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Blue Martini is moving to the Evergreen State

December 14, 2011

Eastside residents have watched in amazement as downtown Bellevue has developed from sleepy suburb to bustling urban center, complete with world-class shopping and its own active nightlife. With hip hangouts like The Parlor Collection and Munchbar, downtown is the place to be for a night out on the town. This January we’ll welcome the newest addition to Bellevue’s nightlife scene, Blue Martini.

Originally based out of West Palm Beach Florida, Blue Martini’s popularity among young professionals has allowed it to expand to both Las Vegas and Phoenix, in addition to eight Florida locations. So it is no surprise that due to Bellevue’s ideal demographics and rapid growth, general manager Dominic Lebaron was excited for Bellevue to become Blue Martini’s newest home. With its growing recognition and mass appeal, this chain has no intention of slowing down. Next year Blue Martini plans on going international with locations in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as one in Dallas.

Blue Martini is scheduled to open for business as early as mid to late January on the third floor of  The Bravern. It will be open seven days a week from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. on weekdays and from1 p.m.-2 a.m. on weekends, making this chic new hangout the perfect spot to relax with colleagues after a long day at the office or party it up with friends on the weekend.

In addition to a bar that boasts 42 different martinis, Blue Martini will also feature DJs, live music as well as a VIP bar and two private VIP rooms. So make a New Year’s resolution to see the restaurant/bar cities around the country are raving about with a visit to Blue Martini.

Make downtown Bellevue your haunt this Halloween!

October 25, 2011

The 31st is rolling around again, so for kids that means putting on their spookiest garb and scaring up a bucketful of Halloween treats. With its candy and costumes, Halloween is a holiday made for kids, but before you resign yourself to handing out candy this year, take a look at the many adult activities downtown Bellevue has to offer.

Old Bellevue’s The Spot Off Main will be holding two costume parties (October 29 and 31) complete with all night drink specials and prizes awarded to those with the most creative costumes. The lucky individual with the best costume will win a trip to Las Vegas!

Munchbar is joining the costume party bandwagon this year and for those with a competitive edge, a costume contest. On both October 29 and 31 Munchbar’s “Nightmare on M-Street” bash will include a $2,500 cash giveaway, so put on your scariest game face and indulge your competitive side at Munchbar this Halloween!

Not to be outdone, 520 Bar and Grill will be holding its 6th annual Halloween costume party on the 29th from 9:00 p.m. until midnight, so pick up some friends (and some face paint) and come party and dance the night away with 520!

Costume parties and contests make for an excellent Halloween night for adults, but let’s not forget the kids! Downtown Bellevue has a variety of kid-friendly events perfect for making this Halloween one to remember.

This year Trophy Cupcakes will be combining two time honored Halloween traditions – sweet treats and crazy costumes! Participating is as easy as dressing up as your favorite Trophy cupcake and visiting any one of  Trophy’s locations on the 31st  for the chance to win a $25, $50 or $100 Trophy Cupcakes gift card. All participants will get a free cupcake so everyone is a winner!

Have kids who just can’t wait for the big day? No problem! The Bravern will be hosting their Little Bookworms Spooktacular on Wednesday the 26th. This all day event will run from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and include face painting, cookie decorating, a magic show and much, much more! Participants are welcome to drop by for a few events or make an entire day of pre-Halloween festivities. More information and a complete list of events can be found here.

Still have a bad case of Halloween fever? Your Local Market has the cure! Although it is not officially open for business until November 11th, Your Local Market will be hosting a Halloween carnival in the parking lot of their future store on October 30th from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and on the 31st  from 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. The carnival will include a bounce house, pony rides, pumpkin painting and a drawing to win $1,000 in free groceries from Your Local Market. Best of all, the carnival will be taking donations for Camp Korey- a camp that serves children with life threatening and serious illnesses and their families at no cost. So join Your Local Market to support a great cause while indulging in festive family fun!

Although trick or treating and pumpkin carving are Halloween staples, for a truly unforgettable Halloween let downtown Bellevue take care of the entertainment!

Welcome Vovito Caffè & Gelato!

July 21, 2010

Vovito Caffè & Gelato opened July 25 in The Shops at The Bravern. Grand opening festivities are planned for July 30.

The Italian-inspired specialty cafè will offer hand-crafted espresso, coffee and beans in Premium Blend and Single Origin varieties, as well as a full selection of gourmet teas and chai beverages.   Along with coffee and tea drinks, Vovito Caffè & Gelato will feature house-made gelato, sorbetto, a wide variety of paninis, salads and baked goods.
 
The café will open at 6:30 am Monday through Friday (8:30 am on Saturdays and 10:00 am on Sundays) to satisfy coffee and breakfast cravings, including freshly prepared Panini breakfast sandwiches, pastries, fresh orange juice and gelato smoothies. 
 
Vovito is a welcome addition to The Shops at The Bravern, which has been seeking a coffee purveyor.  “We’re extremely pleased to have Vovito Caffè & Gelato open at The Bravern,” said Mark Netherland, senior investment manager for project developer Schnitzer West, LLC.  “The quality of the product we can now offer visitors was worth the wait.”
 
Founded by Eastside entrepreneurs Ariff and Shairose Gulamani, Vovito Caffè & Gelato represents the third start-up venture for the couple.  It was a personal passion for unique artisan products that led the two to begin development of the Vovito concept a year ago. Bellevue seemed the perfect location to launch their flagship store. 
 
“We see Bellevue as the new hub,” says Ariff Gulamani. “It’s vibrant, it has the right demographics, and it has become the new center of activity for the region. We were very excited when we heard about The Bravern.  Its inviting, upscale environment is the perfect setting for our concept.” 
 
Vovito Caffè & Gelato will occupy 2,444 square feet in The Shops at The Bravern and seat approximately 35 inside the shop. Reflecting the Italian origins and artisanship of its signature products, Vovito Caffè & Gelato will feature Italianate design throughout, from the custom-made, curved gelato cases to the stone counters and stairs to the warm colors enveloping the interior design of the space. Comfortable and contemporary bar stools and ledges line the walls, with table seating provided for small or large groups as well as lounge chairs for a relaxed alternative. The café will offer free WiFi service and will be family friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Dinner

June 25, 2010

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is expertly crafted in the time-honored tradition unique to bourbon. Buffalo Trace begins with the finest Kentucky and Indiana corn, selected rye, and superior malted barley. Together, these grains represent a unique mash bill—a trade secret known only by those craftsmen responsible for producing this highest-quality whiskey.  

On Thursday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m., join other Buffalo Trace aficionados at John Howie Steak at The Shops at The Bravern for a unique five-course dinner paired with the finest bourbon. Cost is $95 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling Wilma Manchester at (425) 440-0878.  

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Dinner Menu:  

Kurobuta Bacon Three Ways
Tempura with Maple Sambal dipping sauce
Kurobuta Bacon, Lettuce and Heirloom Tomato sandwich
Crispy Pork Belly, Caramelized onion, Guinness Mustard Slider
W. L. Weeler “Wheated” Bourbon Whiskey    

Heirloom Tomato and Caramelized Onion Salad
Organic heirloom tomatoes, Buffalo Trace bourbon scented sweet onions, Valdeon blue cheese, Russian dressing
Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Pan Seared Duck Breast with Bing Cherries
Sliced duck breast, warm maple vinaigrette, sweet vermouth cherry sauce, bacon scented frisee, aged Gouda.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon  

USDA Prime Beef Short Rib with Huckleberry Barbecue Sauce
Ancho-Brown Sugar rub, cold smoked and braised tender,
Roasted Corn succotash, Mt. Rainer huckleberry barbecue sauce.
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon 

Eagle Rare Bourbon and Caramel Shake
Brown Sugar Bourbon Braised Peaches with Mascarpone Cream
Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon

Wild Summer Nights at The Bravern

June 21, 2010

Celebrate the arrival of summer! Beginning Thursday, June 24, sip your favorite cocktails, enjoy bites from Wild Ginger, and listen to live jazz in front of the outdoor fireplace at The Shops at The Bravern. Wild Summer Nights gets underway at 5:30 p.m. every Thursday evening, now through September 16. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at the Concierges Desk in Building 1. All ticket proceeds directly benefit Hopelink.
 
The music series is programmed by The Triple Door and kicks off with the James Baumgart Trio on June 24, followed by:
 
Das Schwa on July 1
Dan Rapport on July 8
Ty Bailie B3 Tr on July 15
Darrius Willrich on July 22
 
More artists will be announced. Event is 21+. Visit thebravern.com for more information.
 
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