Inside the beautiful lakeside Woodmark Hotel at Carillon Point in Kirkland the much anticipated new restaurant, "bin vivant" (formerly, "Waters") will open its newly renovated elegant doors on Friday, July 25th, 2008.

Fresh & gourmet food & wine pairings is this new restaurants focus! If it's yours, you've found your wine, view, comfortable surroundings, delicious food pairing haven in Kirkland!

In their words, "The most exciting vinocentric restaurant on the Eastside!
bin vivant is premised on perfect pairing of wine + food, celebrating the synergy that occurs when flavors are in balance. Enjoy over 80 climate controlled wines by-the-glass! bin vivant takes wine to a new level by utilizing one of the largest wine preservations systems of its kind in this region".

The hotel is located on the glistening shores of Lake Washington, with sweeping views of the lake and the Seattle city scape. This is where you'll find romantic sunsets, elegant yet understated surroundings, many fine dining choices (and now including the new, "bin vivant") valet service and a convenient parking garage below.

One of my longtime favorite spots and one of the Eastside's best kept secrets is the quaint, "Library Lounge" located just inside the doors on the lower level. And now with this new restaurant being newly renovated and opening inside with a gorgeous lake view, it's just one more reason to head to the Woodmark Hotel!

For more information, please visit: "Woodmark Hotel"

Thursday, July 24th the famous Boehm's Chocolate Factory will celebrate Issaquah's Most Delicious Annual Event with local restauranteurs, vintners, craft brewers and jazz musicians!

When I was a little girl growing up on Lake Sammamish, my parents would make a fun day of going into Issaquah and definately make our way over to Boehm's Chocolate Factory where I tasted the most delicious chocolate, and my favorite rum chocolate chews! Oh those were the days! Now Boehm's Chocolate Factory and the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce has evolved to include a grown up event!

Pair Boehm's candies with some of the best local wines and ports, while strolling and listening to great jazz, and you've got yourself a truly delectable event! Pair some lavender chocolate with a good cabernet, you'll be surprised at how nicely they go together!

Hey, candy has grown up - candy is definately not just for kids anymore!

Chat with the following local vintners, wine shop owners and craft brewers while sipping their latest creations:
Tiger Mountain Winery
WineStyles
Revelry Vintners
Rogue Ales
Emerald City Smoothie

Sample delectable small plates prepared by local chefs and restaurateurs including:
Boehm's Candies
Extreme Pizza
Coho Café
Amante Pasta
Chocolate Affairs
E&P Signature Confections
Island Angel Chocolates
Rose Hill Chocolate

Music by "Midnite Walk" will fill the air with smooth jazz and outstanding vocals.

Event Starts: 5:30 PM PST

Price: Members: $30.00 / per
Non-Members: $30.00 / per

Where: Boehm's Chocolate Factory
255 NE Gilman Blvd
Issaquah, WA 98027

Please visit: "Issaquah Chamber of Commerce"

Walk the "Red Carpet" on Wednesday, July 23rd if you're a patron's of the Bellevue Art Museum and enjoy a special evening of giving, music, and festivities at two venues in support of the museum, including a reception, silent auction, dinner and live auction with works by Ron Ho, Steve Jensen and Anna Skibska.

The evening begins at 5:00 PM. Tickets are $150 to $1,000. Bellevue Arts Museum is located at 510 Bellevue Way, Bellevue, and Westin Bellevue, 600 Bellevue Way, Bellevue.

For more information, please call: 425-519-0770 or visit: "BAM"

This award recognizes restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, that are appropriate to the cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.

To qualify for an award, the restaurant's wine list must present complete and accurate wine information. It must include vintages and appellations for all selections, including wines by the glass. Complete producer names and correct spellings are mandatory, and the overall presentation and appearance of the list is also taken into consideration.

Here is the list of Eastside restaurants that won (listed alphabetically):

0/8 Seafood Grill & Twisted Cork Wine Bar - 900 NE Bellevue Way, Suite 100 Bellevue (425)637-0808
Beach Cafe' At The Point - 1270 Carillon Point, Kirkland (425)889-0303
Bis on Main - 10213 Main St., Bellevue (425)455-2033
Cafe' Juanita - 9702 NE 120th Place, Kirkland (425)823-1505
Frankie's Pizza & Pasta - 16630 Redmond Way, Redmond (425)883-8407
The Herbfarm - 14590 NE 145th St., Woodinville (425)485-5300
Italianissimo - 15608 NE Woodinville-Duvall Place, Woodinville (425)485-6888
The Melting Pot - 302 108th Ave NE, Bellevue (425)646-2744
Meritage Restaurant & Wine Bar - 7401 - 164th Ave NE, Redmond (425)498-4002
Pomegranate Bistro - 18005 NE 68th St., Redmond (425)556-5972
Riverrock Grill - 4050 Maple Valley Highway, Renton (425)430-0311
Ruth's Chris Steak House - 565 Bellevue Square, Bellevue (425)451-1550
The Salish Lodge Dining Room - 6501 Rail Road Ave SE, Snoqualmie (425)888-2556
Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar - 205 - 108th Ave NE, Bellevue (425)456-0010
SIP wine Bar & Restaurant - 1084 NE Park Drive, Issaquah (425)369-1181
Spazzo Italian Grill & wine Bar - 16499 NE 74th St., Redmond (425)881-4400
Sun Mountain Lodge Dining Room - 604 Patterson Lake Road, Winthrop (509)996-4704
The Third floor Fish Cafe' - 205 Lake St. S., Kirkland (425)822-3553
Valley Cafe' - 105 W. Third Ave., Ellensburg (509)925-3050
Visconti's of Leavenworth - 636 Front., Leavenworth (509)548-1213
Yarrow Bay Grill - 1270 Carillon Point, Kirkland (425)889-9052

For free access to complete information for all award winners, see www.winespectator.com

Bon Appetit'!

If you're into great live music, cool motorcycles, great burgers, and hot babes, Sunday, July 20th is going to be a full day of them! Starting at 9:00 AM until the last bike leaves, come out for the biggest Eastside motorcycle event that you'll experience this summer! It's the "Messy Burgers, Bikers and Babes" big event!

Come out for a full day of biker socializing, fun, a "messy" burger eating contest and live entertainment featuring live bands such as, "The Road Agents", "Panama", "Who Cares" and much more live rock & roll. "All Bikes Welcome"!!!

The beautiful and sexy "Venturette Gal's" will be paying a visit - you don't want to miss them!

Show promoters David Harris & Neil Morris expect over 1,000 bikes at the 2nd annual bike show at the Triple XXX Drive-In in Issaquah. Harris said, "Our show is the only one of its type in the great Seattle/Eastside area that features all makes and models of bikes with four live bands from 9:00 AM "til the last bike leaves". Neil Morris said, "Our show is a family oriented event packed with fun, friendship and socializing with fellow bikers".

For more information on this event contact David Harris at 425-392-6342 or email him at davidwh@nwlink.com, to contact Neil Morris, call 425-869-1969, or click here: "Messy Burgers, Bikers & Babes"

Yes, it's true, "Hopelink" has a campaign called, "End Summer Hunger" to feed local kids with the 3rd Annual "Carillon Point Outdoor Movie Nights".

Hopelink has many ways which you can help and give them a hand, but this is definately one of the funnest ways in which you can donate to this important community issue.

It's a lot of fun for the whole family, and everytime you buy a basic concession like popcorn, soda or candy, all the proceeds will benefit Hopelink.

There will be a donation of $5.00 that will all go to Hopelink as well, and a helpful hint when you plan on coming down to enjoy a movie outdoors at Carillon Point, they suggest that you bring easy-to-carry chairs or bean bags.

For more information on the movies, please click here: "Carillon Outdoor Movies"

A little about Hopelink is that they have emergency service centers in Bellevue, Kirkland, Northshore, Redmond, shoreline and Sno-Valley on the Eastside. They're funded by diverse sources including public and private foundations, United Way, government support and by donations from individuals, organizations and corporations in the community.

Hopelink's mission is to promote self-sufficiency for all members of our community so that people can make lasting successful changes in their lives.

For more information, please click here: "Hopelink"

We're priviledged to have an incredible amount of talented and well-known people here on the Eastside of Seattle, including chef's, artists, business owners, radio show personalities, software guru's, etc. They're the new "Eastside Celebrities"!

In my opinion, a "celebrity" is much more than being in the spotlight, your wealth and what kind of clothes you wear or what kind of car you drive. It's about being a better person. It's about being a part of, and doing good for your community, which is one of the most important parts of having recognition and celebritae'. It's about being part of helping & giving to those less fortunate than you are. Now that is what I call being a real celebrity, a person to be celebrated.

More and more "Red Carpet" events are happening, in which our local celebrities are willing to give their time and energy to support local charities and fundraising events. These folks work hard! I believe it's time to give them some recognition for their charitable works.

You ask, "Who are these new Eastside celebrities?" Here are just a few of my favorite local celebrities:

Of course most obvious is, Software Guru, 3rd richest man in America and Philanthropist Bill Gates, Founder of Microsoft. We all know his story and the historical Philanthropy that he is responsible for with the Gates Foundation. Bill and Melinda Gates believe every life has equal value. In 2000, they created the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help reduce inequities in the United States and around the world. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by co-chairs Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, and William H. Gates Sr., and by CEO Patty Stonesifer.

Restaurantuer and Radio Show Personality, "Chef Dan Theissen of 08 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar" in Bellevue. His newest restaurant inside of the Hyatt Hotel that he co-owns and his radio show, "What's Cooking with Chef Dan" which is moving to 770 KTTH on Saturdays from 1-2 PM.

As one of Seattle's most sought after philanthropic chefs, Dan Thiessen spends many weekends and evenings contributing his skills to numerous local charities such as, but not limited to, the The American Liver Foundation , FareStart, YWCA Family Village, Alzheimer's Association, March of Dimes, Taste Washington, SOS Taste of the Nation, and the Humane Society.

Radio Personalities, "Rochelle Alhadeff & Pam Gray of KKNW, "Chat with Women" you can listen to Chat With Women Radio Show 5 days a week! Pam and Rochelle bring you their pearls of wisdom, insightful tips and crafty wit. Rochelle is the mother of two grown sons. She's also a breast cancer survivor and an advocate for Alzheimer's treatment, she's passionate about cooking, hosting and enjoying life, and her motto is "Live, Love, Laugh--and do it NOW!"

And Pam dares to dream big, and she's got a passion to help others become inspired, educated and motivated to live big dreams themselves. Her witty on-air style uses humor and compassionate challenges to encourage listeners to dream big. Chat With Women airs LIVE Monday through Friday at 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on KKNW 1150 AM, King County, WA.;

Restaurantuer and Charity Fundraiser, "Chef, Warren Seta of Yama at the Galleria" in Bellevue. Known in his birthplace of Hawaii as a hometown hero in the art of Asian and Hawaiin Fusion gourmet cooking and is extremely talented in the art of sushi.

He is also well known in Vegas with his stunning and deliciously fresh sushi at his restaurant Malibu Chan's. He's been involved with sharing his time with such charities as the American Liver Foundation, etc.;

Joseph Brazen Real Estate King of West Bellevue & his Actress wife Randi Brazen who own "Brazen Real Estate" in Bellevue together first met in Hollywood where Randi appeared in more than 70 TV shows, and leading roles in movies. They are both involved with the community and with many charities. The Brazen's biggest charity this year is the Overlake Service League's annual luncheon in March 2008 where they are major sponsors. Together they helped raise more than $425,000 that helps the homeless throughout the Eastside. They also own the 520 Bar & Grill in Main St. in downtown Bellevue.

Let's celebrate those who "DO" give back!

These are just a few that I have had the pleasure and priviledge of knowing, I'm sure I missed some, if you know of them, please let me know!

Friday, July 11th, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, the "Malt & Vine" in Redmond will be serving Pizza and Beer for $1.00! Yes, it's true! They'll actually be serving Papa Murphy's pizza! Papa Murphy's will be on-site and baking up several of their favorite take 'n' bake pizzas!

A good friend of mine turned me on to this very cool wine & beer store in Redmond a while back, and if I wasn't on the decorating committee for my class Reunion (Redmond Class of 1978 - Go Mustangs!), I'd be there for sure! But hey, 30 years is a longtime, I can't believe it, it just seems like yesterday! I can't wait to see all my old classmates (maybe we'll sneak over for a cold one and hot cheesy pepperoni slice!).

Malt & Vine also import some of the most interesting beer and wine that I've ever laid my eyes on - really cool artsy labels, from around the world. Crafted beers and boutique wines are their specialty. Here's a sampling:

Beers on Tap:
Lazy Boy IPA - 6.5% ABV
Aying Brau Weisse - Bavarian Hefe-Weizen - 5.1% ABV
Snoqualmie Wildcat IPA - 6.6% ABV
Moylan's Hopsickle - 9.2% ABV
Avery Maharaja - 10.5% ABV
Biere Du Boucanier Dark - 9% ABV
Caracole Saxo Belgian Blond - 8% ABV
Hoegaarden - 5% ABV

Wines by the Glass:
14 Hands 2004 Merlot
14 Hands 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
Kiss Chasey Premium White
Titarelli Chardonnay

They are located at: 16851 Redmond Way - Redmond, WA 98052 - Phone:(425) 881-6461

Hours:
Monday - Saturday:
11am to 8pm
Sunday:
12noon to 6:00pm

If you haven't had a chance to check one of Redmond's newest wine and beer shops, "Malt & Vine", here's your chance to get a great treat!

For more information, please click here: "Malt & Vine"

Frank "Stainless" Steele is back at Big Picture Redmond this Saturday, July 12th and ready to entertain you with his incredible jazz saxophone performance.

He will perform two sets; 5pm- 6pm and 7:30 - 8:30. This accomplished musician has thrilled audiences around the world with his jazz saxophone performances and played with other jazz luminaries, such as Grover Washington, Jr..

Enjoy this complimentary performance.

For more information: Big Picture Redmond | 7411 166th Avenue, NE | Redmond 98052
Phone: 425-556-0566 | Fax: 425-556-0138 | Email: info@thebigpicture.net