owners Bradley Dickinson and Mikel Rogers are opening their second restaurant in Bellevue as early as February, KORAL at the a block north from Pearl on Bellevue Way.
KORAL replaces the former Twisted Cork in a 7,800-square-foot lobby level space.
“Our goal with KORAL is to introduce a comfortable and inviting concept to the downtown Bellevue dining scene; a ‘New American Tavern,’ “ said Rogers, the general manager, in a statement. “ Where Pearl is sleek, sexy and sophisticated, KORAL is the contemporary, warm counterpart. The goal in the design, ambiance and overall concept is to create a place where everyone feels welcome – be it a Bellevue professional in a suit unwinding after a long day or a group of locals in gym clothes looking to refuel following an afternoon of errands.”
Koral will serve dinner seven days week plus weekend brunch offering appetizers, small plates and “bigger plates.” Starters include charcuterie, oyster shooters and Dungeness crab salad. “Bigger plates” options include gnocchi with braised oxtail and beef jus, a speciatly burger served with rosemary sea salt fries and triple glaze roasted pork shank.
“The New American Tavern concept inspired a menu of high quality, recognizable ingredients, while also offering plenty of opportunities for those looking for a culinary adventure,” said Dickinson, the executive chef. “The range of ingredients and unique preparations will speak to all audiences.”
Dickinson and Rogers worked together for about 10 years at Bellevue-based Schwartz Brothers, which runs and other restaurants. They opened Pearl at The Bellevue Westin in 2008.
520 Bar & Grill is expanding, no tolls necessary
The Old Bellevue sports bar will open in an expanded format on Monday, Dec. 5. The bar and grill closed for remoel during the Thanksgiving week. The new 520 Bar & Grill will feature a bar twice the size of the original, an additional 30 seats and an updated entrance.
Joseph and Andy Brazen, the owners of 520 Bar & Grill, set out to build a space to accommodate more private parties at the eatery they opened in 2006, according to publicist Gene Dexter.
“(The Brazens) feel there’s a need in Bellevue for larger entertainment spaces than a private dining room at a restaurant, especially for corporate events and special events,” Dexter said. The remodel allows guests to run all kinds of larger parties without buying out the restaurant.”
Howie shows diners how to cook in Passion & Palate
Bellevue chef and restaurateur John Howie is adding a cookbook to his culinary empire. The owner and chef of in Bellevue and Seattle, in Bellevue, SPORT Restaurant & Bar in Seattle and Adriatic Grill Italian Cuisine & Wine in Tacoma released his new cookbook, Passion and Palate: Recipes for a Generous Table, in late November.
The book includes over 240 recipes, including wine pairings by Erik Liedholm, John Howie Restaurants company wine director. The book is also sprinkled with personal stories from John Howie, including anecdotes of his extensive charitable work. Howie has helped raised over $3 million for local charities.
The 224-page book is published by Seattle-based ShinShinChez. It is available for $42 at John Howie restaurants or the publishers' website, www.shinshinchez.com.
Taking a bite out of the Apple Cup
On another note, and for the record, following up on victory in the Apple Cup, the Huskies beat the Washington State Cougars 38-21 in the Apple Cup on Saturday, Nov. 26 at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. By sports handicapping standards that’s a very accurate prediction.
