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Let the luck o’ the Irish be your guide

March 16, 2012

It’s time to break out the shamrocks, lucky clovers and any wacky green clothing hidden in your closet. St. Patrick’s Day is Saturday, and it’s time to let your true Irish spirit shine! Downtown Bellevue has locations aplenty to celebrate to the fullest, whether you’re looking for traditional Irish food and music, or simply a good party. Venture forth below, and let the luck of the Irish guide you to your perfect place!

McCormick & Schmicks

McCormick’s is offering dinner specials Friday and Saturday. Some of the specials include $15.95 Corned Beef and Cabbage, $22.95 Irish Whiskey Glazed Salmon; $17.95 Guinness Battered Fish and Chips. Also, on Friday during Happy Hour in the bar there will be $4.95 Steamed Mussels and $3.95 Corn Beef Sliders.

520 Bar and Grill

The idea for 520 Bar and Grill was conceived in the world famous Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland. Is there a better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than offering $4.50 Guinness and Irish Death beers and $6.00 for all Irish Liquors? We’ll let you find the answer.

Cupcake Royal

The luck of the Irish is coming early with the booziest cupcake yet. Introducing the Irish Cake Bomb, a chocolate cake made with Elliot Bay No Doubt Stout, filled with a Jameson Whiskey buttercream frosting and kissed with an Irish Cream whipped frosting. Irish jig, anyone? Available until March 18.

The Spot off Main

Green Beer and Lucky Charms. What more does one need? The Spot off Main will provide both this Saturday. Doors open at 11 a.m. and there will be plenty of $10 Pitchers of Green Bud Light and Lucky Charms to go around.

Trophy Cupcakes

Trophy’s Chocolate Guinness Stout Cupcake topped with Baileys Buttercream is back! And this year, as luck would have it, the seasonal favorite is available the entire month of March. Not familiar with this delightful St. Patrick’s Day-inspired treat? It’s a decadent chocolate cake made from Valrhona cocoa and Guinness stout and topped with Bailey’s buttercream and a lucky sugar shamrock.

Paddy Coyne’s

In true Irish flavor Paddy Coyne’s will serve traditional Irish fare throughout the day and night for St. Patty’s Day. The pub will open at 8 a.m. and feature a variety of musical performances: Bagpipers, the Eastside Firefighters Pipes and Drums, and Robbie Christmas are all set to play. You could also take in the Ireland vs. England Rugby match at 10 a.m.

Lot No. 3

Lot No. 3 invites you to stop by and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with them. They will be serving Braised Corn Beef with Butter Poached Potatoes and Pickled Cabbage with Applewood Smoked Sea Salt. In addition, there will be plenty of delicious drink specials to wet your whistle.

Tap House Grill

Tap House Grill will offer Corned Beef and Cabbage along with Sheppard’s Pie all week to anyone who wants to get into the St. Patty’s Day festivities.

Lunchbox Laboratory

To celebrate the holiday, Lunchbox Laboratory will have a unique Irish Style menu and plenty of drink specials. Some of the specials include a pistachio shake with an Irish Kiss of Frangelico, Amaretto, and St. Brenan’s Irish Cream; $2 Irish Whiskey Sour Jell-O Shots; $5 Obama’s Irish Roots which includes Jameson, Peach, Blue Curacao, and OJ; $4 Guinness Drafts, and $7 Car Bombs. They might not be Irish, but they can sure drink like they are!

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.

Super Bowl viewing parties in downtown Bellevue

January 31, 2012

520 Bar and Grill
Tired of the same old halftime shows year after year? If you head to 520 Bar and Grill in Old Bellevue you can catch the game and witness a one-of-a-kind show! 520 will award a $520 1st prize in this Sunday’s “Madonna Look-A-Like Contest” during Super Bowl halftime! 520 Bar and Grill will also offer game day specials including the “Largest Nachos on the Eastside,” “Wings To-Die-For”, $5 Touchdowns, $4 Stella “Big Gulps” and the new Bud Lite Platinum. Arrive early, have fun, root for your favorite team and vote for your favorite Madonna!

Lot No. 3
Join Lot No. 3 for the Super Bowl this Sunday! They will be showing the big game on a giant projection screen. Special menu items include Chili-Cheese Nachos, Spicy Chicken Wings, Spice-Rubbed Spare Ribs, and two kinds of Potato Skins! Drink features include $2.50 Rainier tall boys and $1 off all draft beer and well drinks. Lot No. 3′s famous Brunch Menu runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the special Super Bowl Menu will be available from 2 p.m. to close. Reservations are encouraged! Click here to make a reservation.

Rock Bottom Brewery
Football is standard affair at Rock Bottom Bellevue! Offering NFL Sunday Ticket, brunch beginning at 9 a.m., happy hour from 3:00-6:00 p.m. and happy hour beer prices throughout the entire game. Both bars will be open featuring a 120” HD projector screen and a 90” TV wall.

Tap House Grill
The Tap House Grill will be offering happy hour all game long for the Super Bowl this Sunday.

The Spot Off Main
Enjoy happy hour prices on food and drink during the Super Bowl at The Spot Off Main! Also pick up a Bud Light Super Bowl commemorative glasses for just $4.25—you keep the glass—and refill it throughout the day for just $2.50. The first 100 people attending will be entered to win a trip to Hawaii and other exciting prizes.

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill
No need to battle football fans in line at the grocery store —Z’Tejas in Bellevue is offering 20 percent off all to-go orders on Sunday, February 5th for delicious, ready prepared snacks and meals. With options like Chile Pork Verde with tender pork simmered in tomatillos, Anaheim and serrano peppers, with melted Jack and cotija cheese, or the Tejas Trio with fresh chips, hand-hacked guacamole, chorizo chile con queso and salsa picante, its a deal you won’t want to pass up. Present this coupon to receive the discount. Call (425) 467-5911 to place an order.

Doing New Years in true downtown Bellevue style

December 30, 2011

It’s that time of year again. Break out the party poppers and champagne, pin up a brand new calendar and maybe a list of resolutions—it’s New Years! Luckily for Eastsiders, downtown Bellevue is a New Years party hot spot. The following is a list of downtown restaurants and entertainment venues gaurenteed to help you ring in 2012 right.

Pearl Bar and Dining
Pearl Bar and Dining is well established as one of the best dining options on the Eastside, so it comes as no surprise that they will be hosting a fabulous New Year’s Eve celebration! Join Pearl on December 31 for a gourmet three-course dinner followed by a nightclub style party and a champagne toast to ring in 2012. Pearl’s New Year’s Eve Ball will include multiple bars, a DJ and even party favors. Tickets are $30 per person through Brown Paper Tickets or $40 at the door. Valet parking is provided free by The Westin Bellevue. Come celebrate a gem of a year at Bellevue’s own restaurant jewel, Pearl!

Pogacha
Early birds rejoice because Pogacha is celebrating all day long on December 31! Starting at 11 a.m. on New Year’s Eve day Pogacha Bellevue will be serving its breakfast and lunch menu until 3 p.m. Starting at 5 p.m. Pogacha will feature a special New Year’s Eve menu in addition to a host of new winter specials like Hawaiian blue prawns and a variety of featured wines including Ross Andrew’s Boushey Syrah and Soos Creek Sundance Red.

Purple Café and Wine Bar and Lot No. 3
If you didn’t get your fill of New Year’s Eve festivities, Purple and Lot No. 3 have the perfect solution—New Year’s Day brunch. On January 1 both restaurants will be serving a New Year’s brunch to welcome in 2012. Items include hearty morning favorites like seasonal omelets at Purple and bagel sandwiches and waffles at Lot No.3. So put off cleaning up your New Year’s Eve party mess, just for a bit, and enjoy a New Years day brunch! Purple Café will also be open for New Year’s Even festivities. In addition to the full menu, Purple will feature unique food and drink specials.

The Melting Pot
New Year’s Eve is all about fun and the celebration of another successful year gone by—and nothing says fun like fondue! Join the Melting Pot this New Year’s Eve for a special four-course New Year’s dinner complete with featured seasonal wines and cocktails. Dinner is $75 per person and guests who book reservations between 3 and 5 p.m. will receive $100 in Melting Pot gift certificates for a delicious 2012! End the night with The Melting Pot’s signature chocolate fondue and get a sweet start to the New Year.

Wild Ginger
Creative cocktails and delectable dining are the name of the game this New Year at Wild Ginger! On December 31 Wild Ginger’s menu will include a vast array of creative cocktails, as well as a decadent dinner menu available all night. Diners can look forward to Wild Ginger’s Asian fusion favorites such as Thai chili beef, green curry chicken, squash and sweet potato stew as well as a satay bar. Wild Ginger will also serve a host of delicious cocktails like the cracked coconut martini, lychee cooler, vanilla passion sidecar and mango mojito. With options like that, who needs champagne?

Z’ Tejas Southwestern Grill
Can’t wait until the 31st to star your New Year’s celebration? You’re in luck. Z’ Tejas at the Bellevue Collection is starting their New Year’s festivities early too. December 30 through January 1 Z’Tejas will be serving a special New Year’s menu. Featured items will include an ahi ceviche with seasoned tostados, Southwestern chicken achiote and a molten chocolate cake for dessert. A trip to Z’ Tejas can be a delicious precursor to your New Year’s Eve!

Not everyone’s New Year’s Eve celebrations center around a meal out. For party-goers that prefer their night out with a little more action, downtown Bellevue has plenty of exciting options.

Munchbar will be hosting an angels and demons costume party on New Year’s Eve complete with guest DJ, celebrity host, champagne and of course prizes awarded to those with the best costumes. If you’re interested in something a bit more formal, consider New Year’s Eve at Piano Bash. Piano Bash will be holding a black and white themed attire party on New Year’s Eve featuring a prefix dinner, champagne toast and live jazz band.

Down the street in Old Bellevue The Spot Off Main will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party of its own. Don’t have a New Year’s Eve date? Play their “Match Ups” game and leave a message for that certain someone you’d like to stand by when the clock strikes twelve. The pinnacle of the night will be a champagne toast at midnight and a drawing for a trip to Hawaii! Doors open at a 8 p.m. and happy hour prices will be offered all night long.

520 Bar and Grill is known among locals for hosting festive holiday parties and New Years is no different. 520 will open at 8 p.m. on December 31 for a pre-funk and DJ and dancing begin at 9 p.m. Celebrate with your close friends at 520 all night!

For those with athletic flair, head to Lucky Strike Lanes! They don’t call it “the ultimate playground for adults” for nothing. In addition to a bowling, Lucky Strike features an arcade, billiards room, dance lounge and bar, making it a great choice for your New Year’s Eve venue. Lucky Strike’s New Year’s celebration will also include an appearance from UFC Octagon Girl and Brittney Palmer.

However you like to welcome in the New Year, downtown Bellevue has all the venues to make it happen. Here’s to 2012!

Give the gift of good eats and holiday treats

December 16, 2011

Shopping for friends and family is one of the most enjoyable parts of the holidays. However thinking up gift ideas that are both creative and personal can sometimes be a chore. Don’t fall into the shopping rut of neckties and mittens this year—below is a list of easy gift ideas from downtown Bellevue restaurateurs that will add that personal touch!

Does your friend, co-worker or family member have that one special restaurant they rave about? If so, you may want to consider purchasing them a gift card to their favorite dining spot. Some of downtown Bellevue’s best eateries are offering up gift cards for holiday gift giving this year including Red Robin, Blue C Sushi, Flo Japanese Restaurant, Palomino, Wild Ginger, Pearl Bar and Dining and Z’Tejas. And several feature bonuses for the gift giver too! For instance Blue C Sushi offers $10 off the price of every $50 gift card purchased and Z’Tejas offers a $5 bonus gift card for every $25 in gift card purchases.

If you need gift cards in bulk, Vovito Caffe and Gelato features a “buy five get one free” deal; a great option for office gifts as well as stocking stuffers! Gift cards are perfect for anyone on your list that lives or works in downtown Bellevue.

John Howie, owner of John Howie Steak and Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar has a creative solution for the foodies in your life. In addition to gift cards at both of his fantastic restaurants, Howie will be selling his famous seasoning rubs and specialty salts; an ideal gift for the chef in the family or just fans of John Howie’s restaurants. In addition, Howie will be offering both small and large cedar roasting planks; a great gift for the family gourmet who thinks they have everything. Another idea is John Howie’s new book Passion and Palate—a collection of Howie’s own stories and recipes.

For those on your list with a sweet tooth, swing by Specialty’s Café and Bakery and pick up a box of their cookie mix. Specialty’s is famous for delicious, gourmet cookies and they make a great gift for kids or as an enticing snack to set out at a holiday gathering. Mixes are just $12 each and come in three delicious verities; white chocolate, milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate. Mixes are available both online and in Specialty’s locations.

Specialty’s isn’t the only place with holiday treat offerings. In addition to retail wines, gift cards and holiday catering platters, Purple Café and Wine Bar offers boxes of sea salt caramels. These delicious confections strike the ideal balance between sweet and salty, making them a great accompaniment to your holiday party appetizers.

And not to be outdone, Trophy Cupcakes is offering a variety of new, seasonal cupcakes inspired by holiday flavors. Stop by any of their three locations to sample the chocolate candy cane, gingerbread, bourbon eggnog and candied yam cupcakes. Buy a few to try or a dozen for your next party or get together.

Gifts are only one aspect of your holiday giving. If you’re stressing over what to bring to the holiday office party, look no further than Tap House Grill. Through the holidays Tap House club members are eligible to receive a free Tap House Growler just by swiping their member card. Growlers can be filled with any of  Tap House’s 160 varieties of beer. Growlers are great for sharing with friends, family and co-workers and make a unique gift for the host of the party.

The holidays are meant to be a time of relaxing with family and friends but as we all know, it is easy to get caught up in the obligations this time of year brings. Sometimes a good laugh can provide the perfect cure for all that seasonal stress. Luckily for frazzled holiday shoppers The Parlor Collection has a fresh new December lineup of comedy acts. And in addition to top notch comedy shows, The Parlor Collection offers weekly events like Roadhouse Wednesdays, Karaoke on Thursdays and a daily happy hour. For a full list of Parlor Collection events check out their events calendar here.

If comedy isn’t your thing, The Spot Off Main offers a more down-home line up of events with activities such as beer pong on Thursday and a poker tournament every Tuesday. Come relax and watch the game after a hectic day at the mall or just stop by for a night out with a few good friends.

Downtown Bellevue also has a variety of dining options available the 24th and 25th of December. Bellevue’s own Palomino will be open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on December 24 and from noon to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. Its special menu will include Puget Sound clams, roasted prime rib, rotisserie pork loin, warm pear bread pudding and an extensive menu of specialty wines.

Joining the lineup of restaurants open on Christmas are Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, making for a truly A-list holiday dinner lineup!

 
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