Today the Washington State Wine Commission announced the recipients of the 2012 Washington Wine Restaurant Awards, sponsored by Seattle magazine.
Each year the Commission seeks to recognize restaurants that exhibit exceptional 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, among 50 Washington State wineries, regional media and fellow restaurant industry members also in attendance.
The Metropolitan Grill (Seattle, Wash.) received the Washington Wine Restaurant of the Year award, which includes a unique custom blown glass sculpture designed by local artist Granite Calimpong.
“Long an icon of the Seattle fine dining scene, The Metropolitan Grill has become an iconic supporter of the Washington State wine industry, as well,” said Kent Waliser, Chairman of the Washington State Wine Commission. “We are very proud to honor their dedication in serving as an ambassador for our industry with their loyal customers.”
Thomas Price, Wine Director for The Metropolitan Grill, said, “We are truly honored and humbled by this incredible award. Washington State has earned its rightful place among the world’s greatest wine regions, and we are thrilled to share this treasure of the local community with our customers from around the world.”
One of the Pacific Northwest’s most established and acclaimed steakhouses, The Metropolitan Grill has been a fixture in Seattle’s fine dining community for almost 30 years. Their philosophy is to strive to provide the most comprehensive selection of Washington State wines, and wines of the world, in the region. The Met has a team of eight sommeliers that are certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, providing knowledgeable and friendly service while making informed and relevant recommendations. With 650 Washington State wines amongst their list of more than 1600 wines from around the world, Washington State wine accounts for 60% of The Met’s wine sales. For their continuing dedication to increasing their support of Washington State wine and creating one of the most well-educated wine service teams in the state, The Metropolitan Grill has been selected as Washington Wine Restaurant of the Year.
Budd Gould from Anthony’s Restaurants won the Walter Clore Honorarium award for demonstrating dedication to the advancement of the Washington State wine industry. Nelson Daquip, Wine Director at Canlis Restaurant (Seattle, Wash.), was honored as Sommelier of the Year for his outstanding wine knowledge and unbridled professionalism.
The Winemaker’s Choice Award went to The Barking Frog at Willows Lodge (Woodinville, Wash.). This award is determined by an anonymous group of Washington State 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 Adriatic Grill (Seattle, Wash.). The Seattle magazine award for restaurant leadership in the business community was presented to Tulalip Bay Dining (Tulalip, Wash.).
Other distinguished awards included:
Most Innovative Wine List – RN74 (Seattle, Wash.)
Best Restaurant Event Featuring Washington Wines – Legendary Swirl at El Gaucho (Seattle, Wash.)
Best Out-of-State Washington Wine Program – Anthony’s Old Mill (Bend, Ore.)
The Washington Wine Grand Award – These restaurants are considered the true industry leaders in support of the Washington State wine industry:
Anthony’s Pier 66, Anthony’s at Columbia Point, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, Anthony’s Restaurants, The Barking Frog at Willows Lodge, Canlis Restaurant, Daniel’s Broiler, El Gaucho – Bellevue, El Gaucho – Seattle, Sun Mountain Lodge, The Grape Adventure, The Herbfarm, The Marc Restaurant, The Metropolitan Grill, The Triple Door, Tulalip Bay Dining, Valley Café of Ellensburg, Visconti’s of Leavenworth, Washington Athletic Club, and Waterstreet Café & Bar.
Washington Wine Award of Distinction – These restaurants have shown dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry:
Adriatic Grill, Aqua by El Gaucho, Bella Italia, Bin on the Lake, Bistro San Martin, Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar, Bon Vino’s Bistro & Bakery, Café Flora, Chandler’s Crabhouse, Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar – Bellevue, Etta’s, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, John Howie Steak, Katya’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Local 360, Masselow’s, Palisade Waterfront Restaurant, Pike Brewing Company, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Bellevue, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Kirkland, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Seattle, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Woodinville, Ray’s Boathouse, Ristorante Italianissimo, RN74, Rover’s Restaurant, Salty’s at Redondo, Salty’s on Alki, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – Bellevue, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – Seattle, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Swing Wine Bar, The Fireside, Urbane, Visconti’s Italian Restaurant, Washington State Convention Center, and Wild Ginger at The Bravern.
Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition – These are restaurants that are building support of the Washington State wine industry:
Blueacre Seafood, Breadline Café, Churchill’s Steakhouse, Coho Café, Elliott’s Oyster House, Fonte Café & Wine Bar, Harborside, Il Fornaio, Ivar’s Acres of Clams, Ivar’s Salmon House, Matt’s in the Market, Mission Street Bistro, Poco Wine Room, Pomegranate Bistro, Ponti Seafood Grill, Seatown Seabar & Rotisserie, Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops, The Capital Grille, The Fort Worth Club, The Lincoln Center, The Scotch and Vine, Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge, and Volterra.
For additional details on the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards, please visit washingtonwine.org/restaurantawards.