to accommodate both established and growing wine collections, as well as their Tuscan-inspired tasting room.

Vino at the Landing will be on-hand to take orders for the featured wines at special event-only prices and to handle any other retail requests. Orders will be fulfilled and available for pickup by Saturday, March 17.

All attendees will be eligible to win one of three Grand Prizes during this event: A 36-case wine locker FREE for 6 months at Wine Storage Bellevue; Private Wine Tasting for four at Vino at the Landing featuring premier Washington wines; or a
Gift Certificate good for $40 of dining credit at Vino at the Landing, including food and beverage.

The event will be limited to only 50 attendees and no tickets will be sold at the door. 21+ and ID is required. For more information on Wine Storage Bellevue visit their website.

AVA Dinner at Purple Café and Wine Bar: March 17

In celebration of Washington Wine Month all four Purple Café and Wine Bar  locations will have a special dinner featuring the wines from one of the 11 American Viticultural Areas in Washington State. Purple Bellevue will be hosting their AVA dinner Saturday, March 17 at 7 p.m. The cost is $95 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).

The featured region will be the Columbia Gorge. The Columbia Gorge AVA was established in 2004 and within its compact boundaries lies an extraordinary combination of climate, soil and geology, creating distinctly different “micro climates” perfect for growing premium grapes of almost every variety.

Seating is limited. For more information or to make a reservation contact Event Planning at (206) 838-3853 or email groupdining@heavyrestaurantgroup.com.

“New American Kitchen” KORAL to open March 2

March 1, 2012

A new restaurant gem is coming to town. Renowned local restaurateurs Bradley Dickinson and Mikel Rogers of PEARL Bar & Dining are set to open the doors of their newest venture, KORAL Bar & Kitchen, on Friday, March 2.

KORAL’s prime location on the main floor of the Hyatt Regency Bellevue in the heart of downtown Bellevue will offer a warm and inviting atmosphere with interior décor and a menu to match.

Coined the “New American Kitchen,” KORAL’s approachable menu of appetizers, small plates and entrées will focus on comfortably prepared foods. Options range from the Kitchen Burger served with rosemary sea salt fries, to the Blue Cheese Meatloaf with Yukon Gold potatoes and caramel carrots, to the Imperial Farms Center-cut Sirloin with salt-roasted potatoes and tempura mushrooms.

“KORAL’s inventive menu brings something new to the Eastside dining scene,” explained Executive Chef and Co-owner Bradley Dickinson. “We saw an opportunity to fill the gap of reasonably priced, upscale food in a truly comfortable and laid back environment in the downtown Bellevue neighborhood. The menu caters to everyone, and the warm interior makes you feel like you are dining in the comfort of your own home.”

Leading the kitchen will be Head Chef Peter Kelly, a familiar face in the local culinary industry with more than 25 years of professional experience under his belt. Also joining the team is General Manager Tracy Ducken, who has worked with Bradley and Mikel at several Eastside restaurants.

Starting March 2 KORAL will be open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, with a bar operating 3 p.m. to midnight seven days a week. KORAL will also launch a weekend brunch on Saturday, March 17, served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3/9 UPDATE: Koral launched their twice daily Happy Hour today. Guests can enjoy 50% off all bar small plates, wines by the glass, specialty cocktails, house martinis, and $2 off draft beers in the lively lounge. KORAL’s happy hour will be offered seven days a week from daily from 3-6 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to midnight. Highlights from the Happy Hour menu include:

• Sautéed prawns scampi style with garlic, herbs and breadcrumbs ($6)
• Chef’s sliders with braised oxtail and stone ground mustard sauce ($5)
• Tai-Tung style pot stickers with pork and vegetable filling and soy-chili sauce ($5.50)
• KORAL Manhattan with Buffalo Trace bourbon and Antica vermouth (4)
• Penicillin with Jack Daniels whiskey, lemon juice and honey-ginger infused syrup ($4)
• Raspberry Drop with raspberry vodka, lemon juice, a touch of Chambord and a sugar rim ($4)

Z’Tejas kicks tastebuds into high gear with margaritas and flavorful, healthy menu

February 22, 2012

Bottoms up! 2/22 marks National Margarita Day. So why not celebrate the mid-week hump with a refreshing margarita at Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill in downtown Bellevue?

This year Z’Tejas will be offering its “Little Larry” Margarita (pictured above), a smaller version of the award-wining 6th Street Margarita, for only $2.22 (normally $6). The classic tequila drink can be served shaken with ice, on the rocks, frozen, or straight up. 

We recommend paring your margarita with their delicious limited edition tequila marinated pasta dish. Z’Tejas is also selling its famed freshly made margarita mix to the public for $4.99 for a half gallon bottle – perfect for concocting tasty drinks at home.

Watching your waistline? Z’Tejas recently added a number of items to their menu that are 550 calories and under, making it easy to stick to that New Year’s resolution or kick off those Lent goals on the right foot. In an effort to keep the dishes healthy and maintain good flavor, Z’Tejas uses an array of chili pepper varieties to spice up its dishes. The “550 & Under” menu items include:

● Jerk Chicken Salad featuring spicy jerk chicken strips with mixed field greens, roma tomatoes, feta cheese, crisp tortilla strips and sesame-ginger vinaigrette (515 calories)

● Grilled Salmon accompanied by grilled fresh vegetables with cantaloupe and avocado salad (480 calories)

● Grilled Chicken Breast with fresh vegetables topped with a roasted shallot vinaigrette (470 calories)

● Grilled Cilantro Pesto-Rubbed Ruby Trout topped with avocado relish, served with fresh vegetables and Tejas rice (530 calories)

● Jalapeno Turkey Wrap with julienne cucumbers, carrots, onions and peppers with a tasty jalapeño yogurt, wrapped in a flour tortilla (540 calories)

Z’Tejas also boasts a spread of “Naturally Skinny” cocktails, all under 250 calories with no artificial sweeteners added. Drinks include:

● Skinny Margarita – Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, Herradura Agave Nectar and soda water

● VeeV Spa Cooler – VeeV Acai Spirit, fresh lime juice, cucumbers and mint

● Lemon Skinny Dip – Belvedere Vodka, Herradura Agave Nectar and fresh lemon juice

● Skinny Tropical – Bacardi Rock Coconut, Herradura Agave Nectar and fresh pineapple and lemon juices

● Skinny Raspberry Lemonade – Chambord Vodka, Chambord Liqueur, Herradura Agave Nectar, soda water and fresh lemons with a raspberry sugar rim

● Antioxidant Martini – Bacardi Dragon Berry, fresh lemon juice, Herradura Agave Nectar and fresh blackberry and blueberries topped with Wild Berry FOMZ; photo attached

● Bloody Z’Tini – Belvedere Bloody Mary Vodka, Bloody Mary mix and a celery salt rim

More nutritional information on Z’Tejas healthy dining choices can be found on their website.

Margarita Day plus a healthy menu options? We can’t think of better reasons to head over to The Bellevue Collection for a visit at Z’Tejas!

Lunchbox Laboratory now open in downtown Bellevue

February 15, 2012

Bellevue, ready your taste buds. The folks behind the infamous Lunchbox Laboratory (LBL for short) have opened their second location at the Elements complex (989 112th Avenue NE) over the weekend.

The burger joint with a large cult-like following has been nationally recognized by Gourmet Magazine, Epicurious, Sunset Magazine and Seattle Magazine to name a few, and has even been featured on The Food Network’s 50 states, 50 burgers.

Fans love LBL for the unique, extra large burgers, smothered in sauces and flavored specialty salts. Every burger is made from American Kobe style beef and comes on an organic kaiser roll from Essential Bakery. One of Lunchbox’s most popular burgers, “Burger of the God’s” boasts a super beef patty piled high with bleu cheese crumbles, candied balsamic onions and a super gorgonzola spread. All burgers come with choice of skinny fries, crispy tots, potato salad, sweet potato fries or house made chips.

Lunchbox Laboratory offers a full bar with an eclectic menu of specialty drinks - another popular piece of the LBL concept. Signature Snoqualmie Ice Cream milkshakes include the Whopper Malted Milk Ball, Banana Cream Pie and Nutella (along with 20 plus other funky flavors), with the “Drunken Elvis” being a top seller under the menu’s “Boozie Shakes.” “Tails,” cocktails minus the alcohol creatively bring back the 1970s flavors of Tang, Kool Aid and fruit punch.

John Schmidt, the man behind Neighborhood Grills, along with the developed management and service team from the South Lake Union Lunchbox Laboratory opened the new Bellevue location. LBL originated in Ballard and was founded by local, famed Chef Scott Simpson, who passed away in 2011. Two of Scott Simpson’s original Chefs from the Ballard restaurant are now the Kitchen Managers for both Lunchbox Laboratory locations; Adam Berberich runs the Seattle kitchen and Phillip Twiss is the Kitchen Manger for the new Bellevue location.

The group began looking for a new site on the eastside in early 2011. “We wanted to bring this very fun, unique concept to Bellevue because there is nothing like this on the eastside,” said John, “plus the city of Bellevue is booming and we want to be a part of the action!”

Local famed restaurant consultant, Arnold Shain, who consulted on the Bellevue project, added, “Because there were so many people from the eastside hitting the website and coming into our Seattle restaurant, we wanted a central location on the eastside and this space in Bellevue fit the bill.”

The new restaurant’s interior is similar to Seattle’s with vintage lunchboxes and eclectic art on the walls. Downtown Bellevue’s Lunchbox Laboratory will be open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner and a daily “Kick Ass Hour” from 3 to 6 p.m.

Downtown Bellevue provides last minute Valentine’s Day inspiration

February 13, 2012

You don’t have Valentine’s Day plans yet―we won’t judge. In fact, we’re here to help. Downtown Bellevue has lots of romantic spots for you to swoon your sweetie or hang out with fellow singles. But for you darling, we’ve rounded up only the best. Read on for our top picks and some last minute Valentine’s Day inspiration!

520 Bar & Grill
From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. 520 Bar & Grill hosts special guest DJ Robbie DeLuxe spinning popular slow dance tunes. Spice up the evening and indulge in 520′s “Get Down Tonight” drink specials with choice of champagne cocktails, “X-Rated Martinis” and “Happy Baby” Shots.”

Bis On Main
If you really want to impress your main squeeze this Valentine’s Day, Bis On Main is the gold standard. A multi-year winner of “Best Romantic Dining Spot” in the BDA’s annual Haute Picks awards―the best of downtown Bellevue, Bis serves up premier fine dining, an award-winning wine list and complimentary valet parking.

John Howie Steak
Lovers can savor a 3-course Valentine’s Day dinner for $55 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity) in John Howie Steak’s Piano Lounge, while relaxing to live music. The pre-set menu includes a choice of soup or salad, five luscious entrees, and three absolutely decadent desserts, complemented by a glass of bubbly. The 3-course Valentine’s Day menu is only available in the Piano Lounge and the regular menu will be served in the main dining room.

McCormick & Schmick’s
Featuring delicious Chef menu features, custom menu messages, flowers for your Valentine and more. Make your reservations and special orders on the McCormick & Schmick’s website.

Monsoon East
Love is in the air at Monson East. Couples have the option of selecting one of three dinner seating’s at different price levels: $95 per couple for a 4:30-5:45 p.m. seating; $110 per couple for a 6:00-7:45 p.m. seating; $95 per couple for 8:00-9:15 p.m. a seating (note: prices do not include tax or gratuity). This 4-course all-inclusive meal includes your choice of appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. View the full Valentine’s Day menu on their blog. Call (425) 635-1112 for reservations.

Palomino
Through Tuesday, February 14the Palomino will feature romantic menu specials, inspired champagne cocktails and festive desserts selected just for the occasion. Palomino’s sommelier has also set aside specially-priced premium champagne selections to complete the celebration. Call (425) 455-7600 for reservations.

Pogacha
Can’t celebrate with your Valentine on the special day? Pogacha has specials for you and your sweetie all throughout the week. On Sunday and Monday nights enjoy $7.99 Pogacha pizzas. On Wednesdays Pogacha offers their 3-course menu for only $20 per person. And on Thursday stop in for $12 Bottle of Wine Night. Don’t overlook the new February menu items―Fresh Dungeness Crab Fettuccini (Gluten-free option available) and for dessert the decadent Molton Chocolate Lava Cake topped with fresh raspberry puree.

Purple Café and Wine Bar and Lot No. 3
In addition to the full menu, Purple Café and Wine Bar will feature a special 4-course dinner menu through February 14th priced at $95 per couple. Choose a starter to share, two salads, two entrees and a dessert for two. You can view the full menu here. Craft cocktails and sharable comfort food more your style? You’re in luck. The chef team at Lot No. 3 will feature special menu items for the holiday also.

The Spot Off Main
Looking for love in all the wrong places? Whether you’re single or spoken for, The Spot Off Main has fun get-togethers planned to celebrate the day of love. On Monday, February 13th The Spot hosts an Anti-Valentine’s Day After-Work Networking Party beginning at 4 p.m. On Tuesday, February 14th join The Spot’s Valentine’s Texas “Hold Me” Poker Tournament beginning at 6:30 p.m.―a Royal Straight Flush of Hearts wins a Trip to Vegas! Single? At 9 p.m. you can participate in The Spot’s Dating Game.

Trophy Cupcakes
All your Valentines deserve a Trophy―so treat each of them to the most delectable Trophy around! Whether your sweetie has a penchant for Pink Champagne, dark chocolate and raspberries, or extra stout beer, Trophy Cupcakes at The Bravern has flavor that will make them swoon. The Dark Chocolate Raspberry (available every day in February) is made with Valrhona Chocolate Cake filled with Raspberry Buttercream, dipped in Callebaut Belgian chocolate Ganache and finished with a perfect candy heart. The Pink Champagne (available February 10-14) is a retro elegant cake made with a moist pink champagne butter cake, topped with a fancy ruffle of pink champagne buttercream. And finally the Chocolate Stout (available February 10-14) is made with Valrhona Chocolate Cake fortified with a generous amount of Pike Brewing Company’s Extra Stout, then topped with Extra Stout Caramel Buttercream and drizzled with more Stout Caramel―a perfect gift for the man in your life!

Vovito Caffè & Gelato
Get your Valentine something deliciously unique―a “Gelato Gram” from Vovito Caffè & Gelato! For only $10, give that special someone on your list 2 scoops of gelato and 2 chocolate covered strawberries along with a personalized message from you. It’s a sweet way to show you care.

 
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