John Howie’s Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar in Bellevue and John Howie Steak at The Bravern both earned the Best of Award of Excellence in the Wine Spectator’s 30th annual restaurant awards in recognition of their wine program. Seastar Seattle was also recognized with the Best of Award of Excellence.

“(The Best of Award of Excellence) is something that lends prestige to any wine program,” said Lisa Rongren, wine director and sommelier at John Howie Steak. “Because we are a steakhouse I knew that we had to carry a lot of big wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. But I also wanted to make sure every region of the world was represented. For example I think Barolos and Barbarescos from Piedmont (Italy) go well with steak.”

The wine list at John Howie Steak features over 700 unique labels and a total inventory of over 3,700 bottles, including verticals of Quilceda Creek going back to 1994 and Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon going back to 1996. The wine list also includes verticals of California producers such as Silver Oak, Caymus and Dunn; all five of Bordeaux’s 1st Growths; and Right Bank Bordeaux producers such as Petrus. Rotating ultra premium wines are preserved and served by the glass out of Enomatic taps.

Rongren is also conscious of including value wines, featuring around 50 wines for under $30 a bottle.

Eight captains and another five servers are certified sommeliers at John Howie Steak led by Rongren and Erik Liedholm, wine director for John Howie Restaurants. The restaurant also rents out wine lockers for about a case to two cases for $100 to $200 a month. Corkage fees are waived for guests renting wine lockers at John Howie Steak.

The Salish Lodge Dining Room in Snoqualmie and Wild Ginger at The Bravern were also recognized with the Best of Award of Excellence. Wild Ginger Seattle was recognized with the Grand Award, the highest honor in the Wine Spectator’s restaurant awards. Wild Ginger Seattle and Canlis were the only restaurants in Washington to receive the Grand Award this year. 

Bis on Main in Old Bellevue, El Gaucho in the City Center Plaza, Ruth’s Chris Steak House inBellevue Square and Pearl Bar & Dining in Lincoln Square received the Award of Excellence. It was the first year Pearl Bar & Dining has been recognized by the Wine Spectator.

Raising the Roof at Daniel’s Broiler

Daniel’s Broiler at Bellevue Place opened a new rooftop deck this summer with views of Lake Washington and the Downtown Seattle skyline. Guests can enjoy the complete dinner and wine menus, weather permitting, on the deck.

Wine choices include, Eight Greats of Three States, a selection of eight wines by the glass from each of the three Pacific Coast states (Washington, Oregon and California) preserved and served by the glass out of the Cruvinet Dispensing System. Current wine selections include 08 Mark Ryan Winery Wild Eye (Syrah), 07 Five Star Merlot, 06 Betz Family Winery La Cote Rousse and 06 Long Shadows Vintners Pirouette.

Daniel’s also started serving wine on draft this summer, including private label selections made for the restaurant, a Cabernet and a Syrah/Petit Sirah blend.

Z’Tejas Chile Fest is Hot for LifeSpring

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill in Bellevue Square kicks off its Chile Fest menu on Sept. 6 to benefitBellevue LifeSpring (formerly Overlake Service League). During Chile Fest, running Sept. 6 to 25, Z'Tejas will donate a dollar from select menu items sold made with chilles harvested in Hatch, New Mexico.  

Bellevue LifeSpring promotes stability, self-sufficiency and independence for those in need in the Bellevue community through programs and services that feed, clothe, shelter and educate.  Volunteers will be at Z’Tejas on September 6 to join the festivities and answer questions about their cause.

Related Topics: Bellevue Dining, Chris Nishiwaki, Cork Dork, Downtown, Fine Dining, Food, Fork Dork, Main Street, Restaurants, and Roundups