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Contact: Anthony Hesselius

Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

Phone: (703) 417-2703

anthonyh@lindarothpr.com

Morton’s Appoints Fresh Management

Local Restaurants under New Leadership

Washington, DC (March 2010)—Morton’s The Steakhouse, the capital area’s legendary leader in sophisticated American steakhouse dining, announced today changes in the company’s local and regional leadership.  Chris Gerkin, former General Manager at Morton’s in Reston, VA, has been promoted to the post of Regional Director of Operations – East.  He will work alongside Mike Donlon and Ned Mirkovic, overseeing the company’s six locations in the area: Arlington, VA; Bethesda, MD; Downtown DC; Georgetown (DC); Reston, VA; and Tysons Corner, VA, among other locations on the East coast.

Steven Conroy, former General Manager at Morton’s in Arlington, VA has been transferred in the same position to the acclaimed Reston location.  Furthermore, Dave Crane will take over as General Manager for the Bethesda location.  Crane comes with five years of experience at Morton’s having worked at both the downtown DC location as well as in Tysons Corner and Annapolis, MD.  To fill the position at the Arlington store, Morton’s has appointed Eric Forsythe interim General Manager, but has begun accepting applications for the permanent position.  Interested individuals can apply online at www.mortonscareers.com or in person at 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202.

Just across the Potomac, Morton’s is also excited to announce that Denielle Nall has been hired as the new Sales and Marketing Manager for the Georgetown location.  Nall takes over the position at the first Morton’s location outside of Chicago, now in its 26^th year.

About Morton’s

Morton’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world’s largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses. Morton’s steakhouses have remained true to its founders’ original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.

The Company owns and operates 76 Morton’s steakhouses located in 64 cities in 27 states, and in Puerto Rico and five international locations (Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mexico City), as well as one Italian restaurant.

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CONTACT:  Danielle Piacente

Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

703.417.2702

danielle@lindarothpr.com

PEAK BLOOMING PERIOD OF CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES ANNOUNCED

Washington, DC [March 4, 2010] – The National Cherry Blossom Festival, in conjunction with the National Park Service, announced today the highly-anticipated peak blooming period of the cherry blossoms to be April 3 – 8, 2010

The peak blooming period is defined as when 70% of the blossoms on the cherry blossom trees have opened.   The peak blooming date announcement brings enthusiasm to over one million residents and visitors expected in Washington DC to celebrate the start of spring and the blossoms with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington, DC’s and the nation’s greatest springtime celebration.  The 2010 Festival, March 27 – April 11, includes three spectacular weekends and daily events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit.  The 2010 Festival commemorates the 98^th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between United States and Japan.

For schedules and information visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

or call the Festival hotline at (877) 44BLOOM.

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Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

703.417.2702

danielle@lindarothpr.com

TOP TEN FUN FACTS ABOUT THE 2010 NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Three spectacular weekends and sixteen days of events from March 27 – April 11, 2010

1. Kids rule during the kickoff of the Festival at Family Day.  While creating all sorts of crafts, performers like Nen Daiko, Bach to Rock Music School and the Washington Showstopper Community bands entertain the crowd.

March 27, 10:00am – 3:30pm, National Building Museum – 401 F Street, NW. Free.

2. The Washington Ballet is back for an encore at the Festival’s Opening Ceremony.  Then solo pianist Tempei performs his intricate classical and rock-influenced pieces.

March 27, 4:00pm – 5:30pm, National Building Museum – 401 F Street, NW. Free.

3. The Target Performance Stage is rockin’ in a new location: the Sylvan Theater at the foot of the Washington Monument.  Entertainment starts at noon daily, and includes local rising star Justin Trawick on March 29 and yoga with Lululemon on April 3. See www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org for schedules. Free.

4. The area’s top toques have something delicious in store.  Over 70 restaurants catch the cherry blossom spirit by offering savory cherry blossom-inspired dishes, sweet surprises, and sumptuous cocktails.

Visit www.washington.org/cherryblossom for the full list.

5. Where is the line between art and real life? Experience the mash-up at Cherry Blast
with performance artists, dance, film, fashion, and more, produced by The Pink Line Project.

Ages 21 and up, April 2, $10 cover includes one drink ticket, 9:00pm – 1:00am, 1701 Florida Avenue NW.

6. Calling amateur graphic designers: enter the first-ever BLOSSOM! Design Challenge and get the chance to win a $5,000 scholarship to Westwood College School of Design. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/designchallenge.

7. Souvenirs run the gamut from official t-shirts and posters to handmade jewelry and designer clothing.  Visit the Festival Welcome Tents at the Tidal Basin, Festival Headquarters at Union Station, or purchase online.

8. Ambassadors come in many forms: Youth Ambassadors are area elementary students who learn about cherry blossoms in class and display their knowledge at the Tidal Basin; Goodwill Ambassadors are college students and recent grads donned in pink, promoting the cultural exchange between the US and Japan at Festival events; and His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador of Japan, welcomes attendees at the Opening Ceremony.

9. The spectacle of stars at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® include American Idol finalist Justin Gaurini and R&B sensation Deborah Cox.  Prince George’s County’s own Robert R. Gray Elementary School Band shows the high-schoolers what they’re made of.  The 50^th annual Sakura Matsuri festival entertains the rest of the day, with a Japanese beer garden, marketplace, and music in the largest street festival of its kind.

Parade: April 10, 10:00am, $17,www.ticketmaster.com, standing along the Parade route is free; Sakura Matsuri follows, free.

10.  Find your own way: between paddle boats, photo safaris, bicycle tours, cruises, and ranger-guided walks, the one million visitors expected at the 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival have endless ways to see Washington’s famed blossoms.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington, DC’s and the nation’s greatest springtime celebration.  The 2010 Festival, March 27 – April 11, includes three spectacular weekends and daily events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit.  The 2010 Festival commemorates the 98^th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between United States and Japan.

For schedules and information visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

or call the Festival hotline at (877) 44BLOOM.

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Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

703.417.2702

danielle@lindarothpr.com

NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES

THREE WEEKENDS AND SIXTEEN DAYS OF FUN-FILLED EVENTS

March 27 – April 11, 2010

Washington, DC [March 4, 2010] – The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington, DC and the nation’s greatest springtime celebration.  The 16-day extravaganza boasts three grand weekends flanked by daily activities, drawing over one million visitors to the nation’s capital each year.  This year marks the 98^th anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC.

The Festival begins on Saturday, March 27 with Family Day at the National Building Museum at 401 F Street, NW.  The free public event runs from 10:00am to 3:30pm, with plenty of hands-on activities for kids.  The Opening Ceremony, 4:00pm to 5:30pm, showcases world-class entertainment representative of Japanese and Western cultures.

Throughout the Festival, the Target Performance Stage at Sylvan Theater on the Washington Monument grounds will be the site of daily performances.  Beginning at noon, eclectic music, dance and entertainment will keep guests on their feet.  Restaurants get in the Festival spirit, offering special cherry-inspired dishes and drinks with the Cherry Picks program. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cherrypicks.  The National Cherry Blossom Festival continues to expand its merchandise and elegant boutique offerings this year, perfect for gifts and souvenirs. Visit http://store.ncbfstore.com to purchase online and see a complete list of locations where merchandise is sold, including several designated areas at the Tidal Basin.  Area Borders locations will sell the official 2010 commemorative Lapel Pin from which 100% of the proceeds are donated to support the Festival’s programming.

Mid-Festival weekend brings an illuminating Fireworks display along the Southwest Waterfront on Saturday, April 3 at 8:30pm, co-presented by Safeway and The Washington Examiner.  The best viewing areas are at 6^th and Water streets, SW and East Potomac Park.  Family activities and a musical prelude and begin on the Waterfront at 5:00pm.

The grand finale weekend of the Festival brings the highly anticipated National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® on Saturday, April 10 at 10:00am.  The Parade features performances by R&B singer Deborah Cox, American Idol finalist Justin Guarini, and 2010 Miss America, Virginia’s own Carissa Cameron.  The Parade runs along Constitution Avenue from 7^th to 17^th streets, NW, and will be simulcast live on media partners ABC 7/ WJLA-TV and NewsChannel 8.  Giant colorful balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and performers burst down Constitution Avenue in an energy-filled spectacle seen only once a year during the Festival.  Tickets ($17.00) can be purchased through Ticketmaster, and ticket holders who bring their ticket stubs to Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. pay a discounted $5.00 admission fee into the attraction, (a $15.00 savings) through May 15, 2010.   Following the Parade, the Japan-America Society of Washington DC presents the 50^th annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival.  The vibrant afternoon features a Japanese beer garden, Japanese pop culture, traditional crafts, cuisine, martial arts and more.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival recommends taking Metro to events whenever possible.  The National Park Service is in the process of making improvements to the Tidal Basin.  Visitors should be sure to check www.nationalcherrynlossomfestival.org to find the quickest route straight to the blossoms.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington, DC’s and the nation’s greatest springtime celebration.  The 2010 Festival, March 27 – April 11, includes three spectacular weekends and daily events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit.  The 2010 Festival commemorates the 98^th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.

For schedules and information visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

or call the Festival hotline at (877) 44BLOOM.

# # #

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Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

(703) 417-2709

Martha@lindarothpr.com

Rōti for a Year Contest Announced

Rōti Mediterranean Grill debuts in Washington, D.C. April 2010

Washington, D.C. [March 1, 2010]—Rōti Mediterranean Grill will open its first Washington, D.C. location in early April at 1747 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. To celebrate the arrival, Rōti is awarding one lucky person lunch for a year.  Rōti is open Monday through Friday, so that means five lunches a week for 52 weeks.  Sound too good too be true? Check out this video of the lucky winner from the Chicago contest in 2009.

Rōti brings the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to downtown D.C. Menu options are endless with a variety of fire roasted meats, pitas, couscous, falafel, kabobs, salads and a variety of composed Mediterranean plates. Side dishes such as house-made hummus and baba ghanoush are available as well as assorted beverages and desserts. In true Mediterranean style, vegetarian and gluten-free options abound.

“With several locations in the Chicago area, Rōti is excited to open our first D.C. location less than a block from Washington’s most famous and newest Chicago transplant in the White House,” said Bill Post, Rōti’s Founder & President.

In addition, ten runners up in the contest will win the 2nd place prize of Free Roti every day for one month and everyone who enters the contest will get a coupon for a free order of falafel.

For more details and to enter, visit www.roti.com/DC_contest. For information on Rōti‘s fresh and healthful menu and catering options of Mediterranean-inspired food please visit www.roti.com or contact Martha Miller at Martha@lindarothpr.com or (703) 417-2709.

About Rōti

Rōti (pronounced Row-tee) is the manifestation of a dream held by its founders to bring the best of the Mediterranean food and lifestyle to American neighborhoods. Rōti cooks and serves high quality, fresh and healthful food inspired by the rich tradition of the Mediterranean cultures. Rōti will be open in early April, Monday-Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information please visit www.roti.com.

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Anthony Hesselius

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Live Jazz Weekends at B. Smith’s

Featuring Nathan & Noble Jolley

Washington, D.C. [February 22, 2010]—B. Smith’s is pleased to announce a new line-up of live weekend jazz performances at the historic Union Station restaurant.  Beginning February 26 every Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday for brunch, two of the area’s finest musicians will be on hand to add even more southern flavor to the B. Smith’s dining experience.

Weekend performances feature the Jolley Twins, a duo of lifelong DC natives.  Nathan Jolley, whose talents include drumming, percussion, songwriting and producing, has opened for acts including John Legend and Ron Carter.  Nathan performs with his twin brother Noble Jolley, Jr., a jazz pianist, trumpeter, composer and arranger.  The pair studied at John Hopkins University’s Peabody Conservatory, and were inspired by their father Noble Jolley, Sr., Howard University’s first student to earn degree in Jazz Studies.

The jazz stylings of the duo offer the perfect complement to B. Smith’s array of home-style Southern, Creole and Cajun menu offerings.  Dinner favorites include Crescent City Gumbo, Lemon Pepper Catfish and Shrimp and Grits.  Signature desserts like Bourbon Street Bread Pudding or Sweet Potato Pie are perfect accompaniments to a menu of unique dessert drinks.

B. Smith’s Sunday Brunch buffet, which is served each week from 11:00am to 5:00pm, includes breakfast favorites like a Southern grits and oatmeal bar, French toast, and fresh fruit.  Those leaning more towards lunch can enjoy collard greens, macaroni and cheese or fried chicken. Brunch includes limitless champagne, mimosas or juice and costs just $34.00 for adults and $17.00 for children under twelve.

B.Smith’s is open Monday through Thursday 11:30am to 9:00pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am to 10:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am – 9:00pm, with the last brunch seating at 4:30pm.  For more information please contact Anthony Hesselius at anthonyh@lindarothpr.com or (703) 417-2703.   For a full menu, directions, or to make a reservation visit www.bsmith.com or call (202) 289-6188.

B. Smith’s Restaurant has been serving award-winning Cajun, Creole, and Southern cuisine to Washington D.C. residents and visitors alike since 1994. Located in Union Station’s historic President’s Suite, the restaurant’s main dining room features elegant chandeliers and 30-foot ceilings, and historic art from an era when the space was used to entertain U.S. presidents as they travelled in and out of the city by train. Just blocks from the Capital, B. Smith’s has long served as a gathering place for the city’s movers and shakers, and anyone looking to relax and have a good time.

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anthonyh@lindarothpr.com

Rush Hour at RIS

Avoid Traffic & Park at RIS for Great Deals

Washington, D.C. (February 3, 2010)—Chef/Owner Ris Lacoste and co-owner Mitchell Herman are pleased to announce the start of “Rush Hour” at RIS (2275 L Street, NW). Beginning Monday, February 15, Lacoste’s neighborhood café will serve a unique rush hour menu from 4:00pm to 6:30pm every Monday through Friday, encouraging guests to steer clear of DC’s notorious parking restrictions and park themselves safely inside.

The great deals will rotate on a monthly basis; hand selected by General Manager Noel Burke and Assistant General Manager Jimmy Fitzgerald.  From the bar enjoy $4.00 Spaten on draft and $5.00 wines, including Wallace Brooke, Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon and Zestos Grenache/Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain. Guests can also choose to start the evening with $6.00 select Classic Martinis and Specialty Cocktails. The beer, wine, and cocktail offerings will rotate on a monthly basis.  Along with unbeatable drink specials, RIS will offer freshly-prepared dishes including bar tarts, house made Polish sausage, clam cakes and deviled eggs priced appropriately at $6.30 a plate.

All “Rush Hour” menu items will be served exclusively in RIS’ sizeable bar and café, which offer a place to relax and unwind after a long day at work.  With three mounted flat screen televisions, a series of high-backed chairs and rows of sociable tables, the bar at RIS is the ideal venue for watching the news or keeping up with winter sports and the Olympics.

The entire RIS menu is available throughout the restaurant all day, so even when the specials end, guests should plan to stick around and enjoy memorable classics such as meat loaf or lamb shank alongside original and playful compositions such as octopus salad, gnudi (ricotta dumplings), and smoked paprika crusted Muscovy duck.

RIS currently serves lunch weekdays from 11:30am to 3:00pm and late lunch from 3:00pm to 5:30pm, to accommodate the hectic work day.  On Saturday and Sunday, RIS cooks up a deluxe brunch menu, available from 10:00am to 3:00pm, late lunch from 3:00pm to 5:30pm and beginning at 5:30pm the menu transitions to dinner, available until 11:00pm Monday through Saturday.  RIS will begin serving á la carte dinner on Sunday evenings, beginning February 14.

RIS, which opened in December 2009, is the incarnation of Ris Lacoste’s personal style, sensibility and taste.  Lactoste’s reputation for high-quality ingredients, bold innovative technique, and food that is both familiar and simply delicious has helped to make her latest venture the Heart of the West End.  For more information or to make a reservation, please call 202.730.2500 or visit www.risDC.com.

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Thursday, March 18

Women in Business Luncheon

Honoring Barbara A. Favola, Arlington County Board

What A celebration of women in Arlington businesses.  As part of its ongoing series, Morton’s The Steakhouse will host a luncheon honoring Barbara A. Favola, a 13 year veteran member of the Arlington County Board.  The goal of the luncheon is to celebrate the noteworthy and inspiring attributes of women in business as well as provide a networking opportunity designed to unite women in the Arlington business community.

Where Morton’s The Steakhouse – Crystal City

1750 Crystal Drive

Arlington, VA 22202

map

When Thursday, March 18

11:30am Registration & Networking

12:00pm Lunch

Cost $45 per guest, inclusive of tax and gratuity

RSVP Kim Christensen at (703) 418-1444 or cm.mar@mortons.com

About Morton’s

Morton’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world’s largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses. Morton’s steakhouses have remained true to its founders’ original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.

The Company owns and operates 76 Morton’s steakhouses located in 64 cities in 27 states, and in Puerto Rico and five international locations (Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mexico City), as well as one Italian restaurant.

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Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

Phone: (703) 417-2703

anthonyh@lindarothpr.com

Wednesday, March 10:  Lunch with a Legend

Featuring Ted Leonsis

What The next installment in the lunch series that puts Morton’s legendary food and drink alongside DC area sports icons.  The lunch program is led by DC’s own ESPN radio hosts “Doc” Walker & Kevin Sheehan featuring special guest Ted Leonsis, founder of AOL and owner of the Washington Capitals.  The program will be broadcast live from Morton’s private boardroom on ESPN 980AM.  Guests will enjoy a lively lunch while participating in the show first hand.

MENU:
Caesar Salad

(Choice of one)
Broiled Salmon Fillet
Chicken Christopher
Single Cut Filet Mignon
Served with Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Garlic Green Beans

New York Cheesecake

Where Morton’s The Steakhouse – Downtown DC

1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20036

map

When: Wednesday, March 10
11:30am Patio Reception
12:00pm-2:00pm Lunch

Cost $40.00, inclusive of tax and gratuity.  A cash bar will be available.

RSVP Melissa Curry at (202) 955-5997 or cm2.mca@mortons.com

About Morton’s

Morton’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world’s largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses. Morton’s steakhouses have remained true to its founders’ original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.

The Company owns and operates 76 Morton’s steakhouses located in 64 cities in 27 states, and in Puerto Rico and five international locations (Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mexico City), as well as one Italian restaurant.

###

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Contact: Anthony Hesselius

Linda Roth Associates, Inc.

Phone: (703) 417-2703

anthonyh@lindarothpr.com

The Glenlivet Single Malt Portfolio Tasting

Tuesday, March 16

Tuesday, April 6

What Two portfolio tastings of critically acclaimed single malts from The Glenlivet, hosted by one of The Glenlivet’s Brand Ambassadors.  Morton’s is also proud to present at the Georgetown event special guest Robin Naysmith, Scottish Government Counsellor to the British Embassy, who will be making a special presentation on behalf of the Scottish government.

At both events Morton’s sophisticated hors d’oeuvres will be served alongside tastings of The Glenlivet 12, 15, 16, and 18 year old scotches.  The event is appropriate for experienced single malt connoisseurs as well as anyone simply looking to learn more about the nuances of scotch.

Time 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Cost $49.00, per person inclusive of tax and gratuity

When & Where

Tuesday, March 16

Morton’s The Steakhouse – Georgetown

3251 Prospect Street, NW

Washington, DC  20007

RSVP Denielle Nall at (202) 342-6258 or cm.mdc@mortons.com

Tuesday, April 6

Morton’s The Steakhouse – Arlington

1750 Crystal Drive

Arlington, VA  22202

RSVP Kim Christensen at (703) 418-1444 or cm.mar@mortons.com

About Morton’s

Morton’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world’s largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses. Morton’s steakhouses have remained true to its founders’ original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.

The Company owns and operates 76 Morton’s steakhouses located in 64 cities in 27 states, and in Puerto Rico and five international locations (Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mexico City), as well as one Italian restaurant.

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