Once again Kent Station is proud to present its free summer concert series, the Soulful Sounds of Summer, beginning Tuesday, July 6, 2010 with swing music by Casey MacGill’s Blue 4 Trio. Kent Station will offer the lively concerts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 25.

Pick up lunch at one of Kent Station’s eateries for Take Out Tuesdays which run from noon to 1 p.m. and feature local bands and musicians like Rod Cook & Toast and Darren Motamedy. Before or after dinner, enjoy Kent Station’s Wednesday Date Night performances from 6 to 8 p.m. including EveryDay Jones, Knut Bell and more.

Kent Station’s Soulful Sounds of Summer concerts will be held on the Fountain Stage outside of AMC Theatres, and the live music is free to the public, thanks to premier sponsor Qliance and supporting sponsors Acura of Seattle at Southcenter and the City of Kent.

Qliance, a primary health care provider, officially opened at Kent Station in September 2009.

Meg Tronquet, marketing coordinator for Qliance, says, “Qliance is proud to be more than just a business in Kent, but an active participant in the community. We are delighted to support the concerts and offer free entertainment to the community and to our patients.”

The City of Kent is also sponsoring the free summer concert series as well as adding its own free entertainment line-up including Wednesday Picnic Performances at Town Square Plaza and Thursdays at the Lake at Lake Meridian Park.

“The City is pleased to continue its partnership with Kent Station for the summer concert series,” says cultural programs manager Ronda Billerbeck with the City of Kent. “These free events, along with our own, add value and entertainment to our community at a price everyone can afford!”

Sponsoring Soulful Sounds of Summer for the first time is Acura of Seattle at Southcenter.

“Acura of Seattle at Southcenter is a community partner and proud to support free events for local families and our customers,” says Cline Davis, General Manager.

For a complete schedule of the free summer concert series, visit http://KentStation.com, click on Events and Summer Concert Series. For a schedule of the City of Kent’s concerts, visit http://kentarts.com and click on Summer Concert Series.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development Company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.

Have you seen the latest addition to Town Square Plaza? Here’s a day time shot of one of five illuminated sweet gum sculptures created by artist Elizabeth Conner and installed by the City of Kent. The goal? To illuminate the path between Kent Station and historic downtown Kent to show all that it has to offer!

Read more on the city’s website.

Sip Snack Shop  for $20
Wednesday, May 26th 6 – 9pm

Tastings and Bites at Four of your Favorite Kent Station Restaurants

Enjoy 2 wine tastings and 1 bite size food pairing at each of the following:

• Duke’s Chowder House
• Mama Stortini’s
• Pizzeria Fondi
• Kaiten Sushi

Live Music from Raucous Band from 7-9pm on the Kent Station Fountain Stage.

Sip Snack Shop ticket holders may enjoy special offers from participating merchants all day Wednesday, May 26th.

Get your girlfriends together for a fun night out.

Purchase Tickets now through Paypal, or by calling 253.856.2301

The Kent Reporter names the 2010 Winners in the “Best of Kent” contest, sponsored by Kent Station. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Community Volunteer: Suzanne Cameron, winner and Lee Anderson, nominee

Police Officer: Chief Steve Strachan

Public Official: Mayor Suzette Cooke

Realtor: Marti Reeder, John L. Scott

Teacher: Sara Palmer, Mattson Middle School

Waiter: Michelle @ Maggie’s on Meeker

Spa Services: Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

Italian Cuisine: Paolo’s

Gift Store: Marie Haggin Accessories

Favorite Family Destination: Kent Station

For a complete list, visit the Kent Reporter’s Best of Kent “insert” online.

Press release from Kent Station

Kent Station’s March Fundraiser Yields Four Scholarships
Totaling $5,000 for GRCC Students

Kent, Washington, April 27, 2010 – Kent Station is proud to announce that it received nearly 5,000 postcards from its customers during the Green River Community College scholarship fundraiser held in March each year. Kent Station donated $1 to the scholarship fund for every completed postcard submitted by shoppers and visitors. Four scholarships will be awarded in 2010 and, since starting the program in 2007, Kent Station has donated 15 scholarships totaling over $20,000.  Scholarships are awarded to Kent students who may not otherwise be able to attend college without financial assistance.

Miranda Green, a 2009 scholarship winner, said, “I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Kent Station Scholarship. Thanks to [Kent Station’s] support, I am the first in my family to attend college. Without this scholarship, I would not be able to go to college.”

“Kent Station is proud to partner with our merchants to provide scholarship money for local high school graduates,” Sommer Ueda, Kent Station marketing coordinator, said. “We are particularly proud of the community’s ongoing support of this annual fundraiser. It shows us that Kent really cares about its future.”

“This program is really a win-win for everyone.  The GRCC Foundation is thrilled to partner with Kent Station to support educational opportunities for youth in our community,” said Beth Gatzke of Green River Community College.

Kent Station encourages other businesses in the community to donate scholarships to the GRCC Foundation and help make a difference in educating our youth.

For more information about Kent Station’s annual scholarship fundraiser, call Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301. For more information about Green River Community College, visit GRCC online at http://greenriver.edu.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development Company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.

For more information, please contact:

Sommer Ueda
Kent Station
417 Ramsay Way, Suite 110
Kent, WA 98032
253-856-2301
www.KentStation.com
sueda@kentstation.com

"Fun for Funds" Organizers; L-R: Patrice Briggs, Barbara Frazier, Jennifer O'Neal and Lois Maier

Last Saturday, Children’s Therapy Center held its 22nd annual fundraiser dinner auction at Emerald Downs. Titled “Fun for Funds,” the popular event drew 420 guests, raising net income of $136,500.

Emceed by Kent Station general manager John Hinds, guests to the event donned glamorous derbies and were encouraged to bid on dozens of items that were donated for the silent auction, as well as to participate in the live auction  which included a martini party, a Mariners game package, a sailing trip for 4 on the Puget Sound, a romantic getaway at The Edgewater in Seattle, a 10-day cruise, Kent Station shopping spree and more! Keith Robbins served as the evening’s auctioneer.

In addition, tables of guests bid for the right to choose their dessert first during the Dessert Dash. With designated runners lining up along the wall, the table that raised the most selected its dessert from among dozens of decadent choices including chocolate-covered strawberries, a horseshoe cake, a rectangular chocolate cake covered in white and milk chocolate chips, a peanut butter mousse pie covered with chocolate ganache, a towering chocolate cake from Claim Jumper, and more! This portion of the evening alone raised more than $9,400.

Following the catered dinner, CTC board member Ryan Van Quill and his son Jackson, a former client of CTC, thanked the guests for participating in the fun fundraiser and for helping kids like Jackson who have benefited from CTC services and support. Immediately following their presentation, guests donated $33,000 in cash to support scholarships for CTC services!

Thanks to the event’s sponsors, the entire net profit of $136,500 will go directly into programs that benefit CTC’s clients, kids from birth to age 21. Sponsors include Kent Station (premier-plus), Belfor USA (premier), Quota International of Kent Valley, Waste Management, Univar USA, Cascade DAFO, Emerald Downs, The Resource Group, Rock Wood Fired Pizza, Brantley Janson Yost & Ellison CPAs, Charter Bank, Hunt Family, Kent Firefighter’s Foundation, Live Oak Audio Visual, Creative Office, Curran Law Firm, Emerald Paving Inc., FamilyCare of Kent, Fockler Family, Laser Underground & Utilities, Mountain Construction/Hentschell & Associates Inc., Sprague Israel Giles Insurance, United Way of King County and Wesley Homes.

“I am truly thankful for everyone who helped make this the most successful auction in our 22 years of hosting the Fun for Funds Dinner Auction.” — Lois Maier, Development Director for Dynamic Families

Children’s Therapy Center was founded in 1979 to provide quality therapy services to children from birth to age 21. CTC clients experience a variety of developmental delays and disabilities including cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders, Down Syndrome, torticollis, speech and language disorders, brachial plexus injuries, feeding disorders, sensory processing difficulties, autism and dyspraxia.

Children’s Therapy Center is a part of a consortium formed under the umbrella of Dynamic Families. Other partners include South King Early Intervention Program (SKIP), Dynamic Orthotic Systems (DOS) and Stabilizing Pressure Input Orthosis (SPIO).

Guests gather to bid on silent auction items.

Guests line up to sample Mint Juleps @ Emerald Downs!

Back This Month Only:  Kent Station’s Earning Dollars for Scholars Program – Make College Dreams Happen

Kent, Washington, March 9, 2010 – Kent Station’s Earning Dollars for Scholars scholarship fundraiser is back. Now in its fourth year, this popular, shopper-friendly program has helped Kent Station award 11 scholarships totaling over $15,000. The scholarships benefit Kent area high school graduates attending Green River Community College. In many cases, the scholarships provide money for college for students who couldn’t afford to go otherwise.

After receiving her scholarship in 2009 Miranda Green said, “I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Kent Station Scholarship. Thanks to [Kent Station’s] support, I am the first in my family to attend college. Without this scholarship, I would not be able to go to college.”

This year Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars expanded its scholarship package to include a grant that is awarded to a GRCC student who created the visual graphics for this annual fundraiser. This year’s grant winner is Ella Shkurina, a second year student at Green River Community College.

How does Kent Station’s Earning Dollars for Scholars fundraiser work? Visit participating Kent Station merchants from March 1 through 31 to enter to win one of ten Kent Station gift cards, ranging from $25 to $500. Shoppers can enter once at each participating merchant and, for each entry, Kent Station will donate $1 to the Kent Station–Green River Community College Scholarship Fund. The winners of the gift card drawing will be selected at random on April 5, 2010.

“Kent Station is proud to be able to partner with our stores, restaurants, and the community to provide scholarship money for local high school graduates,” Sommer Ueda, Kent Station marketing coordinator, said. “Green River Community College offers a number of programs for students to get a quality education, and we’re glad we can help make that available to Kent students.”

The community’s participation allows Kent Station to give local students a chance at a continued education. The more entries received, the more scholarships provided and the more chances shoppers have to win!  Please help to make college dreams happen.

“This program is really a win-win for everyone.  The GRCC Foundation is thrilled to partner with Kent Station to support educational opportunities for youth in our community,” said Beth Gatzke.

“Last year, the Dollars for Scholars program provided four of almost 160 scholarships given to students at Green River Community College.  With the help of community members like Kent Station, our scholarship program and our community will continue to grow,” she added.

For a list of participating merchants and complete details of the Earning Dollars for Scholars program, visit KentStation.com or call Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development Company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.

For more information, please contact:

Sommer Ueda
Kent Station
417 Ramsay Way, Suite 110
Kent, WA 98032
253-856-2301
www.KentStation.com
sueda@kentstation.com

On Thursday, March 4, the Kent Downtown Partnership hosted a property owners and commercial real estate agents’ meeting at Bittersweet Restaurant. Sponsored by Valley Bank, the breakfast meeting drew about 55 community members including downtown property owners, commercial brokers, property representatives, business owners, city officials and KDP board members. The mood was enthusiastic and participants were eager to hear what the city is working on in terms of economic development in downtown Kent.

After a welcoming statement from Valley Bank’s Mike Miller and the introduction of participants, Kent’s Economic Development Director Ben Wolters took the floor to discuss the city’s recent successes. He noted the Regional Justice Center, Kent Station, the rail station and ShoWare Center as having been some of the area’s most significant recent developments.

“The city has tried to attract businesses that are game changers,” Wolters said.

He further noted that the ShoWare Center has only been open for 15 months, and has already attracted more than 400,000 visitors to its hockey games, concerts, business fairs and other community events. These numbers are likely to escalate with the addition of the Kent Predators, Kent’s new IFL expansion team. The Predators play their first home game at ShoWare Center on Friday, March 12.

“Looking forward, the city is looking at another game changing opportunity,” Wolters added.

The targeted project is to build a facility for the Federal Aviation Administration which could potentially bring 2,000 employees to Kent – within half a mile of the downtown core. Currently, a dozen municipalities are competing to be considered. The first phase of the process is submitting a letter of interest to the GSA and FAA. The City of Kent has done that and hopes to provide a more detailed proposal in May. If the city advances to the next level of the bidding process, the city will make a presentation and proposal in August, with the final decision coming in December.
Other key projects in the works include Tarragon’s expansion of Green River Community College at Kent Station.

“Tarragon just completed a huge expansion of GRCC, with hundreds of new students, and a lot of energy, excitement and new opportunities,” Wolters said.

He also gave an update on the half-completed parking garage at Smith and Fourth which he called “an incredible legal soap opera.” The property is now in the hands of Washington Federal Savings. To date, there has been some interest in buying that space for office use, but there is no time frame for resolving the issue, developing that property or selling it.

Another meeting highlight included the city’s completion of Town Square Plaza which was an attempt to bridge the historic downtown district with Kent Station. Wolters noted there is still a gap between the two areas, but the city is hoping to do more integration. Wolters also commented that First Avenue is becoming a destination in downtown Kent, with its own personality and flavor.

Wolters said, “It shows what is possible in the rest of downtown if property owners and businesses come together. We are changing the market perception of this place.”

Wolters opened the meeting for questions and comments, and invited property owners to voice their concerns as well as the potential for opportunities. Participants asked about the status of the Howard Hanson Dam, potential flood risk, lack of parking, need for additional ball fields and an aquatic center, the Farmer’s Market, the need for housing in downtown Kent and more.

“What is the long-term vision for downtown Kent?” asked Paul Morford. “The city needs to take on parking. It needs to increase parking on a large scale.”

Wolters wrapped up the meeting by inviting participants to contact him directly with their concerns and ideas. A follow-up meeting is planned for later this spring. To offer your input, contact Ben Wolters at 253-856-5703 or via email.

King County 4H Cat Show
Saturday, January 23
9 am – 2 pm

Kent Station
(between See’s Candies &
Portrait Innovations)

Raffle and prizes as a fundraiser. Admission is free; donations will be accepted.

This Interactive Scavenger Hunt beginning January 18 and ending March 15, 2010 is fun for your whole family. This 8-week promotion encourages you to shop locally, learn more about our local businesses, and educate you on the benefit of tax dollars to your community.

The Scavenger Hunt will use Facebook.com/FindItInKent and the Kent Reporter. Each Monday a riddle will be released on Facebook, and in the Kent Reporter the following Wednesday. Your job is to solve the riddle, visit the business described in the riddle, and pick up the Golden Ticket. Collect Golden Tickets for all 8 participating businesses and you can enter to win prizes. Drop off all 8 Golden Tickets along with your contact information at Kent Downtown Partnership, Kent Chamber, BECU, or Kent Station. This event is generously sponsored by BECU.

Watch online, http://facebook.com/finditinkent, for weekly clues on Monday and the Kent Reporter for clues on Wednesday!

Today’s clue:  No damsel in distress would ever be turned away from this castle.

Filling the vacancy left by Dave’s Mini Hobby Shop (next to Jamba Juice), King County Animal Care & Control has set up a temporary adoption station at Kent Station. Looking for a pet to adopt? Stop by to see the cuddly creatures or to make a donation to help care for the homeless animals.

Last Saturday (November 28) ALL of the dogs and MOST of the cats were adopted…yay! Go Kent Station shoppers!

Hours:  Wednesdays, 2 to 6 pm; Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm; and Sundays, 11 am to 4 pm through December 23

Special note from King County Animal Care & Control: To reduce the number of animals in our shelters who will need to be relocated away from the Kent shelter in the Green River Valley due to increased flood risk this fall and winter, King County Animal Care and Control will no longer accept owner-surendered animals at either shelter location.  Additionally, to encourage adoption of animals in our shelters, adoption fees have been waived for all animals. You can now adopt a pet from King County for only the cost of the pet license.

Kent, Washington, November 30, 2009 — Accompanied by the Rainier Brass Ensemble, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at Kent Station Plaza at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 28 in grand style. Children, families and shoppers  joined Kent Station in welcoming the jolly couple who  officially kicked off the holiday season.

After the welcoming ceremony and festive holiday music, Santa and Mrs. Claus held court at Kent Station’s Hip Santa House to hear holiday wishes and to determine who will pass Santa’s patented “naughty or nice” test. The happy holiday couple is available from November 28 through December (see website for specific hours). All ages are welcome, even if you’ve been naughtier than nice. Santa will also make a special appearance in the holiday parade during Winterfest 2009:  A Holly Jolly Day in Kent, scheduled for Saturday, December 5.

In addition, Kent Station shoppers, guests and well-behaved pets can have their pictures taken with Santa. With photo packages priced between $10 and $40, prints and digital photos are affordable and make great gifts. For an additional discount, visitors may donate a nonperishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy for the Kent Food Bank. Proceeds from the photo packages will also be donated to the Kent Food Bank.

“We encourage shoppers and families to come out to enjoy a little holiday spirit, Kent Station-style,” general manager John Hinds said. “Our Santa house is an affordable way to spend time with friends and family while benefiting our community.”

Last year, Kent Station and its shoppers donated over 500 pounds of food, 300 toys and $1,500 to Kent Food Bank families. Santa welcomes visits to his “hip house,” and Kent Station welcomes toy and food donations for the Kent Food Bank. This year’s event is proudly sponsored by BECU, MultiCare Kent Clinic and Fox Electric Co.

For more information including Santa’s hours and photo packages, prices and pick-up information, visit the Kent Station website at www.kentstation.com.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development Company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College. Shop local this Christmas, shop Kent Station.

AMC  Entertainment and the Autism Society of America is offering a sensory friendly movie once a month at the AMC Kent Station 14 and the AMC Woodinville 12.  These movies give children and families affected by Autism the ability to enjoy a great kid friendly movie with the understanding of sensory issues associated with Autism.  The lights are turned up, the sounds is turned down and there is no need to worry about sudden outbursts.

This month’s movie AMC Kent Station 14 and the AMC Woodinville 12 is Planet 51.  The movie will be showing on Saturday, November 21st at 10am. To purchase your tickets visit the theater’s box office the day of the event.

Come and enjoy a movie with your child without the stress of sensory overload.

AMC Theatres at Kent Station has several special events planned, so mark your calendars for the following:

Where the Wild Things Are – October 15, 2009

Tix are on sale now for the show’s premier at midnight on 10/15/09. Where the Wild Things Are officially opens Friday, 10/16/09. Pre-buy your tickets now at AMC Theatres – Kent Station now.

Twilight/New Moon Double Feature – November 19, 2009

Enjoy Twilight again at 9 pm and be the first on hand to see New Moon at midnight. New Moon officially opens Friday, November 20.
Pre-buy your tickets now at AMC Theatres at Kent Station.

The Met: Live in HD

Fathom and The Metropolitan Opera’s Emmy and Peabody award-winning series of live, high definition performance transmissions returns to movie theaters this fall across the United States, including Kent Station’s AMC Theatres. The season features nine live and nine encore presentations from October through May. All live events will take place on Saturday mornings. The Wednesday encore performances will take place on the third week following the live event. For a full schedule of events, click here.

October 5, 2009
For Immediate Release

Kent Businesses Encourage its Customers to “Find It In Kent” a New Shop Local Campaign

Kent, WA October 5, 2009 – Local consumers are urged to “Find It In Kent” as part of a just-launched campaign to remind them about the benefits of spending locally.

Development of the campaign was a team effort by the Kent Chamber of Commerce, Kent Station, the City of Kent, Kent Reporter and the Kent Downtown Partnership.

The theme of “Find It in Kent – We Have What You Want” will be featured at local businesses in the form of flyers, window decals, and inserts in shopping bags.  The Kent Reporter will also have ads featuring the central theme.

As well as being urged to spend locally, shoppers are encouraged to visit www.Facebook.com/FindItinKent site. There, they can enter comments and impressions about shopping in Kent, the “it” they found, and be entered to win prizes such as Kent Station gift card, Kent Reporter movie package, a Kent Chamber gift, and a KDP gift certificate.

A downtown rally to promote the campaign is scheduled from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13. Campaign promoters will have signs to wave and display, starting from the corner of James and Central and dispersing from there. At 7 p.m., all the rally participants will gather at the ShoWare Event Center to attract the attention of people attending the Thunderbirds Hockey game.

The partners of the shop local campaign will have decals and posters available for local businesses wishing to participate. “We want to remind shoppers just how important it is that they look locally for whatever ‘it’ is their heart desires,” Smith of the KDP said.

The benefits of local spending outlined in the Kent campaign include: Spending locally invests in our future, supports our schools, maintains our parks, fixes our roads, sustains and creates local jobs. “This is a solid way to support your local community,” Keikkala of Kent Chamber said.

Kent businesses and community members are encouraged to use the materials produced and to join the rally on the evening of October 13. For more information or materials, contact any of the following:

Kent Chamber – Andrea Keikkala, andreak@kent.chamber.com, 253-854-1770

Kent Station – John Hinds, jhinds@KentStation.com, 253-856-2301 x 100

Kent Downtown Partnership – Barbara Smith, barbaras@kentdowntown.org, 253-813-6976

Kent Reporter – Polly Shepherd, PShepherd@KentReporter.com, 253-872-6600

###

At yesterday’s KDP Breakfast Hour, hosted by Bittersweet and sponsored by CleanScapes and Hanis Irvine Prothero, the Kent Downtown Partnership named three community stars for their selfless support of the Kent community.

The recipients are:

John Hinds, General Manager of Kent Station

Sally Goodgion, Catalyst Travel

Rick Roland, Roland & Company CPA

Thanks to John, Sally and Rick for their hard work and commitment to making Kent the best it can be!

This weekend Marie Haggin Accessories hosted A Bridal Shower for You along with a Fashion Show to officially launch the boutique’s new collection of bridal gowns and wedding services. At least a dozen or more brides showed up along with friends and family to enjoy the gala event, more than 50 guests in all. Featuring wedding vendors like Paper Monsoon, Jacquie’s Cakes, Wink Cupcakes, Rehma Cookies, Mama Stortini’s catering,  Bella home and garden, and more!

Debbie Marie Haggin, owner of Marie Haggin Accessories, was delighted at the number of guests who attended on a sunny Sunday afternoon for the shower and fashion show.

“I had no idea what kind of a turnout we’d have since this was such a specialized event, but it was very well received. I am so happy! I have the best customers in Kent!,” Haggin said.

For more information about the event or for details about the vendors, please visit Marie Haggin Accessories website or blog online. Marie Haggin is located at Kent Station on Ramsay Way.  Hours:  Mon-Sat:  10 am – 8 pm, Sun.: 11 am – 6 pm

At the Kent Downtown Partnership’s annual Dinner and Silent Auction, the KDP announced this year’s winners in various categories for business leadership. Among this year’s winners:

Mayor Suzette Cooke, for her leadership in bringing the ShoWare Center to Kent

Frankie Keyes, for design for the facade renovation of three buildings on First Avenue South

Karl Beavers, owner of Children’s Bookshop (corner of Meeker and Second Ave. South), for design and storefront improvements

Steve and Donna St. Louis, owners of Earthworks Gem Design Studio, as Best Retailer

Mychal Boiser, Kona Kai Coffee Co., as Best Restaurant

John Hinds, Kent Station general manager, and Greg Haffner, partner at Curran Law Firm, President’s Awards

Sue Froyd (AAA Pest Control, Maggie’s on Meeker and Bittersweet Restaurant), Dee Moschel Business Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

Source:  The Business Report

I created iLoveKent.net to be a community-based site:  by Kent, for Kent. Many of you are already enjoying it and sending news tips, event listings and press releases my way. I hope you’ll continue and will also comment on posts you see here. For example, we just wrote about Mama Stortini’s. Have you been there yet? What was your experience? Tell us about it. Do you have a favorite store or business that Kent just can’t live without it? Share it with the community by posting a comment.

If you are a local business or organization, please add info AT ilovekent DOT net to your media list. We’d love to hear about new products and services, company and organization news, events and more.

As an added incentive, if you are 18 and live in King County, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $10 Kent Station gift cards every time you post a comment (up to 10 times per month, please). We just drew our first three lucky winners, and they are excited to visit Kent Station to spend their “free money.” Enter to win today by posting a comment at iLoveKent.net. Note:  Your first comment will be moderated. After you have become an approved “poster,” your posts will appear immediately on the site.

And if you really love iLoveKent.net, please tell your friends. The more people that know about the site, the better. Let this site be YOUR site.

Follow us on Twitter:  iLoveKentWA

Kent Station is proud to welcome Mama Stortini’s Restaurant & Bar to town. Celebrating its Grand Opening with a fundraiser for Kent Youth & Family Services last Wednesday, the restaurant officially opened last week. I had the pleasure of dining there with a friend on Tuesday, and it was fantastic. Located in the space previously occupied by Zephyr Grill & Bar, the atmosphere is beautifully decorated, creating a warm and inviting ambience. We went for a late lunch, so the restaurant wasn’t overwhelmingly crowded, and we got fantastic service (thanks, Barbara!).

The food was just as wonderful. I had the grilled chicken skewers served with mixed greens and a cucumber-dill dipping sauce. The chicken was tender, moist and flavorful, and the dipping sauce was just the right touch! I didn’t realize the meal also came with a light salad, so I ordered a small Caeser salad beforehand and it was fresh and delicious with an interesting, crispy topping I had not had before.

My friend and I also tried the restaurant’s Raspberry Lemon Drops which were heavenly:  Absolut vodka, Triple Sec, muddled lemons, and Chambord with a sugared rim. I don’t recommend the martinis if you plan to be productive afterward, but they were well worth it.

I, for one, was sad to see Zephyr close, but Mama Stortini’s is a nice addition to Kent Station’s family of restaurants. Try it for your next business lunch, girls’ night out or date night!

Server’s Note:  Barbara tells us that bread with oil & vinegar are served at lunch by request only, so be sure to ask for it when you’re seated. She also said that the restaurant has not finalized its menul, so the chef is open to suggestions.