Dining Bytes: Milagro Cantina Bar Wizard Competes in Las Vegas

CONGRATULATIONS to bar manager Mark Sexauer for his recent selection as “most inspired bartender” by Bombay Sapphire/GQ Magazine. Sexauer competed against fifty other nominees Sept. 11-1 in Las Vegas, braving the lights and cameras while mixing up inspired beverages.

“I was a little out of my element. Having lights and cameras on me while making and talking about my drink. I tried to make it seem like just another night behind the bar. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” admits Sexauer.

His beverage was called “The Forager,” drawing from the Northwest propensity to glean blackberries, mushrooms and the like from nature, though the drink -- made with carrot, cumin, gin, lemon juice, lillet blanc and egg white -- contained nothing that most local foragers could find lying around.

As for the winner of the competition, Sexauer says, “Don’t know -- after not hearing my name (announced in the top three), I went drinking and enjoyed the rest of my stay in Las Vegas.”

WELCOME

The newest restaurant and bar to open in Kirkland is Two Twelve next to (and in conjunction with) at, appropriately, 212 Central Way. The small-plate Mediterranean inspired menu features grilled flatbread, seafood and dips. Food can be paired with a selection of local wines or a variety of different cocktails. Deal-seekers will love the dual happy hour times of 4-6 p.m and 9:30-close Tuesday through Friday, or the ultimate full day of happy hour prices each Monday.

CALENDAR

The is throwing an anniversary bash Oct. 8 in celebration of its fourth year in Kirkland. Philippe Boulot and Michael Stanton, chefs from its sister hotel in Portland, OR, will be teaming up with ’ Executive Chef to create a five-course seasonally inspired menu including a roasted pear salad and applewood smoked duckling. Each course will be paired with a local wine included in the ticket price. Tickets are $85 and can be reserved by calling 425-284-5900; tax and gratuity not included.

Seattle Restaurant Week is just around the corner, Oct. 16-20 and 23-27. Several Kirkland restaurants are participating in the week of deals that offers three courses for $28 including , , , , , , , , and . For the complete list, visit theseattlerestaurantweek.com.

is hosting Brew Master’s, a dinner benefiting Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Hutch Holiday Gala, on Thursday, Oct. 20. Head chef Ricky Eng is creating a five-course meal to be paired with a sampling of Northwest beers. Tickets are $79; call 425-968-5587 for reservations. Tax and gratuity not included in the ticket price; 20% of proceeds will be donated to the cause.

Seattle Cocktail Week, originally scheduled for the week of October 13-18, has been pushed back until the week of the 26th. Committed Eastside participants include , , Daniel's Broiler, John Howie Steak, Lot No. 3 and Naga, though others may sign up for the event in the next few weeks.