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Pearl’s ‘sister restaurant’ Koral to open in 2012

November 28, 2011

If you’re an Eastside resident chances are you’ve heard the buzz about Pearl Bar and Dining. Although Pearl opened its doors in the midst of a major economic downturn, its distinctive Northwest-inspired cuisine and sleek, modern ambience won over even the most discerning foodies, allowing the restaurant to flourish here in downtown Bellevue. Coming off three years of great success with Pearl, founders Bradley Dickinson and Mikel Rogers (pictured above) recently announced their newest culinary addition to the Eastside, Koral.

The concept behind Koral is a contemporary take on the all American tavern. Unlike Pearl’s sophisticated, elegant feel, Koral will be a warm, inviting, down-to-earth haunt where you can unwind after a tough day at the office, long workout or hectic day of running errands. Koral’s menu will reflect its homey feel with reasonably priced dishes featuring recognizable ingredients like oyster shooters and roasted pork shank. Adventurous eaters need not be disappointed though as Koral will also feature a handful of more unusual items such as Gnocchi with braised oxtail.

Koral is set to be located in Bellevue’s Hyatt Regency Hotel in the space formerly occupied by Twisted Cork. Construction on Koral is scheduled to begin at the end of this month and Bellevuites can expect to be enjoying downtown’s first new American tavern by mid-late February. If history is any indication, Koral will surely follow in Pearl’s footsteps as one of Bellevue’s restaurant staples.

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.

Downtown Bellevue restaurants take top wine honors

March 31, 2010

Every year the Washington Wine Commission presents the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards to restaurateurs with outstanding wine programs that support local Washington State wineries. Judging is done by a panel made up of members from the Washing Wine Commission, individuals in the restaurant industry, Washington wine producers, wine marketing professionals, and the Seattle Business Monthly. Restaurants are evaluated on a variety of criteria, including wine list, service and staffing, promotions and overall wine philosophy. Ten Downtown Bellevue restaurants received top honors this year. Read below to see if your favorite made the list!

Washington Restaurant Association Award - Recognizing an outstanding member of the association.

Pearl Bar & Dining
Lincoln Square
700 Bellevue Way NE
(425) 455-0181
pearlbellevue.com

Washington Wine Grand Award - Restaurants considered industry leaders in support of the Washington State wine industry.

Daniel’s Broiler
Bellevue Place
10500 NE 8th Street
(425) 462-4662
schwartzbros.com/daniels.cfm

El Gaucho
450 108th Avenue NE
(425) 455-2715
elgaucho.com

John Howie Steak
The Bravern
11111 NE 8th Street
johnhowiesteak.com

Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar
205 108th Avenue NE
(425) 456-0010
seastarrestaurant.com

Wild Ginger
The Bravern
11020 NE 8th Street
(425) 495-8889
wildginger.net

Washington Wine Award of Distinction Award - Restaurants that have shown dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry.

Artisanal Brasserie and Wine Bar
The Bravern
11111 NE 8th Street
(425) 372-2200
artisanalwa.com

Pearl Bar & Dining
Lincoln Square
700 Bellevue Way NE
(425) 455-0181
pearlbellevue.com

Purple Café and Wine Bar
430 106th Avenue NE
(425) 502-6292
thepurplecafe.com

Twisted Cork - Recently Closed
twistedcork.com

Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition Award - Restaurants that are building support of the Washington wine industry.

Monsoon East
Old Bellevue
10245 Main Street
(425) 635-1112
monsoonrestaurants.com/east

Twisted Cork and STIR close their doors

March 15, 2010

Over the weekend Matt Bomberger, President of Solstice Restaurant Group, suddenly announced that Twisted Cork and STIR Martini + Raw Bar would be closing their doors. STIR’s last night of business was Saturday, March13 and Twisted Cork remained open through Sunday, March 14. STIR had been open for less than a year, opening in late summer 2009 on the ground floor of Bellevue Place. Twisted Cork had just undergone a brand overhaul in early February 2010 to offer a more casual dining experience where both adults and families could enjoy affordable Northwest cuisine.

Matt Bomberger has always been a strong champion of the Bellevue Downtown Association and provided his restaurant marketing expertise to help with the launch BellevueLocalTable.com in late August 2009. He is very involved in the local restaurant scene and took pride in providing locally-owned dining choices for the Eastside community. We deeply appreciate Matt’s encouragement to support other local businesses.  Here’s what he said in his announcement: 

“As always, we encourage you to continue your support of locally owned businesses which, in turn, supports growth in the local community.  You get to decide where you spend your money and it can make a tremendous difference in our community.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.  We hope Matt is back soon.

The all new Twisted Cork

February 18, 2010

0/8 Seafood Grill has officially converted to the new Twisted Cork! Check out restaurant’s very first television commercial above. The ad highlights Twisted Cork’s commitment to offer the best in Northwest food, wine and service, as well as a new promotion they will be holding through the end of March―half off select bottles of wine with the purchase of any two entrees! Here are some additional weekly specials and events that have been added to Twisted Cork’s offerings:

Monday Family Night:  Kids under 12 eat free from the Kids Menu with the purchase of an adult entree.  

Tuesday Steak Night: Enjoy Twisted Cork’s Flatiron Steak for only $12.95.

Wine & Jazz Wednesdays: “Wine Buzz” pairs specially selected wines with Twisted Cork bites for $15 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Live Jazz adds entertainment from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday Late Night: Enjoy live music and dancing in the bar from 10:00 p.m.-close.

Sunday Brunch: Jazz Brunch from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. For reservations, call (425) 637-0808.