Toast the Town


SEATTLE , Wash.—(November 30, 2006)—Toast the Town is a monthly roundup of wine tastings, restaurant events and other activities that may be of interest. New and updated additions to the listings will be noted for easy reference.

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December

Cocoa Cruises at The Electric Boat Company *NEW*
The Electric Boat Company, 2046 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 102
Cocoa Cruises have returned to Lake Union, courtesy of The Electric Boat Company. Each heated, fully enclosed vessel in the fleet is bedecked with holiday cheer, garlands hung and lights a-twinkle. Guests will enjoy a selection of tasty, holiday-inspired appetizers and sweet treats from McCormick & Schmick's Harborside Restaurant. A jolly Santa and Mrs. Claus greet guests before they set sail. Voyagers can even elect to have Santa drive the boat for them! Cocoa Cruises are available nightly from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. until December 30. On weekends, additional cruises are available from11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Cost is $30 per person ($40 if Santa drives) including catering, for a minimum of eight people. For more information or to book a cruise, visit The Electric Boat Company or call (206) 223-7476.

Santa Brunches and Shoppers’ Menus at icon Grill and Zephyr Grill & Bar *NEW*
icon Grill, 1933 Fifth Ave., Seattle
Zephyr Grill & Bar, 240 W. Kent Station St., Kent
Both restaurants host a friendly Santa so wide-eyed kids can share Christmas wish lists and offer special brunch items for parents. Every brunch at icon features a pianist playing holiday carols and over the top decorations: Wrapped presents are heaped beneath numerous lushly decorated trees and the dining room is festooned with ornaments, garlands, wreaths and lights. At icon , the holiday-themed dishes, such as the Holiday Wreath Salad ($12.95) and the Candy Cane Cake ($7.95), will be on the menu, while Zephyr will offer a holiday brunch buffet. Additionally, each restaurant features an afternoon “Shopper’s Menu” daily from 2 to 5 p.m., a perfect way for all ages to regenerate after rigorous gift shopping. www.icongrill.com or www.zephyrgrill.com

 
Send “Bread Love” from Great Harvest Bread Co.
17192 Redmond Way, Redmond (425) 883-6909
3610 C Factoria Blvd S.E., Bellevue (425) 643-8420
17171 Bothell Way N.E., Lake Forest Park (206) 365-4778
5408 Sand Point Way, Seattle (206) 524-4873
218 N.W. Market St., Seattle (206) 706-3434
For loved ones who are far away, Great Harvest suggests sending a slice of the good life. Great Harvest will package freshly baked organic breads and treats into a sturdy mailing box. Just order, pick up and send. The Simply Abundant Box ($40) is big enough for a family and the Bread Love Box ($22) is perfect for a student or a soldier. Great Harvest specializes in wholegrain breads, cookies, muffins and other goods made from freshly ground, whole wheat flour. And don’t forget to pick up a gift basket on the way to that holiday party! To place an order or for more information, contact any of the five Seattle-area Great Harvest locations. < http://www.greatharvestsea.com/ >  
 
The Romance Package from Inn at El Gaucho
Inn at El Gaucho, 2505 First Ave., Seattle
This winter, treat that special someone to a memorable night at Inn at El Gaucho . For $590, The Romance Package includes a night in one of the Inn’s luxury junior suites, Billecart Salmon champagne served in the room, a $100 dining credit to El Gaucho with priority reservations and seating, fresh flowers, chocolate truffles and complimentary valet parking. Packages must be booked through the Inn concierge with three days advance notice. The Teatro Zinzanni special ($475) and custom-tailored packages are also available. For reservations or more information, call (206) 728-1133 or visit < http://www.inn.elgaucho.com/ > .

Friday, December 1 *NEW*
Release of Aroused Americana Second Edition, by Chef Musser of icon Grill and Zephyr Grill & Bar
In the second edition of Chef Musser’s popular cookbook, readers will find 20 additional recipes and new chef’s tips. Beautifully laid out for ease of use and illustrated with mouth-watering color photos, favorites such as Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese, Molasses Glazed Meatloaf and Potato-Wrapped Halibut are still included. Some of the recipes new to the book are Tuscan Chicken, Chicken Fried Steak, Chocolate Scooter Pie, Dreamy Coconut Cake, Mushroom Barley Risotto, Oysters icon , Peppercorn Seared Duck, Fresh Spring Pea Soup and 5-Spice Ahi Tuna. The new Aroused Americana ($19.99) will be available for purchase at both restaurants and online (www.icongrill.com < http://www.icongrill.com/ > ; www.zephyrgrill.com < http://www.zephyrgrill.com/ > ).

Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3 *NEW*
St Nick’s Weekend at DiStefano Winery and Live Music by Bar Tabac
DiStefano Winery, 12280 Woodinville Dr. N.E., Woodinville
DiStefano joins twenty other Woodinville wineries for the annual St. Nicholas Day weekend open house. The tasting room will feature Parisian café-style décor with live bistro music and hot jazz of the 1920s and ‘30s by Bar Tabac. A special Christmas package of four wines (2005 Sauvignon Blanc, 2002 Merlot, 2003 Reserve Syrah and 2003 Saint John), along with four holiday dinner recipes, will also be available for $76. DiStefano will be open noon to 4 p.m. on both days. The tasting fee is $10, and can be applied towards a purchase of $100 or more. www.distefanowinery.com < http://www.distefanowinery.com/ >

Saturday, December 2
Italian Wine Tasting at Esquin

Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle
More great Italian wine than they know what to do with! Italy is the world’s largest wine producer, as well as the world’s greatest wine consumer. Experience la bella vita at Esquin from 1 to 4 p.m. Call (206) 682-7374 or visit < http://www.esquin.com/ > for more information. Free.

Sunday December 3
Eastside Holiday Garage Sale at Purple Café
Purple Café and Wine Bar, 323 Park Place, Kirkland
Wines from Purple's shelves will be sold at "garage sale" prices, and Wine Director Christene Larsen will be there to strike a deal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, get great bargains on stemware, gift certificates and hand-forged wrought iron accessories and furniture. For more information, call (425) 828-3772 or visit < http://www.thepurplecafe.com/ >



Tuesday December 5 *NEW*

The Ultimate Holiday Cookbook Social at Palace Ballroom with Mauro Golmarvi

Palace Kitchen, 2030 Fifth Ave., Seattle

Tom Douglas hosts The Ultimate Holiday Cookbook Social, an evening of chef demonstrations, recipe tasting and cookbook signings from 4 to 7 p.m. The evening features several popular Seattle chefs, including Chef Mauro Golmarvi, owner of Assaggio Ristorante ; Chef Jerry Traunfeld of The Herbfarm; Chef Thierry Rautureau of Rover’s Restaurant; Fran Bigelow, owner of Fran’s Chocolates Ltd.; Cynthia Nims, cookbook author and local food and travel writer; Author and Chef Christina Orchid, owner of Christina’s; and Chef Charles Ramseyer of Ray’s Boathouse. Tickets are $15 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and include two drink tickets for the cash bar. Chef demonstrations and tastings are complimentary. For tickets or more information, call (206) 448-2001.

Wednesday December 6

Barolo Winemaker Dinner at Assaggio Ristorante

Assaggio Ristorante, 2010 Fourth Ave., Seattle

The November wine dinner was such a success that Owner Mauro Golmarvi is having another one. He will host a Barolo dinner with his friend and winemaker, Maurizio Anselma, flying in from Italy for the event. Guests will enjoy a five-course dinner paired with wine from Anselma Winery for $125, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. Space is very limited. For reservations and more information, please contact Kristin Johnson at (206) 441-1399. < http://www.assaggioseattle.com/ >

Thursday, December 7 *NEW*
Southern Hemisphere Wine Tasting at Esquin
Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle
Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and South Africa are the biggest wine exporters in the Southern hemisphere, all producing high quality value wines. Sample these new world offerings at Esquin from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Call (206) 682-7374 or visit www.esquin.com < http://www.esquin.com/ > for more information. Free.

Friday, December 8 *NEW*
Annual Champagne Tasting at Esquin
Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle
Enjoy Esquin’s top champagnes and sparkling wines at this special tasting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Call (206) 682-7374 or visit www.esquin.com < http://www.esquin.com/ > for more information. Free.

Saturday, December 9 *NEW*
Northwest Wine Tasting at Esquin
Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle
Sample new releases from some of the region’s best wineries at Esquin from 1 to 4 p.m. Call (206) 682-7374 or visit www.esquin.com < http://www.esquin.com/ > for more information. Free.

Thursday, December 14 *NEW*
Port and Dessert Wine Tasting at Esquin
Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle
Just in time for holiday sweets! Fortified dessert wines such as Sherry and Port go especially well with chocolate. Sample fantastic dessert wines from around the globe from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Call (206) 682-7374 or visit www.esquin.com < http://www.esquin.com/ > for more information. Free.

Friday, December 15 *NEW*
Beer Tasting at Esquin
Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle
Taste samples from Esquin’s extensive new beer selection from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Call (206) 682-7374 or visit www.esquin.com < http://www.esquin.com/ > for more information. Free.

Saturday, December 16 *NEW*
Cabernet is King! at Esquin
Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle
In the past decade, Cabernet Sauvignon has enjoyed great success in the wines of the New World, including Chile, Argentina, Australia and the United States, where climates are more consistently favorable than in Europe. Its parent, Cabernet Franc tends to be softer and has fewer tannins < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tannin > , although the two can be difficult to distinguish.  Learn more and taste incredible Cabernet wines at Esquin from 1 to 4 p.m. Call (206) 682-7374 or visit www.esquin.com < http://www.esquin.com/ > for more information. Free.

Saturday, December 16
Aroused Americana Cookbook Signing with Chef Musser at icon Grill
icon Grill, 1933 Fifth Ave., Seattle
Chef Musser will sign copies of the second edition of his Aroused Americana cookbook, coinciding with the popular weekend Santa Brunch — a tradition providing the perfect opportunity to combine holiday shopping, fine dining with family and friends, and a chance for youngsters (or the young at heart) to sit on Santa's lap. The new Aroused Americana ($19.99) will be available for purchase at the restaurant and online. www.icongrill.com < http://www.icongrill.com/ >

Sunday, December 17
Aroused Americana Cookbook Signing with Chef Musser at Zephyr Grill & Bar
Zephyr Grill & Bar, 240 W. Kent Station, Kent
Chef Musser will sign copies of the second edition of his Aroused Americana cookbook, coinciding with the popular weekend Santa Brunch buffet — a tradition providing the perfect opportunity to combine holiday shopping, fine dining with family and friends, and a chance for youngsters (or the young at heart) to sit on Santa's lap. The new Aroused Americana ($19.99) will be available for purchase at the restaurant and online. < http://www.zephyrgrill.com/ >

Tuesday, December 19
Seahawks Players and Dave “Softy” Mahler from 950 KJR Broadcasting Live from Wilde Rover
Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant, 111 Central Way, Kirkland
Have lunch at Wilde Rover and enjoy traditional Irish food accompanied by American football talk. Dave "Softy" Mahler from Sports Radio 950 KJR-AM will broadcast live from Wilde Rover during the lunch hour, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Special guests Bryce Fisher and other Seahawks will be joining him live from noon to 1 p.m. to discuss Seahawks football. < http://www.wilderover.com/ >



Thursday, December 21 *NEW*
Premium Wine Tasting at Esquin
Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle
Put these wines under the tree for the perfect gift! Taste high-end wines with Lars Ryssdal, former wine educator and sommelier from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Call (206) 682-7374 or visit < http://www.esquin.com/ > for more information. Free.

Thursday, December 21
Waterfront Wine Dinner with Winemakers Mark Ryan and Trey Busch *SOLD OUT*
Waterfront Seafood Grill, 2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, Seattle
A Waterfront Christmas Tradition! Dinner with Winemakers Mark Ryan McNeilly of Mark Ryan Cellars and Trey Busch of Basel Cellars. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., and the cost is $95 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Menu to be determined. For more information or to get on the wait list, call (206) 956-9171. < http://www.waterfrontpier70.com/ > .



Saturday, December 23 *NEW*
Holiday Wine Tasting at Esquin
Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle
Taste Esquin’s recommended wines for holiday gifts and parties. Sample new releases from some of the region’s best wineries at Esquin from 1 to 4 p.m. Call (206) 682-7374 or visit www.esquin.com < http://www.esquin.com/ > for more information. Free.

Saturday, December 23
Assaggio Ristorante's Mauro Golmarvi to Appear with Michael Chiarello on Food Network
Mauro Golmarvi will appear with Michael Chiarello, the renowned chef, entrepreneur, cookbook author, winery owner and television host, on an episode of Easy Entertainingwith Michael Chiarello . The episode will focus on “Italian Comfort Food,” featuring Golmarvi and Chiarello making beautiful dishes together and hosting an ensuing dinner party. The episode will air at 1:30 p.m. PST. For more information or for future airdates, visit www.foodtv.com < http://www.foodtv.com/ >


Thursday, December 28 *NEW*
Italian Wine Tasting at Esquin
Esquin Wine Merchants, 2700 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle
More great Italian wine than they know what to do with! Italy is the world’s largest wine producer, as well as the world’s greatest wine consumer. Experience la bella vita at Esquin from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Call (206) 682-7374 or visit www.esquin.com < http://www.esquin.com/ > for more information. Free.

Sunday, December 31 *NEW*
Indulgence New Year's Eve Party at Experience Music Project
Attend the largest New Year’s Eve Party in Seattle, brought to you by Pure Fitness. This year, party in the cool surroundings of the EMP with five unique experiences located throughout the museum, featuring music acts, comedy acts and DJs. Entertainment includes: 70’s disco music by Hit Explosion, R&B music by the Andy Stokes Band, KISS 106.1 live broadcast, live DJs, full access to EMP Museum, three dance floors, "Laugh Off" Comedy Lounge, free party favors for every guest, a Foto-Time photo booth, Pure Fitness giveaways and a VIP Room with open bar and food. There will even be a special event for singles at the party! This is the 5th annual party hosted by Space City Mixer with over 3,000 guests – it is THE New Year's Eve party in Seattle! Doors open at 8 p.m. Early Bird tickets are $39. For details and tickets, visit www.SeattleBash.com < http://www.seattlebash.com/ >

January

Friday, January 19 *NEW*
Texas Hold ‘em Smoke Out at El Gaucho Portland
El Gaucho, 319 S.W. Broadway, Portland
El Gaucho hosts an exclusive Texas Hold ‘em tournament in the Cigar lounge from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Entrance fee is $75, and the tournament is limited to eight people. While they play, the high rollers will enjoy “The Big Slick” cocktail, a variation on a Maker’s Mark Manhattan; the Montecristo “Robusto” cigar; and Prawn Cocktail, Beef Tenderloin Kabobs and Sliced Top Sirloin crostini appetizers. The winning poker player will receive a $100 gift certificate to El Gaucho and a premium cigar. To register or for more information, call (503) 227-5794 or visit www.elgaucho.com < http://www.elgaucho.com/elgaucho/_portland/_news/index.htm >

Monday, January 22 *NEW*
Covey Run Wine Dinner at icon Grill
icon Grill, 1933 Fifth Ave., Seattle
Covey Run wines are styled to pair well with foods, as guests will learn for themselves. Executive Chef Nick Musser will prepare a special five-course dinner to be paired with these award-winning Washington wines. A special guest from Covey Run will be in attendance to discuss the wines and mingle with diners. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. and costs $79, plus tax and gratuity. Menu to be determined. For reservations and more information, call (206) 441-6330 or visit www.icongrill.com < http://www.icongrill.com/ >

Tuesday, January 23 *NEW*
El Gaucho Seattle Wine Dinner featuring Mark Ryan Winery, Stevens Winery and Baer Winery
El Gaucho, 2505 First Ave., Seattle
Several of Woodinville’s finest winemakers, Mark McNeilly, Tim Stevens and Lance Baer, will present their wines at an extraordinary dinner. El Gaucho’s famous Chateaubriand will be carved tableside, with a special sauce prepared by Chef Kelly just for the event. Reception begins at 6:30 p.m., and dinner begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $125 per person and includes valet parking, exclusive of tax and gratuity. For reservations and more information, call (206) 728-1337 or visit www.elgaucho.com < http://www.elgaucho.com/ >

Friday, January 26 *NEW*
Fourth Annual Platinum Wine Dinner at Columbia Tower Club
Columbia Tower Club, 701 Fifth Ave., Seattle
Many are tasted, few are chosen! This grand event honors fifteen Platinum Wines from the Pacific Northwest, as judged by a panel of six led by Andy Perdue, editor of Wine Press Northwest and founder of the Platinum Wine Judging. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with ten wines and an hors d’oeuvre reception. Guests will be seated at 7 p.m. for a five-course dinner paired with five wines, prepared by Executive Chef James Hassell. Tickets are available to nonmembers for $130, plus tax and gratuity. Perdue will present each guest with a one-year subscription to Wine Press Northwest and a complimentary copy of his authoritative book, Guide to Northwest Wines . For reservations and more information, call the Columbia Tower Club at (206) 622-2010.

Monday January 29 *NEW*
Covey Run Wine Dinner at Zephyr Grill & Bar
Zephyr Grill & Bar, 240 W. Kent Station, Kent
Covey Run wines are styled to pair well with foods, as guests will learn for themselves. Executive Chef Nick Musser will prepare a special five-course dinner to be paired with these award-winning Washington wines. A special guest from Covey Run will be in attendance to discuss the wines and mingle with diners. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. and costs $79, plus tax and gratuity. Menu to be determined. For reservations and more information, call (253) 845-5050 o visit www.zephyrgrill.com < http://www.zephyrgrill.com/ >

February

Wednesday February 14 *NEW*
Valentine’s Day at icon Grill and Zephyr Grill & Bar
icon Grill, 1933 Fifth Ave., Seattle
Zephyr Grill & Bar, 240 W. Kent Station St., Kent
Excite that special someone with Aroused Americana! The restaurants will be dressed up in Valentine’s Day decorations, and Executive Chef (and award-winning husband) Nick Musser will whip up special Valentine’s Day desserts, including:

Red Velvet Cake, seven layers of silky, red devil’s food cake with rich cream cheese icing. ($7.95)
Hot Love , decadent Olympic Mountain Vanilla Bean ice cream with warm Grand Marnier caramel and fresh strawberries ($7.95)
Erin’s 5-Chocolate Silk , named after Chef Musser’s wife.  Her recipe for bittersweet chocolate mousse is combined with four other versions of her favorite vice: a chocolate cookie cup, hot fudge, dark chocolate sauce and white chocolate sauce. ($7.95)

For reservations and more information, visit www.icongrill.com < http://www.icongrill.com/ > or www.zephyrgrill.com < http://www.zephyrgrill.com/ > .
 
Monday, February 26 *NEW*
Icon Estates Wine Dinner at icon Grill
icon Grill, 1933 Fifth Ave., Seattle
Icon Estates is a portfolio of wineries, vineyards and estates that represents the best of the fine wine world; icon Grill is a landmark Seattle restaurant known for innovation and alluring style. The two will meet over a five-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Nick Musser and paired with wines from the Icon Estates portfolio. A special guest from Icon Estates will attend to talk about the wines. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. and costs $79, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Menu to be determined. For reservations and more information call (206) 441-6330 or visit www.icongrill.com < http://www.icongrill.com/ >
 

March

Monday, March 5 *NEW*
Icon Estates Wine Dinner at Zephyr Grill & Bar
Zephyr Grill & Bar, 240 W. Kent Station St., Kent
Icon Estates is a portfolio of wineries, vineyards and estates that represents the best of the fine wine world, from Robert Mondavi’s envied To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville to Simi’s 100-year-old stone cellars. Executive Chef Nick Musser will prepare a five-course dinner paired with wines from the Icon Estates portfolio. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. and costs $79, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Menu to be determined. For reservations and more information call (253) 854-5050 or visit www.zephyrgrill.com < http://www.zephyrgrill.com/ > .

April

Monday, April 23 *NEW*
Nicholas Cole Cellars and Columbia Winery Wine Dinner at icon Grill
icon Grill, 1933 Fifth Ave., Seattle
Executive Chef Nick Musser will prepare a five-course dinner paired with wines from Nicholas Cole Cellars and Columbia Winery. Special guests from the wineries will also be in attendance to discuss the wines. Tickets are $79, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. Menu to be determined. For reservations and more information call (206) 441-6330 or visit www.icongrill.com < http://www.icongrill.com/ >

Monday, April 30 *NEW*
Nicholas Cole Cellars and Columbia Winery Wine Dinner at Zephyr Grill & Bar
Zephyr Grill & Bar, 240 W. Kent Station St., Kent
Executive Chef Nick Musser will prepare a five-course dinner paired with wines from the Nicholas Cole Cellars and Columbia Winery. Special guests from the wineries will also be in attendance to discuss the wines. Tickets are $79, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. Menu to be determined. For reservations and more information call (253) 854-5050 or visit www.zephyrgrill.com < http://www.zephyrgrill.com/ >

Anne Haenni and Rick Pezzner
Owner, Diversity News