Blackberry Rhubarb Cobbler Recipe

Chef Favio wanted to share another Celebration of Spring recipe with you. Today, he's written up a 4 serving Blackberry Rhubarb Cobbler dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup diced rhubarb
• 3 cups apple juice
• 1 pinch nutmeg and clove
• 2 pints blackberry
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 crumbled muffins
• corn starch slurry
• streusel topping
  

Preparation

1. Combine first five ingredients in sauce pan and bring to boil
2. Reduce by 1/3
3. Add corn starch slurry and return to boil
4. Remove from heat and mix in muffin
5. Place in small cups and top with streusel topping
6. Place in 350 degree oven for 10 minutes

This dish is best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream.

Calamari Puttanesca

One of Chef Favio's favorite Spring appetizers is Calamari Puttanesca. He has included it in his Celebration of Spring, which will get rolling at Hilton Bellevue in not too long.

For the time being, he wanted to share this recipe with you.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1oz kalamata olives
• 3oz calamari
• 4oz marinara
• 1oz red onion
• 2oz diced tomato
• 1/2oz capers
• 2oz red wine
• salt
• pepper

Preparation

1. In hot sauce pan, add olive oil, garlic, onion, tomato, and calamari.
2. Cook until calamari is almost done. Do not overcook.
3. Deglaze with red wine.
4. Add marinara.
5. Simmer briefly.
6. Adjust flavor with salt and pepper.

This dish yields two servings and is best served with saffron aioli and herb crusted crostini.

Valentines Weekend

Valentines Weekend, Hilton Bellevue and Snoqualmie Casino are teaming up to offer a special package:

• A romantic Valentines Weekend menu at Basil's Kitchen (paid for with a complimentary $75.00 food credit)
• Complimentary transportation to and from Snoqualmie Casino
• Deluxe guest room accommodation
• and, optional Valentines Weekend Brunch for $17.50.

Basil's Kitchen's special Valentines Weekend menu features Whole Maine Lobster, Lamb Loin, and Grand Chocolate Cake among many other delicious options.

For questions, or to book, please ring 425.455.1300 or visit Hilton Bellevue's Specials and Packages page.

Brides Against Breast Cancer Gown Sale

January 31st and February 1st, Brides Against Breast Cancer hosts its annual Charity Wedding Gown Sale in the SkyView Ballroom.

Admission is free, and doors are open Saturday, January 31st, from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, February 1st, from 10am to 5pm.

The Brides Against Breast Cancer will have nearly 400 dresses from which to choose and will even have some antique gowns available.

For more information, email Brenda Chovanak or click on the poster above.

This event benefits the educational programs and wish granting funds of Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.

New Year's Eve with Hilton Bellevue, Basil's Kitchen, & Vertigo Lounge & Grill

This New Year's Eve, Hilton Bellevue is teaming up with Vertigo Lounge & Grill to offer a special package for your enjoyment.

Vertigo is hosting a masquerade party featuring high energy dance music, hors d'oeurves, and desserts, as well as a champagne toast, all for $40. Meanwhile, Hilton Bellevue and Basil's Kitchen are offering a New Year's Eve special menu in the restaurant, a packaged stay that includes free entrance to Vertigo and its festivities as well complimentary transportation to and from Hilton Bellevue and Vertigo for $160, and an optional New Year's Day brunch.

Basil's Kitchen special New Year's menu features:

• Pan Seared Crab Cakes
• Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna
• Grilled Filet Mignon
• Seared Breast of Organic Chicken and Foie Gras
• Broiled Maine Lobster
• and much more

For more information, take a look at the special New Year's page. For questions, to book your total package including the party and your overnight accommodations as well as complimentary transportation, or to simply reserve your special table in Basil's Kitchen, book online or call 425.455.1300 and ask for Basil's Kitchen.

$75 Nordstrom Shopping Package

From now until January 5th, Hilton Bellevue is running a special with Nordstrom. For every room night booked at Hilton Bellevue, the hotel will give guests a $75 Nordstrom gift card.

Shopping in Bellevue is an experience to be had, so we want to make sure you get the most out of your visit when you're in Seattle's eastside. Stay at this Bellevue hotel and take advantage of the Nordstrom shopping package. Included in this package is a $75 gift card to Nordstrom, complimentary parking, and use of the hotel shuttle to the Bellevue Square Mall.

Call 425.455.1300 for questions or to book or click through directly to the Hilton Bellevue Nordstrom Shopping Package.