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Support the Japan relief effort—attend John Howie’s “Chefs for Japan”

April 27, 2011

The people of Japan are facing the effects of one of the greatest natural disasters to happen in our time. With many people still in need of food and shelter, we have a chance to provide them with the assistance they need. On Friday, April 29th at 6:30 p.m., you can support the relief effort by attending the John Howie Restaurant Group’s Chefs for Japan benefit dinner and fundraiser. This night is dedicated to helping those in need, with 100% of proceeds going directly to helping those in Japan.

Along with Chef John Howie, the Executive Chefs from Adriatic Grill, John Howie Steak, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar and SPORT Restaurant & Bar will host an evening of fantastic food and fundraising at John Howie Steak in downtown Bellevue at The Bravern. Upon arrival guests will enjoy a beautiful sushi and sashimi display from Seastar Raw Bar Chef, David Putaportiwon, and Sushi Chef, Wayne Taniguchi. Following hor’ derves attendees will be treated to a five-course meal, with each course prepared by one of the five Executive Chefs and paired with an outstanding wine selection.

Another highlight of the evening will be raffle prizes! A total of ten packages given away, including a dinner for four at John Howie Steak with a Magnum of award-winning Betz Family Wine and an overnight stay at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Bellevue, a sushi-making class for four provided by Seastar Chef David Putaportiwon, followed by the ultimate seafood dinner, and various sports packages with tickets to the Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders and Moto-Cross.

This exclusive event is $100 per person and is limited to 100 guests. If you’re looking for a way to offer your contribution to the Japan relief effort, you can help by attending this worthy benefit event.

For more information on Chefs for Japan or to make your reservations, please call (425) 440-0878, or email wmanchester@seastarrestaurant.com.

John Howie Steak’s featured April cocktail honors Earth Month

April 6, 2011

John Howie Steak honors April’s Earth Month with a featured happy hour cocktail, the Acai Tree-tini. Stop in during one of the restaurant’s many happy hours to try this refreshing martini. Happy hour is offered in the Piano Bar Monday-Saturday from 3:00– 6:00 p.m. and Monday-Thursday from 9:00–11:00 p.m. Weekend happy hour runs Friday-Saturday from 9:00 p.m.-midnight and Sunday 3:00-10:00 p.m.

From Norma Rosenthal Public Relations, LLC:

John Howie Steak Manager David Chou has designed a fun new spring cocktail honoring both the season and the environment – the Acai Tree-tini. Featured as the happy hour spirit for April, Earth Month 2011, and priced at $7, the drink is prepared by muddling fresh basil leaves, adding simple syrup and lime juice, and then topping it with VeeV. The martini is then shaken and strained into a glass, resulting in a gorgeous light tree green color.

VeeV is a new spirit – the world’s first distilled from the Brazilian super fruit Acai berry, which is very high in antioxidants and imparts a subtle sweet flavor. The environmentally conscious distillery, which is the only certified carbon neutral spirits company in the world, focuses on raising awareness, resources and support for the Brazilian Rainforest and the safe harvest of Acai. VeeV donates $1 for every bottle sold to directly benefit the farming communities that harvest this fruit.

As an added bonus, for every Acai Tree-tini sold at John Howie Steak, VeeV will plant a tree, helping to preserve the Rain Forest.

‘Hunt for Howie’ in Downtown Bellevue

March 2, 2011

When was the last time you participated in a treasure hunt, an Easter egg hunt or a scavenger hunt? Its time to liven up the work day by joining chef and restaurant owner John Howie in his own ‘Howie Hunt’ around Downtown Bellevue for some tasty prizes!

In partnership with the Downtown Bellevue Network, Chef Howie has arranged for four prizes to be hidden around town every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the first two weeks of March. In honor of the fare served at his two restaurants in Bellevue, half of the prizes will be miniature cows and half will be miniature starfish. Those who discover the cows will win a free Steak Frites lunch at John Howie Steak, while those who find a starfish will win a free Applewood Grilled Northwest Red King Salmon lunch at Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar.

Clues to the mystery locations of the prizes will be posted via Downtown Bellevue Network’s Facebook page, Twitter page and emailed to subscribers.

Official giveaway dates are March 1, 2 and 3; and March 8, 9 and 10, with redemption due by March 31, 2011. One prize per person allowed throughout the duration of the promotion. Winners must bring in and surrender their cow or starfish upon redemption of their free lunch. Good luck with your hunt!

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.

John Howie heads to Super Bowl XLV

February 1, 2011

If you happen to stop by any of John Howie’s restaurants this Super Bowl Sunday, you won’t be finding the Chef himself around. Since 2004 John Howie has participated in one of the biggest culinary events in the country. This weekend John Howie is off to represent Washington State in Super Bowl XLV’s Taste of the NFL, a strolling food and wine event.

The event is a fusion of good food and sports—both passions of Chef Howie. More than 32 restaurants will be represented at the event, each from an NFL city, handing out food and wine samples for guests. Chefs will also be paired with an NFL player at their station and Howie will be standing side by side with Seahawks defensive lineman Craig Terrill. In addition to the multitude of gourmet samples to look forward to, there will be a silent auction featuring hundreds of unique sports and entertainment items along with incredible vacation packages. The conclusion of this big event will include a live concert by country artist Martina McBride. All proceeds from this event will benefit Feeding America, an organization affiliated with food banks in each of the NFL cities (in Seattle, Food Lifeline).

At this year’s Taste of the NFL, Chef Howie will be preparing Sesame and Peppercorn-Crusted Ahi with Ginger-Soy Reduction and Wasabi Crème for all 5,000 expected guests. Over the past 19 years the event has raised more than $10 million for hunger relief. With a great lineup of chefs and a noteworthy group of professional NFL players, this year’s event is bound to be another big hit—or touchdown! This year marks the 20th anniversary and will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

To partake in the Taste of the NFL, tickets can be purchased online at tasteofthenfl.com or by phone at 888-695-0888. Prices range from $500 for guests to $600 for VIP guests.