Toast! (July 2010 Calendar of Events)
Toast! is a monthly roundup of wine tastings, restaurant events and other
activities that may be of interest to you. New and updated additions to the listings
will be noted for easy reference.
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El Gaucho Bellevue Offers New Lunch and Happy Hour Items
www.elgaucho.com | @ElGauchoSteak
El Gaucho Bellevue’s expanded lunch menu spotlights both seasonal ingredients and lighter fare. New dishes include the portobello burger ($12), rock shrimp & goat cheese flatbread ($12), tandoori chicken salad ($16) and grilled prawns ($18). The happy hour menu also lists new, shareable plates such as warm artichoke relish ($4), steamed spring asparagus ($4), sweet & spicy habañero shrimp ($4) and proscuitto-wrapped prawns ($2 each). Happy hour is offered 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day Sunday.
LOT No. 3 Opens in Bellevue
www.lotno3.com | @heavyrestaurant
Heavy Restaurant Group, the creative force behind Barrio and Purple Café and Wine Bar, has introduced a new restaurant in downtown Bellevue, LOT No. 3. The menu consists of seasonally inspired, simple-yet-sophisticated gastro-fare such as duck confit, short-rib or BLT sliders ($3.50-$3.75), plate o’ bacon ($6), and a peanut butter, bacon & jelly sandwich ($6.75). LOT No. 3 focuses on beer and brown liquors, but also has extensive by-the-glass wine and bottle lists. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. For reservations, call (425) 440-0025.
Eight Night Air and Land Inclusive Package to Auckland and Sydney for $1,099 per Person
www.duatravel.com | @downunderanswer | Facebook
Can’t pick a side in the Aussie vs. Kiwi debate? One doesn’t have to with Down Under Answers’ eight-night air-and-land inclusive vacation package to Auckland and Sydney. Spend four nights in each location, and visit Auckland’s volcanoes and the Sydney Opera House all in one trip for $1,099 per person. Compare the food, wine, nightlife and sights, and then pick a side in the Aussie vs. Kiwi friendly rivalry. Contact the experts to book directly at (866) 792-5458 or visit http://www.duatravel.com/aussievskiwi/.
El Gaucho Portland Holds Drawing for Free Cigar Locker for a Year
www.elgaucho.com |@ElGauchoPDX
In order to give the cigar lounge an update, El Gaucho Portland will be temporarily closing its doors July 2 and reopening July 7. In honor of the renovation, El Gaucho is offering guests the chance to win a cigar locker and membership for an entire year. The upgrades to the room include new furniture, paint, additional seating, and 30 more temperature controlled cigar humidors for guests to purchase. To enter the giveaway or for more information on purchasing a cigar locker, call (503) 227-8794.
Northwest Cellars Hosts 100 Hounds of Kirkland Book Signing and Release
www.northwestcellars.com | @nwcellars | Facebook
Join Northwest Cellars on July 31 and August 1 for the “100 Hounds of Kirkland” book release celebration at the Kirkland tasting room. From noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Catharine G. Handfelt, the creator, writer and photographer of 100 Hounds of Kirkland, will be signing copies of her book, which will also be available for purchase for $30. There will be door prizes and drawings for a case of Northwest Cellars’ Rescue Red: 20 percent of proceeds from sales of this wine will go to Seattle Humane Society. The Humane Society MaxMobile adoption bus will also be in attendance.
Otis Kenyon Joins Local Wineries at 100th Annual Vashon Island Strawberry Festival
www.otiskenyonwine.com |@otiskenyonwine | Facebook
Otis Kenyon will be pouring its wine with other local wineries at the Wine & Jazz Fusion hosted by Windermere Real Estate on July 17 from 2:30 to 7 p.m. The event is in its 7th year and is part of the 101th Annual Vashon Island Strawberry Festival. Guests will sample wines, enjoy catered food pairings and listen to live jazz music. The event is free.
Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant in Seattle Hosts Happy Hour for Hope
www.siprestaurant.com | @sipwinebar | Facebook
Seattle Weekly’s Happy Hour for Hope is a monthly networking event to raise money and awareness for local nonprofits. Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant in Seattle will host this month’s event from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 14. Partners include 107.7 The End, Seattle Sounders FC, and Events & Adventures. Partial proceeds go to the featured non-profit, United We Serve.
Waterfront Seafood Grill’s Tenth Anniversary and Summer Hootenanny Celebration
www.waterfrontpier70.com | @Waterfront70
Named “Best Wine Event” by the 2008 Washington Wine Awards, the Summer Hootenanny at Waterfront Seafood Grill is even more of a hoot this year as the restaurant celebrates its 10th anniversary. Held on the expansive, breathtaking deck, the event features music, appetizers from Executive Chef Peter Levine, and wine from about 20 of Washington’s finest wineries. Music from The Dusty 45s and a guest appearance by Paul Mackay himself make this an event not to be missed. The celebration is July 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 (plus tax and gratuity) and must be reserved in advance by calling Waterfront Seafood Grill at (206) 956-9171.
Wine Storage Bellevue Offers Pre-Sale Exclusive for Wine Storage Lockers
www.winestoragebellevue.com |@WineStorageBlvu
Wine Storage Bellevue is offering a pre-sale program for a limited time only with great potential savings. Benefits include free use of the 10-foot move-in truck and a 25- percent discount on a wine racking system from a preferred Wine Storage Bellevue partner, installed in the locker. The pre-sale exclusive is for those who sign a lease contract and prepay a storage locker for one year. Locker pricing is competitive, starting at $24 per month and going to $395 for the largest size. Full locker sizes range from 23” x 16” (14 case-capacity) to 48” x 148” (200-case capacity). Split locker sizes range from 33” x 30” x 33” (12-case capacity) to 44” x 30” x 64” (40-case capacity). To take advantage of the pre-sale offer, please call (425) 453-2242. The offer will expire on July 15th.
19th Annual Washington Wines Festival
www.washingtonwinesfestival.com
On July 9 at 5 p.m., the Washington Wines Festival kicks off at Carnation Farm with a reception, a mini live auction, and winemaker dinners featuring local chefs, including executive Chef Peter Levine of Waterfront Seafood Grill. The next day, July 10, a wine tasting will offer over 50 premium Washington wines, including Waters Winery, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Following the tasting, there will be a live auction, dinner prepared by local chefs, including Executive Chef Ken Sharp of El Gaucho, and entertainment on the Great Lawn. The festival concludes with a continental breakfast on July 11. Tickets are $2,000 per person including lodging or $1,500 without. Single-night tickets available for $750. Proceeds benefit Camp Korey.
El Gaucho Seattle Heats up Summer with Added Burlesque Shows
www.elgaucho.com | @ElGauchoSteak
El Gaucho Seattle’s Pampas Room has added six more cabaret shows for its summer line-up. The shows include a four-course, set dinner menu with choice of seasonal entrée. For the summer only, all seats are available for $100 per person. Wine and cocktails are not included; however, specialty cocktails and a discounted wine list is available during the show. Doors open at 8 p.m.; shows begin at 9 p.m. For reservations, contact El Gaucho’s front desk at (206) 728-1337.
July 9 & September 3 – Blue Moon Cabaret hosted by Miss Indigo Blue
Featuring Lily Verlaine, the Shanghai Pearl, Inga Ingenue and Catherine D’Lish
July 23 & September 17 – VarieTEASE!
Hosted by Jasper McCann, with the Atomic Bombshells (Lily Vanderloo, Honey D. Luxe, Babette La Fave and Kitten LaRue) and tap sensation Mark Mendonca
August 6 – Blue Moon Cabaret Sings the Blues with Alotta Boutte hosted by Miss Indigo Blue
Featuring Lily Verlaine, Inga Ingenue and pianist Peter Colclasure
August 20 – Dark Side of the Moon Cabaret with Armitage Shanks
Featuring Sydni Deveraux, Waxie Moon, Jenny Penny, contortionist Kristina Nekiya, and piano and accordion player Hugh Sutton
Otis Kenyon Pours at Jazz in the Valley Festival
www.otiskenyonwine.com |@otiskenyonwine | Facebook
Enjoy a silent auction of wine and art and sip Otis Kenyon wines at the Sip N’ Sample event July 31 from 1 to 6:30 p.m. The event is part of the Jazz in the Valley festival in Ellensburg. Otis Kenyon wines will be offered in Gallery One. Tickets are $10 per person.
23rd Annual Auction of Washington Wines
www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org
The largest charity auction showcasing Washington wine, Auction of Washington Wines, takes place August 19 through 21. This year’s auction, themed “A Wine Odyssey,” offers an array of events:
Thursday, August 19
Barrel Auction and Picnic with Winemakers, 4 p.m. to dusk, at Chateau Ste. Michelle
($125 before July 15, $150 after)
Friday, August 20
Winemaker Dinners at 6:30 p.m. ($250)
Heart of the Northwest features dinner prepared by Waterfront Seafood Grill Executive Chef Peter Levine
Belle View hosts winemaker Jamie Brown of Waters Winery
Saturday, August 21
Covey Run 10K Race, 5K Run/Walk and Kids Dash, 8 a.m. at Redhook Brewery in Woodinville ($35)
Gala Auction, 4:30 p.m. until midnight at Chateau Ste. Michelle ($500)
Tickets are available individually for each event or $750 for weekend of events - gala auction, winemaker dinner and picnic. All proceeds benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington Wine Education Foundation. For more information, click here.
Down Under Answers Branches Into South Africa Market with “Africa Answers”
www.duatravel.com | @downunderanswer | Facebook
Acknowledged as one of the most respected and awarded specialists in wholesale travel to Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the South Pacific, Down Under Answers has extended its scope to include South Africa and the nations of Eastern Africa. New affiliate Africa Answers will specialize in travel packages to South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and the Indian Ocean.
Issaquah Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant Participates in Chocolate, Wine & All That Jazz
www.siprestaurant.com | @sipwinebar | Facebook
Hosted by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, the 22nd annual Chocolate, Wine & All That Jazz is a day of chocolate tastings and tours, live music, Issaquah restaurants, and Washington wines and ales. The event is held July 22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Boehm’s Candies. Executive Chef Chris Brown of Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant in Issaquah and other local chefs will be preparing small bites for the event. Tickets are $35.
AlumniWine Introduces New “Wineing About Education” Blog
www.alumniwine.com | @alumniwine | Facebook | Blog
Check out AlumniWine’s new blog, “Wineing About Education,” for information on AlumniWine, education and upcoming alumni events with their partner schools. Also be sure to support City University of Seattle’s fundraising efforts by purchasing the inaugural release of Washington wine: choose from 2005 Merlot, 2006 Bordeaux Style Blend or 2008 Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay Blend.
Melting Pot Tacoma Serves up Chocolate Fondue at Point Defiance’s Zoobilee
www.meltingpot.com
In its 20th year, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Zoobilee takes place July 16 at 7:30 p.m. The black-tie gala is comprised of a night of dancing, animal close encounters, a silent auction, raffles and five stages of live entertainment. Over 60 local restaurants, caterers and drink providers will be available, including Melting Pot Tacoma, which will have guests dipping into chocolate fondue. Proceeds benefit education and conservation efforts of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Must be 21 years old to attend. Tickets are $200 per person; VIP tickets, which include parking, early entrance and access to the VIP lounge, are $275.
KIRO’s Chris Sullivan Tours New Wine Storage Bellevue Facility
www.winestoragebellevue.com | @WineStorageBlvu | Facebook
Wine Storage Bellevue is a newly opened, upscale wine locker facility with 422 secure lockers for preserving valued wine collections. KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan recently toured the space for 97.3 News Talk and interviewed owners Patrick Gilroy and Dick Gilroy. Listen to the podcast or view the pictures posted on MyNorthwest.com.
Otis Kenyon Wine Now Offers Full Varietal Lineup at Woodinville Tasting Room
www.otiskenyonwine.com |@otiskenyonwine | Facebook
Six different varietals are now offered at Otis Kenyon Wine’s new Woodinville Tasting Room. The wines include 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 Merlot, 2007 Merlot, 2007 Syrah, 2007 Matchless Red Wine and 2007 Malbec. The Woodinville Tasting Room is located in Apple Farm Village and is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Tasting fee is $5.
Every Sunday through Thursday in July
Melting Pot Offers 3 Courses and Wine for $35 Per Person
www.meltingpot.com
Sunday through Thursday nights, visit the Seattle, Tacoma, or Bellevue Melting Pot and get three courses plus a bottle of wine to share for just $35 per person. Choose any cheese fondue including cheddar, Swiss, or spinach artichoke; any salad including Caesar, California, house or spinach; and any entrée including Land and Sea (New York strip, breast of chicken and shrimp), the Signature (filet, shrimp, marinated sirloin, breast of chicken and salmon), or the Vegetarian (edamame, artichoke hearts, portobello mushrooms, asparagus, tofu and ravioli). Price does not include tax or gratuity; one offer per table. For reservations, call Seattle (206) 378-1208; Tacoma (253) 535-3939; Bellevue (425) 646-2744.
Every Sunday in July
“Sip and Savor” Sundays at Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant
www.siprestaurant.com | @sipwinebar | Facebook
Sunday just got a whole lot better with Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant’s “Sip and Savor” Sundays. Enjoy happy hour all night long with half off select glass pours and $5 well drinks. Select small plates are $5 each: tenderloin skewers, signature sliders, chips & dips, potato frites and house salad. VIP members receive 15 percent off their total bill.
Every Tuesday in July
Sip. at the wine bar and restaurant Presents Double Your Points Tuesday
www.siprestaurant.com | @sipwinebar | Facebook
Earn two points on your VIP rewards card for every dollar you spend at Sip. on Tuesdays. VIP cards can be purchased for $25 at the restaurant. Members receive 100 points when they enroll. Points can be redeemed for rewards at either location: Downtown Seattle or Issaquah Highlands. VIP members will be the first to receive invitations to upcoming events at Sip.
Every Wednesday in July
Sip. at the wine bar and restaurant and Melting Pot Offer Half-Off Bottle Wednesdays
www.siprestaurant.com | @sipwinebar | Facebook
www.meltingpot.com
All Sip. locations and Melting Pot Washington locations offer half off bottles of wine on Wednesdays. At Sip., choose any bottle valued at $100 or less for half the price. Visit Sip. in downtown Seattle or the Issaquah Highlands; Melting Pot in Seattle, Tacoma or Bellevue.
Every Thursday in July
Sip. at the wine bar and restaurant and Melting Pot Feature Ladies’ Night
www.siprestaurant.com | @sipwinebar | Facebook
www.meltingpot.com
Sip. and Melting Pot toast the fairer sex on Thursday nights with specials at all locations. At Sip., ladies receive half off select glass pours all night long. Live music is also featured from 7 to 10 p.m. At Melting Pot, ladies receive $5 special martinis, $4.50 well drinks and $6 select pours. The offer is only available in the bar. Visit Sip. in downtown Seattle or the Issaquah Highlands; Melting Pot in Seattle, Tacoma or Bellevue.
Saturday, July 3 to Sunday, July 4
Tsillan Cellars Announces 2010 Summer Concert Series Line-Up
www.tsillancellars.com | @Tsillan_Cellars | Facebook
Come to Tsillan Cellars this summer for wine, food and music. The winery’s summer concert series will kick off Fourth of July weekend:
July 3 at 7 p.m. – The Paperboys
Tickets: $30 general admission, $20 wine club members
July 4 at 7 p.m. – The Tom May Trio
Tickets: $15 general admission, $5 wine club members
At both concerts, children 13 and under are free. Purchase tickets at the tasting room, by phone at (509) 682-9463 or online at Tsillan Cellars’ website.
Friday, July 9
El Gaucho Seattle Heats up Summer with Added Burlesque Shows
www.elgaucho.com | @ElGauchoSteak
El Gaucho Seattle’s Pampas Room has added six more cabaret shows for its summer line-up. The show includes a four-course, set dinner menu with choice of seasonal entrée. For the summer only, all seats are available for $100 per person. Wine and cocktails are not included; however, specialty cocktails and a discounted wine list is available during the show. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show begins at 9 p.m. For reservations, contact El Gaucho’s front desk at (206) 728-1337.
Blue Moon Cabaret hosted by Miss Indigo Blue
Featuring Lily Verlaine, the Shanghai Pearl, Inga Ingenue and Catherine D’Lish
Friday, July 9 to Sunday July, 11
19th Annual Washington Wines Festival
www.washingtonwinesfestival.com
On July 9 at 5 p.m., the Washington Wines Festival kicks off at Carnation Farm with a reception, a mini live auction, and winemaker dinners featuring local chefs, including executive Chef Peter Levine of Waterfront Seafood Grill. The next day, July 10, a wine tasting will offer over 50 premium Washington wines, including Waters Winery, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Following the tasting, there will be a live auction, dinner prepared by local chefs, including Executive Chef Ken Sharp of El Gaucho, and entertainment on the Great Lawn. The festival concludes with a continental breakfast on July 11. Tickets are $2,000 per person including lodging or $1,500 without. Single-night tickets available for $750. Proceeds benefit Camp Korey.
Wednesday, July 14
Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant in Seattle Hosts Happy Hour for Hope
www.siprestaurant.com | @sipwinebar | Facebook
Seattle Weekly’s Happy Hour for Hope is a monthly networking event to raise money and awareness for local nonprofits. Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant in Seattle will host this month’s event from 5 to 7 p.m. Partners include 107.7 The End, Seattle Sounders FC, and Events & Adventures. Partial proceeds go to the featured non-profit, United We Serve.
Friday, July 16
Melting Pot Tacoma Serves up Chocolate Fondue at Point Defiance’s Zoobilee
www.meltingpot.com
In its 20th year, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Zoobilee takes place at 7:30 p.m. The black-tie gala is comprised of a night of dancing, animal close encounters, a silent auction, raffles and five stages of live entertainment. Over 60 local restaurants, caterers and drink providers will be available, including Melting Pot Tacoma, which will have guests dipping into chocolate fondue. Proceeds benefit education and conservation efforts of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Must be 21 years old to attend. Tickets are $200 per person; VIP tickets, which include parking, early entrance and access to the VIP lounge, are $275.
Saturday, July 17
Otis Kenyon Joins Local Wineries at 100th Annual Vashon Island Strawberry Festival
www.otiskenyonwine.com |@otiskenyonwine | Facebook
Otis Kenyon will be pouring its wine with other local wineries at the Wine & Jazz Fusion hosted by Windermere Real Estate from 2:30 to 7 p.m. The event is in its 7th year and is part of the 101th Annual Vashon Island Strawberry Festival. Guests will sample wines, enjoy catered food pairings and listen to live jazz music. The event is free.
Friday, July 16 to Sunday, July 18
Kirkland Uncorked
www.kirklanduncorked.com
Kirkland Uncorked celebrates the finest Washington food and wine paired with exquisite Northwest art on the picturesque shores of Lake Washington. Northwest Cellars will be pouring along with 14 other wineries. This year, the event will be held at Marina Park in Kirkland. Tickets are $20 before the event, $25 at the door, and include a commemorative glass and 10 tasting tokens. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Hope Heart Institute.
Thursday, July 22
Issaquah Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant Participates in Chocolate, Wine & All That Jazz
www.siprestaurant.com | @sipwinebar | Facebook
Hosted by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, the 22nd annual Chocolate, Wine & All That Jazz is a day of chocolate tastings and tours, live music, Issaquah restaurants, and Washington wines and ales. The event is held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Boehm’s Candies. Executive Chef Chris Brown of Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant in Issaquah and other local chefs will be preparing small bites for the event. Tickets are $35.
Friday, July 23
El Gaucho Seattle Heats up Summer with Added Burlesque Shows
www.elgaucho.com | @ElGauchoSteak
El Gaucho Seattle’s Pampas Room has added six more cabaret shows for its summer line-up. The show includes a four-course, set dinner menu with choice of seasonal entrée. For the summer only, all seats are available for $100 per person. Wine and cocktails are not included; however, specialty cocktails and a discounted wine list is available during the show. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show begins at 9 p.m. For reservations, contact El Gaucho’s front desk at (206) 728-1337.
VarieTEASE!
Hosted by Jasper McCann, with the Atomic Bombshells (Lily Vanderloo, Honey D. Luxe, Babette La Fave and Kitten LaRue) and tap sensation Mark Mendonca
Saturday, July 24
Tsillan Cellars’ Summer Concert Series
www.tsillancellars.com | @Tsillan_Cellars | Facebook
7 p.m. – The Ian McFeron Band
Tickets: $15 general admission, $5 wine club members
For a weekend of live music next to scenic Lake Chelan, plan a getaway during Tsillan Cellars’ outdoor summer concert series. Wine from Tsillan Cellars and food from Sorrento’s Ristorante are available for purchase. Folding chairs will be provided but guests may also bring blankets. No outside food or drink allowed. Purchase tickets online or by calling the winery at (509) 682-9463.
Thursday, July 29
Waterfront Seafood Grill’s Tenth Anniversary and Summer Hootenanny Celebration
www.waterfrontpier70.com | @Waterfront70
Named “Best Wine Event” by the 2008 Washington Wine Awards, the Summer Hootenanny at Waterfront Seafood Grill is even more of a hoot this year as the restaurant celebrates its 10th anniversary. Held on the expansive, breathtaking deck, the event features music, appetizers from Executive Chef Peter Levine, and wine from about 20 of Washington’s finest wineries. Music from The Dusty 45s and a guest appearance by Paul Mackay himself make this an event not to be missed. The celebration is from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 (plus tax and gratuity) and must be reserved in advance by calling Waterfront Seafood Grill at (206) 956-9171.
Saturday, July 31
Otis Kenyon Pours at Jazz in the Valley Festival
www.otiskenyonwine.com |@otiskenyonwine | Facebook
Enjoy a silent auction of wine and art and sip Otis Kenyon wines at the Sip N’ Sample event from 1 to 6:30 p.m. The event is part of the Jazz in the Valley festival in Ellensburg. Otis Kenyon wines will be offered in Gallery One. Tickets are $10 per person.
Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1
Northwest Cellars Hosts 100 Hounds of Kirkland Book Signing and Release
www.northwestcellars.com | @nwcellars | Facebook
Join Northwest Cellars for the “100 Hounds of Kirkland” book release celebration at the Kirkland tasting room. From noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Catharine G. Handfelt, the creator, writer and photographer of 100 Hounds of Kirkland, will be signing copies of her book, which will also be available for purchase for $30. There will be door prizes and drawings for a case of Northwest Cellars’ Rescue Red: 20 percent of proceeds from sales of this wine will go to Seattle Humane Society. The Humane Society MaxMobile adoption bus will also be in attendance.
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