SEATTLE (March 26, 2010) – Today the Washington State Wine Commission announced the recipients of the 2010 Washington Wine Restaurant Awards. Each year the Commission seeks to recognize restaurants that exhibit strong support of Washington State wines and high professional standards in wine service. The restaurants and their dedicated staff were honored at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle, WA, among 50 Washington wineries, media and fellow restaurant industry members also in attendance.
Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, WA, received the Washington Wine Restaurant of the Year award. “Sun Mountain Lodge has shown phenomenal support for wineries from across Washington State”, said Robin Pollard, executive director of the Washington State Wine Commission. “Long a popular tourist destination, Sun Mountain Lodge provides terrific exposure for Washington State wines to guests from around the world and here in our own backyard.”
“For more than two decades, Sun Mountain Lodge owners Erivan and Helga Haub, along with current wine director Don Elsing and his predecessor Hector Garibay, have shown tremendous enthusiasm and support not only for the wineries of North Central Washington but for the broader community”, said John Morgan, owner of Lost River Winery in nearby Mazama, WA. “We owe them a debt of gratitude and send them hearty congratulations for this well-deserved award.”
Ninety percent of wine sales at Sun Mountain Lodge are of Washington State wine. The restaurant was chosen by the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards panel for its dedication to Washington State wines, and for crafting a wine list that is accessible to all its guests.
Doug Zellars of the Washington Athletic Club won the Walter Clore Honorarium award for his demonstrated dedication to the advancement of the Washington State wine industry. Eric Zegzula from Anthony’s at Columbia Point in Richland was honored as Sommelier of the Year for his friendly enthusiasm, unintimidating style and professionalism.
The Winemaker’s Choice award went to Ray’s Boathouse in Seattle, WA. This award is determined by an anonymous group of Washington winemakers who select the restaurant they feel is most supportive of the industry.
The Washington Restaurant Association award, recognizing an outstanding member of the association, was presented to Pearl Bar & Dining in Bellevue, WA. The award for restaurant leadership in the business community was presented to Canlis Restaurant in Seattle, WA.
Other distinguished awards included:
Most Improved Wine Program of the Year – The Marc Restaurant, Marcus Whitman Hotel, Walla Walla, WA
Best Restaurant Event Featuring Washington Wines – Taste of Tulalip, Tulalip Bay Exceptional Dining, Tulalip, WA
Best Out-of-State Washington Wine Program – ENO, InterContinental Chicago, Chicago, IL
The Washington Wine Grand Award – These restaurants are considered the true industry leaders in support of the Washington State wine industry: Anthony’s at Columbia Point, Anthony’s at the Old Mill, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, Anthony’s Pier 66, Anthony’s Restaurants, Barking Frog, Brix 25 Restaurant, Canlis Restaurant, Daniel’s Broiler Prime Steaks and Chops, El Gaucho Bellevue, El Gaucho Seattle, John Howie Steak, The Metropolitan Grill, Ocean Crest Resort, Picazo 7Seventeen Wine Bar & Restaurant, Ray’s Boathouse, Café & Catering, Rovers Restaurant, Salty’s on Alki Beach, Salty’s at Redondo, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – Bellevue, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – Seattle, SkyCity at the Needle, Sun Mountain Lodge
The Grape Adventure, The Marc Restaurant, The Rainier Club, The Triple Door, Tulalip Bay Exceptional Dining, Valley Cafe of Ellensburg, Washington Athletic Club, Waterfront Seafood Grill, Wild Ginger Bellevue, Wild Ginger Seattle.
Washington Wine Award of Distinction – These restaurants have shown dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry: Artisanal Brasserie and Wine Bar, Cafe Veloce, Chandler’s Crabhouse, Daily Grill, Earth & Ocean, Elliott’s Oyster House, Il Fornaio, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, Ivar’s Salmon House, Pearl Bar & Dining, Pike Brewing Company, Purple Cafe and Wine Bar, Sip at the wine bar & restaurant, Spazzo Italian Grill & Wine Bar, The Capital Grille, The Melting Pot of Spokane, The Spokane Club, Twisted Cork, Waterstreet Cafe + Bar.
Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition – These are restaurants that are building support of the Washington wine industry: Ambrosia Bistro and Wine Bar, Bella Italia, IL Bistro, Ivar’s Acres of Clams, LeftBank Wine Bar, Masselow’s, Monsoon, Monsoon East, Pomegranate Bistro, Sante Restaurant & Charcuterie, Santiago’s Gourmet Mexican Restaurant, Sazerac Restaurant, Swing Wine Bar, Tini Bigs Lounge.
For additional details on the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards, please visit washingtonwine.org/restaurantawards. For more information on the Washington wine industry, please visit washingtonwine.org.