BELLEVUE, Wash.—(May 5, 2008)—0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar was given both a Washington Wine Grand Award and the distinction of “Most Innovative Wine List” at the Washington Wine Commission’s annual Washington Wine Restaurant Awards.
Each year the Washington Wine Commission bestows these prestigious awards in recognition of restaurants that best promote Washington’s rapidly expanding wine industry.
The “Grand Award” is at the top tier of accolades, given to the finest establishments considered the industry leaders who show exceptional support for the state’s wines.
For the restaurant, which has been open less than two years, to be singled out as the “Most Innovative” is a great honor, especially since over 60 of the region’s best wine-focused restaurants competed for the awards this year.
As the Commission explains, regarding the reason for its selection:
“There is a true and consistent focus of Washington’s wine regions, including highlights of vineyard designations and winery verticals, hilarious descriptions for creative Washington wine flights, exceptional food and wine pairing options and an overall passion to educate the consumer on wines from their own backyard.”
The restaurant credits its strong commitment to education, a ‘guest-friendly’ wine program and Beverage Director Michael Anderson. Anderson spent the past 18 years in the wine wholesale business and, prior to that, 16 years in the local restuarant industry.
“The connections with winemakers that Anderson has made over the years allow us to acquire unique selections – some that have never hit the market. That, combined with our commitment to a strong wine program, really sets us apart and allows us to give more to the guest,” comments Chef Dan Thiessen.
Other recent awards include “Best Wine List”, Bellevue Downtown Association’s 2008 Haute Picks; Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence”; and “Top Ten Wine Bars in Seattle”, Gayot.com.
0/8 Seafood Grill, and its spirited lounge, Twisted Cork Wine Bar, is adjacent to the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, located off of N.E. Eighth and Bellevue Way. Co-Owner and Chef Dan Thiessen’s breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus feature local Northwest products and flavors in unique, Asian-accented, seafood-focused dishes. The lounge offers 20 Champagne and sparkling selections and 85 wines by-the-taste or -glass; as well as a nearly 400-label wine list. 0/8 open Tuesday through Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday and Monday 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Twisted Cork open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday and Monday 4 to 11 p.m. More information and menus at www.08seafoodgrill.com. For reservations, call (425) 637-0808.
