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0/8 Seafood Grill becomes Twisted Cork

January 12, 2010

 

 

A new “Northwest Bistro” concept for Twisted Cork is scheduled to unveil early February. The restaurant will be taking over the space currently occupied by 0/8 Seafood Grill, and will evolve its wine bar offerings by providing a more casual dining experience where both adults and families can enjoy affordable Northwest cuisine. 

Matt Bomberger, owner of Solstice Restaurant Group, which also manages STIR Martini + Raw Bar, decided to introduce the more relaxed dining experience in response to changes in the booming downtown Bellevue dining scene. 

“0/8 Seafood Grill was competing with an incredible number of eastside fine dining restaurants, however our wine bar, – which is decidedly more casual, has always drawn a loyal and lively crowd,” said Bomberger.  “Evolving the Twisted Cork concept to offer a bistro style menu based on local ingredients allows us to fill a niche – an Eastside destination where our guests experience the best of Northwest wine, cuisine, and service; all while keeping a familiar name.” 

The interior of the restaurant will largely stay the same however menu offerings change to reflect a broader variety of Northwest dishes. Menu pricing will also change, with entrées priced from $15 to $24, and small plates priced from $6 to $13. Loyal patrons of Twisted Cork can be rest assured that the restaurant’s popular and award-winning Washington and Northwest focused wine program will remain the same. 

Twisted Cork is located in the Hyatt Regency. For more information and menus visit twistedcork.com.

Gift giving with a bonus!

December 16, 2009

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The countdown is on! If you still have names on your holiday gift list, Bellevue Local Table has the perfect solution for you. Several Downtown Bellevue restaurants offer easy online gift card purchasing. Spread some delicious holiday cheer by giving a night out to one of your favorite dining destinations. As a special holiday perk, many restaurants are also offering bonus incentives when you buy a card at a selected amount!

0/8 Seafood Grill: Through December 30, receive a $20 bonus gift card for every $100 gift card purchased. 08seafoodgrill.com

Barrio: Personalize your holiday gift card with pictures and text! Also receive half-off processing and shipping when purchased online with promo code “Barrio”. barriorestaurant.com

El Gaucho: Enjoy a $25 gift certificate for every $100 gift card purchased. elgaucho.com

Palomino: Receive a free $10 bonus gift card for every $50 in gift card purchases. 5% of all gift card sales go directly to a local children’s hospital. palomino.com

Pearl Bar and Dining: Buy one gift card worth a minimum of $20 and receive the second half-off. (Gift card must be purchased in restaurant) pearlbellevue.com

Purple Café and Wine Bar: For every $50 purchased, receive an additional $10 Heavy Restaurant Group gift card, redeemable at any Purple or Barrio location. Custom gift cards purchased through the website come with a bonus half-off processing and shipping. ($10 bonus card is not included in custom gift cards) thepurplecafe.com

STIR Martini + Raw Bar: Through December 30, receive a $20 bonus gift card for every $100 gift card purchased. stirmartinibar.com

Tap House Grill: For ever $100 purchased, receive a $20 bonus gift card. taphousegrill.com

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill: For every $25 gift card sold between now and December 24, Z’tejas will give the purchaser a $5 card for their own use. ztejas.com

Ring in the New Year with festivities in Downtown Bellevue

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Say farewell to 2009, and welcome the new decade in style! The countdown to the New Year’s is just around the corner, so if you’re looking for an unforgettable night, make Downtown Bellevue your destination.

Confetti will fly, corks will pop and champagne will flow. We’ve collected a list of Downtown Bellevue New Year’s Eve hot spots to help make your decision.

0/8 Seafood Grill
Enjoy the choice of two New Year’s Eve pre-fixe dinner menus offered along with a limited selection from 0/8’s regular menu (see New Year’s Eve menu here). When dining at 0/8 on New Year’s Eve, guests will receive complimentary entrance to the Twisted Cork New Year’s Eve Gala (normally $20 per person). Dinner seating available from 4 – 9:30 p.m. 08seafoodgrill.com

Twisted Cork Wine Bar
Music, dancing and wine! Live music with the Clinton Ellison Experience begins at 9:00 p.m. Guests receive party favors with a champagne toast at midnight. $20 per person. twistedcork.com 

VIP Seating for Two: Enjoy two of 0/8’s premier pre-fixe menus and a bottle of Krug Grand Cuvee Champagne at Twisted Cork New Year’s Eve Gala. After dinner, receive exclusive access to the Champagne Lounge with reserved seating. Enjoy live music from the Clinton Ellison Experience. $500 per couple (only 15 packages available).

New Year’s Day Brunch: Join 0/8 for their famous “Hang Over Brunch” from 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Special New Years Rate at The Hyatt: Special-priced hotel accommodations are available at The Hyatt when dining at 0/8 Seafood Grill on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day at a rate of $99 for the night. To reserve your room, call 425-462-1234 and mention the 0/8 New Year’s special (New Year’s rate not available on line).

520 Bar and Grill
Join 520 Bar and Grill for a rockin’ dance party with a DJ and no cover: 8 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. Dancing, treats and all your 520 friends will be there having lots of fun. Stick around for the champagne toast at midnight! 520barandgrill.com

Artisanal Brasserie
Bring in the New Year with French Savoir Faire! Ala carte dining available New Year’s Eve from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Artisanal will also feature Gala seating from 9:00 p.m. ‘til the New Year begins. Gala seating includes an elegant five course tasting menu, party favors, live music by local classic jazz group, Black Lab Trio, and a champagne toast as we countdown to 2010. $95.00 per person. artisanalwa.com

New Year’s Day Brunch:Enjoy Artisanal’s scrumptious New Year’s Day brunch, featuring Eggs Benedict, Almond Croissant French Toast and post celebration cocktails.

Basil’s Kitchen at the Hilton Bellevue
Celebrate with champagne, Basil’s Kitchen & the Snoqualmie Casino! Hilton Bellevue’s New Year’s Eve “Stay & Play” package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, a $75 dining credit at Basil’s Kitchen and complimentary roundtrip transportation to the Snoqualmie Casino. $179 per couple. bellevuehilton.com

El Gaucho
Live music, champagne and tableside service promise an unforgettable New Year’s experience in the heart of Bellevue. From 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. guests can hear the guitar and piano sounds of the Jim Day Quartette, featuring June Tonkin. Dinner service begins at 4 p.m. All champagnes will be available by the glass. For reservations, call 425-455-2715. elgaucho.com

Lucky Strike Lanes and Power Play
This New Year’s Eve, slip on a mask and make your way to Lucky Strike Lanes and PowerPlay’s Masquerade Ball at Lincoln Square. Enjoy an evening of bowling, state-of-the-art arcade games and dancing the night away! General admission is $40 per ticket. Skip the line and avoid cover with a table reservation. Contact Noah Garoutte to book your table at 206-302-9209 or noah@velvetropevip.com. Bowling lane packages available at $250 per lane for up to eight people from 9 p.m. – midnight or 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. Lane reservations include cover, unlimited bowling, shoe rental, party favors, and a champagne toast. bowlluckystrike.com

Paddy Coyne’s Irish Pub
Party at Paddy Coyne’s New Year’s Eve! An Irish themed New Year’s package for two includes soup or salad, entrée, dessert, champagne and party favors at midnight, Hyatt hotel accommodations and breakfast at Paddy Coyne’s on New Year’s Day. $215 per couple. Space is limited. Call 425-453-8080 for reservations. paddycoynes.net 

Pearl Bar and Dining
Pearl Bar & Dining knows how to do New Year’s right! All night long, enjoy festive cocktails and a hip, fun atmosphere. Special menu items will include Grilled Black Angus Filet and Butter-poached Maine Lobster. At midnight, Pearl will present a special Champagne toast. Make this New Year’s Eve memorable by celebrating at Pearl with your friends and family. pearlbellevue.com

Purple Café and Wine Bar and Barrio
Welcome 2010 with bubbles and a special tasting menu at Purple Café and Wine Bar or Barrio restaurant. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. For reservations at Purple call: 425-502-6292. For reservations at Barrio call: 425-502-5021. thepurplecafe.com barriorestaurant.com

STIR Martini + Raw Bar
Celebrate the New Year at STIR’s Fire & Ice Party! Walk the red carpet, dance the night away and enjoy a midnight toast! Fiery favors and hourly cocktail specials will celebrate each time zone. New Year’s Eve menu specials include champagne & caviar, champagne & oysters or champagne & chocolate dipped strawberries. Dress to theme and be entered into STIR’s hourly gift card drawings! 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. $20 per person. stirmartinibar.com

New Year’s Day Football: STIR will be open at 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on New Year’s Day for football game watching pleasure.

Special New Years Rate at The Hyatt: Special-priced hotel accommodations are available at The Hyatt when dining at STIR Martini + Raw Bar on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day at a rate of $99 for the night. To reserve your room, call (425) 462-1234 and mention the STIR New Year’s special (New Year’s rate not available on line).

Tap House Grill
Count your favorite beers as you countdown to the New Year! With 160 beers on tap, guests will have plenty of time to taste the variety. Dress to impress as the DJ kicks off the celebration at 10 p.m. Drink specials include Aha Toro Tequila, Bud Light and Stella Artois. Dine before the party and keep your table all night long. Reservations recommended. Big groups welcome. taphousegrill.com

The Melting Pot
Make the night a shared, memorable event over a fondue dinner at The Melting Pot. Start the night with two glasses of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne ($14/split, serves 2). Then enjoy a special four-course, fixed-price menu being offered. $88 per person plus tax and 20 percent gratuity. Reservations are recommended. meltingpot.com

The Parlor Collection
Ring in the New Year in style at the biggest party on the Eastside! Enjoy live entertainment, a celebrity host, multiple premiere DJ’s, two dance floors, two bars, full dining menu, door prizes, party favors, The Parlor Team Vixen Billiard Trick Shot Show, free parking and breakfast included. $50 per person. parlorcollection.com

The Spot Off Main
Look to The Spot to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a casual and relaxed setting with friendly service and great prices. $10 admission includes party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and a DJ spinning records all evening. The party starts at 8 p.m. thespotoffmain.com

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill
Enjoy a special 3-course New Year’s Eve menu for $25.99, December 31 through January 3. Guests chose an appetizer, entrée and the Chef’s dessert. The a la carte menu will also be available. Also join Z’tejas for brunch on New Year’s Day from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Be in the know about holiday hours at downtown Bellevue restaurants

November 25, 2009

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Tis the season for extended dining hours, special menu offerings and holiday closures. Bellevue Local Table has rounded up a list of downtown Bellevue restaurants that will be partaking in the holiday festivities. Read our guide and plan ahead to know who will be offering extended happy hours for shoppers to relax after a long day of gift buying, who will be serving up special holiday menus and who will be closed on Christmas and New Years Day.

0/8 Seafood Grill
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Open 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (last seating at 8 p.m.)
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
New Years Eve, Dec. 31: Open 6:30 a.m. (last seating at 10 p.m.) Live music beginning at 9 p.m.
New Years Day, Jan. 1: New Years Day hang over brunch 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Artisanal Brasserie and Wine Bar
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Open for lunch 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and dinner 5 – 8 p.m. with 3 course holiday meal ($58 per person).
Christmas Day Dec. 25: Closed
New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31: Open for lunch 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ala Carte seating 5 – 7:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve Gala seating 9 p.m. – Close with 5-course tasting menu, party favors, live music and a champagne toast ($95 per person). 
New Year’s Day, Jan. 1: Open for brunch 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and dinner 5 – 9 p.m.
Barrio
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Open for lunch 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
New Years Eve, Dec. 31: Open regular hours
New Years Day, Jan. 1: Open at 4 p.m. 
Basil’s Restaurant
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Open for breakfast 6 – 10:30 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and dinner 4:30 – 8 p.m.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Open for full breakfast buffet 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Open for dinner with special Christmas menu and holiday desert buffet 2 – 8 p.m.
New Years Eve, Dec. 31: Open for dinner buffet 5 – 8 p.m. Full menu available 8 – 10 p.m.
New Years Day, Jan. 1: Open for full breakfast buffet 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
El Gaucho
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Closed for lunch. Open at 4 p.m. in lounge for Happy Hour. Dinner service 5 – 9 p.m.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 28 – Dec. 31: Closed for lunch. Open at 4 p.m. in lounge for Happy Hour. Dinner service beginning at 5 p.m.
New Years Eve, Dec. 31: Closed for lunch. Open at 4 p.m. in lounge for Happy Hour. Dinner service beginning at 5 p.m.
New Years Day, Jan. 1: Closed
Gran Cru Wine Bar
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
The Melting Pot
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
Monsoon East
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
New Years Day, Jan. 1: Closed 
Paddy Coyne’s Irish Pub
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Open 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
New Years Eve, Dec. 31: Open 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
New Years Day, Jan. 1: Open 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. 
Palomino
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Open 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
New Years Eve, Dec. 31: Open 6:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
New Years Day, Jan. 1: Open noon – 11 p.m. 
Pearl Bar & Dining
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
Purple Café and Wine Bar
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Open for lunch 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
New Years Eve, Dec. 31: Open regular hours
New Years Day, Jan. 1: Open at 4 p.m.
STIR Martini + Raw Bar
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Open 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
New Years Eve, Dec. 31: Open 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
New Years Day, Jan. 1: Open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Tap House Grill
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Closing at 8 p.m.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
New Years Eve, Dec. 31: Open regular hours
New Years Day, Jan. 1: Open at 3 p.m.
Twisted Cork Wine Bar
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Open regular hours
Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
New Years Eve, Dec. 31: Open until 2 a.m.
New Years Day, Jan. 1: Open until 2 p.m.

Mission possible – Dining with kids in Downtown Bellevue

November 5, 2009

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About 67% of restaurants nationwide cater to kids, according to my latest scientific hunch.  That’s not bad.   Few parents run up a bar tab, plus kids tend to throw stuff, make noise, table dive, and drop utensils by the dozen.

Downtown Bellevue rates highly for its many restaurants welcoming kids at places you’d expect: Red Robin, California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s, Z’Tejas, Pagliacci Pizza, and Azteca.  The list could go on.

So, how about a taste of adventure with the wee ones?  Perhaps Monsoon East, the new Artisanal Table, Tap House Grill, Boom Noodle, 520 Bar & Grill, O/8 Seafood Grill, or The Melting Pot.  For me, when it’s time to pick a restaurant, two big factors play into the decision: 1) a good past experience, and 2) a friend’s recommendation.

Pretend it’s early evening on a Saturday night.  Your kids, (choose your number) ages 0 to 7, have a look of calm.  You’re game for going out – but not to fast food.  Where do you head?  What do you expect?  What’s your recipe for dining success? 

Here are my top three essentials for kid-friendly dining.

  • A cordial greeting from the host and server (genuine or not) upon seeing adorable little faces
  • Clean high chairs for baby/toddler if you need one. Nowadays, most restaurants have high chairs.  Some don’t, and that’s just fine.  Not every place is geared for families.
  • Changing table in BOTH restrooms

And nice to have:

  • Drink cups with lid and straw
  • Kid-size and suitable portions, whether it’s on or off the menu
  • Some little item (other than salt shakers) for table entertainment
  • A quick bread or snack option for hungry kids
  • Prompt overall service

Never necessary, but sometimes fun: mascots, balloons, singing and a fish tank.  Or a singing fish mascot who is a balloon artist.  Can fish tie knots?  I know my kids would like that.  The point is to have appropriate expectations for the dining experience.

There’s joy in a successful meal out with the kids.  They learn more about food, conversation and interesting places.  Parents savor the satisfaction of meeting the challenge and a slice of freedom as the children fall blissfully asleep on the drive home.

Courageous parents:your advice is wanted here.  Please share tips and tricks for dining out with kids in Downtown Bellevue.

Dearest restaurants: how do you help out the families among us?

Writer’s note: Patrick and his wife are the ones eating next to you with the two very well-behaved children.