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Dining out tips from seasoned parents

October 6, 2011

Last month we ran a contest in our fall edition of Bellevue Downtown magazine as well as on our Bellevue Local Table Facebook page asking you for your best family dining tips and the winning entries are finally in! Although all participants had great tips and tricks for keeping antsy kids occupied when out for dinner, Myriam P.’s pointers wowed us enough to win our grand prize of a $25 Tap House Grill gift card, a dozen Trophy Cupcakes for her and the kids, as well as a handful of coupons for the best restaurants downtown Bellevue has to offer. Congrats Myriam!

 I know all of you parents are eager to hear Myriam’s best tips for keeping squirmy kids at the table (and not under it!) so here they are!

 - Always keep a few pens and some paper on hand for drawing, writing and playing games.

- Make a “restaurant kit”. Fill a bag with stickers, Play-Doh, pads of paper and slate boards to keep kids busy while the adults finish their meal.

 - Request a “kid dessert”. Many restaurants will give $1 scoops of ice cream to kids upon request.

 - Do a little research and pick a kid friendly restaurant. Restaurants like Monsoon East have a condiment bar—great for picky eaters, while Din Tai Fung allows kids to watch the chefs make dumplings. Boom Noodle goes a step further by offering special bento boxes for kids complete with child-size chopsticks.

 - For young artists, Pogacha allows kids to draw right on the table and the menu is kid approved, says runner up Sharon L.

 - However kid-friendly a restaurant may be, points out fellow runner up Gus C., reinforcing proper restaurant behavior like quiet voices and no throwing food is paramount in having a successful dining out experience with the kids.

 Continue to follow the Bellevue Local Table blog, our Facebook page and Twitter page for upcoming promotions and contests like this one!

 Happy dining in downtown Bellevue! (with our without the kids)

Eat and drink green at Boom Noodle Bellevue

July 18, 2011

This summer enjoy delicious drinks and be green too at Boom Noodle in downtown Bellevue. Boom’s featured “green drinks” menu runs through September and features several “TreeTini” cocktails made with VeeV, the world’s first Acaí spirit. For every TreeTini cocktail sold at Boom Noodle, VeeV will plant a tree. Also for every bottle VeeV sells, the company donates $1 dollar to rainforest preservation.

Come by Boom Noodle during happy hour to receive $2 off a TreeTini! Happy hour is 3:00-6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.-close daily, as well as all night long on Thursday nights (3:00 p.m.-close). Specials include $5.95 cocktails, $3.50 sake bombs, $3.50 well drinks, $1 off beer, wine & sake, along with discounted small plates including fresh spring rolls and vegetable gyoza.

And don’t forget that when you dine at Boom Noodle during the month of July and spend at least $20 (before tax and gratuity), you can DINE TO WIN a trip to Hawaii, Napa Valley or a weekly $50 restaurant gift card giveaway!

Indulge in Boom’s creative twists on classic Asian-fusion dishes such as Pad Thai and Teriyaki Chicken. Or try something new on the menu like the Spicy Lemon Chicken Ramen or Mizuna Salad with fresh baby mizuna, bell peppers, cucumbers, baby lima beans, sweet potato chips and black sesame vinaigrette.

For more information, visit boomnoodle.com.

Romance your Valentine in Downtown Bellevue

February 7, 2011

Are you tired of the same gift of chocolates and flowers every year? Valentine’s Day is an excuse to really show how much that special person in your life means to you, or to go out and celebrate singles-style with a group of friends at any of our local hotspots. Just like every other holiday, Downtown Bellevue has you covered this Valentine’s Day on all your romantic needs. So why not try out some of the special offerings at the restaurants listed below to mix it up and treat that sweetie of yours to something special!

520 Bar and Grill
This year at 520 Bar and Grill, the whole month of February will be designated romance month, with decorations and menu items to compliment this theme. Just like any other friendly neighborhood restaurant, 520 Bar and Grill is a place to relax and feel comfortable, not stuffy. Valentine’s Day should go hand in hand with this ideal and be fun rather than a holiday to dread. So bring your Valentine or be 520’s Valentine! For reservations call (425) 450-0520.

Barrio, LOT No. 3 and Purple Café and Wine Bar
Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with any one of Heavy Restaurant Group’s fabulous eateries. Barrio, LOT No. 3 and Purple Café and Wine Bar are suiting up to offer guests some great Valentine’s Day specials in addition to their regular menu. Each restaurant will feature a 3-course prix fixe menu for two, priced at $60 at Barrio and LOT No. 3 and $75 for Purple Café. Check out each restaurants menu:

Barrio Valentine’s Day Menu
LOT No. 3 Valentine’s Day Menu
Purple Café and Wine Bar Valentine’s Day Menu

The Valentine’s Day menus will consist of your choice of starter, entree and dessert to share. In addition, guests will have an optional $20 wine or cocktail pairing. For reservations at Barrio call (425) 502-5021. For reservations at LOT No. 3 call (425) 440-0025. For reservations at Purple call (425) 502-6292.

boom noodle
If you and your date are looking for a fun way to celebrate the love on Valentine’s Day, come to Boom Noodle! Between February 11–14, Boom Noodle is the place where you can EAT, DRINK, and BOOM! The “EAT” portion includes Vietnamese Caramelized Short Ribs and Honey Peanut Prawns, with sides of Miso broiled rice cakes, spicy green beans and Kim Chee; for the “DRINK”, you’ll receive a deliciously sweet White Peach Bellini; and “BOOM!”– You and your Valentine are set for a relaxed evening full of tasty Asian-inspired dishes and a funky, fun atmosphere! For more information, please visit their website or call (425) 453-6094.

Grand Cru Mixologie Lounge
Enjoy an early dinner or late night with choice of two dinner options of either $39.95 or $49.95 per person including a glass of Champagne or Wine, Single cheese platter, Arugula Salad or Caesar, an entree choice from our dinner menu, and a dessert consisting of Chocolate Molten Cake, Lemon Tart or Cheesecake. For reservations call (425) 455-4278.

John Howie Steak
John Howie Steak is offering a sweetheart of a Valentine’s Day dinner on Monday, February 14.  The dinner is comprised of a 3-course meal served in the intimate Piano Lounge, where live music will be played for guests to enjoy throughout the evening. The menu includes a choice of soup or salad, five delicious entrees, and three decadent deserts, all for $55 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Make your reservations today by calling (425) 440-0880.

McCormick and Schmick’s
At McCormick and Schmick’s they’re pulling out all the stops to make this a Valentine’s Day to remember! Guests who make a reservation between February 11 – 14, will have the opportunity to also request roses to be set at the table upon arrival for a $10 charge. In addition, you also have the option of personalizing a card to be set at the table prior to arrival, free of charge. Diners on February 14 will have a champagne or sparkling cider toast included in their meal as well. For reservations call (425) 454-2606.

The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is the place to be this holiday of love, whether you’re looking for someplace to enjoy with that special someone or you’re looking for the perfect singles hangout spot. In addition to the regular menu, check out their fabulous Valentine’s Day Celebration Menu. By ordering from this Valentine’s Day menu, guests will receive a complimentary champagne toast, chocolates and flowers. The cost for this four-course love extravaganza is $75 per person. For reservations call (425) 646-2744.

That’s not all! To liven up their extensive list of creative drinks, the Melting Pot is adding a few delicious “love potions” to sip on, including a Love Martini (Malibu Rum, Peach Schnapps, Cranberry juice and fresh strawberries), Passionate Kiss (SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit vodka, orange, lemon, basil and Cantine Maschio Prosecco Brut) and French Kiss Martini (Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice, and a float of Prosecco).

The Melting Pot is also showing the love by offering guests the chance to win “A Valentine Love Triangle” for Saturday, February 12. The package includes a romantic dinner for two at the Melting Pot, two tickets to the 5th Avenue Theatre show “My Funny Valentine” and a “Lover’s Overnight Stay” in a townhouse city side room at the Inn at the Market in Downtown Seattle. For your chance to win this incredible evening for two, fill out a Club Fondue form at any Melting Pot location before Monday, February 7, when the Grand Prize winner will be drawn.

Monsoon East
Monsoon East is a fantastic location right in the heart of old Bellevue for you and your sweetie to share a memorable evening together. This February 14, they will be offering an incredible Valentine’s Day tasting menu for couples to enjoy, in addition to their regular menu. The tasting menu will include 6 courses made up of a variety of Monsoon specialties, such as kusshi oysters, Butternut squash soup and Dungeness crab cake with asian pear slaw. The cost is $95 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Please call (425) 365-1112 for reservations. For a closer look at their menu, visit monsoonrestaurants.com/east.

Pearl Bar & Dining
Bradley and Mikel’s Pearl Bar & Dining is known to some as “the sexiest spot on the Eastside”—and for good reason! Whether the night calls for dinner, drinks, late night dining or a decadent dessert, Pearl has romantic tables in the dining room and a sexy bar scene to complete any Valentine’s date. This February 14, try the steak, lobster and chocolate terrine special—perfect for enjoying with your sweetheart! For reservations call (425) 455-0181.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
For a limited time only Ruth’s Chris will be offering a succulent Filet and Lobster dinner including a 6 oz. Filet Mignon paired with a Caribbean Lobster tail. This delicious meal is priced at only $44.95 and is perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner or your next night out! . For reservations call (425) 451-1550.

Tap House Grill
Spend Valentine’s Day at the Tap House Grill featuring  The Velvet Rouge cocktail – a beautiful combination of champagne, Framboise and Raspberry Liqueur, served with a chilled Grand Marnier soaked raspberry. For reservations call (425) 467-1730.

The Parlor Collection
For the singles crowd, its a big night at Parlor on Thursday, February 10 in celebration of Valentine’s Day! Come by between 7 p.m.  - 10 p.m. for the Valentine’s Singles Mingle, the ultimate singles party. The night will include an exciting game of speed dating, mingling and meeting new people, the chance to win great prizes and much more to look forward to! For more information on the Valentine’s Single Mingle or to request a spot on the VIP list, visit parlorlive.com.

Twisted Cork
Twisted Cork, located inside the Bellevue Hyatt Regency, is known for their distinct classic dishes and cocktails with a twist. This Valentine’s Day, they’re offering some tasty new drinks to try and a menu of delicious plates that you and your loved one won’t want to miss. The “Twisted Love” cocktail is a perfect end to your day—or beginning to your night—for you and your sweetheart. The cocktail includes Vanilla Vodka, Chambord, Cranberry juice and is topped off with Sparkling White Wine, for only $5. Twisted Cork will offer the specialty cocktail along with its Valentine’s Day menu February 11–14.  For reservations call (425) 462-1234.

Z’Tejas
Come to Z’Tejas this Valentine’s Day Weekend to spice things up Southwestern-style! From February 11 – 14,
Z’Tejas is offering a Sweetheart Dinner menu for you and your Valentine to savor. Its starts with Tempura-battered Avacado with Lobster Melange for an appetizer, then progresses to four entree options straight from the grill that are equally mouth-watering. For dessert, you’ll finish off with Mission Fig Beignets served with warm raspberry sauce, cinnamon ice cream and fresh berries. Don’t forget to order some special Valentine’s cocktails either! The “PAMA ‘Rita” is a tasteful mix of PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur floated in their award-winning 6th St. Margarita, topped with some fun Valentine’s candy. Or try their “Love on the Rocks” with Prairie Organic Vodka, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, cranberry juice, agave nectar, fresh lime juice and club soda– served on the rocks, of course.

Mission possible – Dining with kids in Downtown Bellevue

November 5, 2009

family-dining_web

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.