The year’s most romantic holiday is right around the corner in Issaquah Highlands. This special day isn’t just about romance, though. Valentine’s Day is a chance to show people you care and to spend time with friends and loved ones.

This Valentine’s Day, don’t get caught unprepared. Make 2010 your year to avoid the crack of dawn emergency runs to the store for a card and makeshift gift. It’s a new year and one resolution we can make is to say “no thanks” to the last-minute remainder bouquets and re-gifted boxes of chocolates. Guilty parties – you know who you are.

Here in Issaquah Highlands, it’s easy to plan ahead to make Valentine’s Day special. Our restaurants and retailers have many options for celebrating Valentine’s Day in style: Agave Cocina & Tequilas is offering a special promotion on Valentine’s Day. With the purchase of an appetizer and two entrees, dessert will be on the house. And, it’s no everyday dessert. The special “San Valentin” dessert will be available only on Valentine’s Day. The “San Valentin” features coconut-almond deep fried ice cream, surrounded by Bavarian cream filled churros… delicious! You can make reservations by calling 425-369-8900.

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the whole family on Valentine’s Day, look no further than Zeeks Pizza. Zeeks will have heart shaped pizzas, fun decorations, drink specials for the adults, and a make-your own sundae bar for the kids. They will have two seatings: the first at 5 p.m. and the second at 6:30 p.m. You can make reservations by calling 425-392-3507.

At Sip, you can enjoy a wonderful three course Valentine’s Day menu available for $50 on the 14th, as well as their regular menu. Sip is also presenting their Valentine Extravaganza: a contest for one lucky winner and their sweetheart to enjoy a spectacular Valentine’s.

You can visit any location to enter. The promotion ends February 7th. One lucky winner will receive:
• A Romantic Dinner for two at Sip Seattle on February 13th. Dine at the best table with the best view and savor a special chef’s choice sensation.

• SIP will pay your cab fare and send you over to the swanky Hotel Max for an overnight stay. Enjoy a chic and stylish room, and your specially selected complimentary bottle of wine. Check in at 4:00 pm, with free parking. Sleep in and take advantage of the 1:00 late checkout time.

• On February 14th, head off to The 5th Avenue Theatre to see the 1:30 performance of the romantic Lincoln Center production of South Pacific, winner of 7 Tony Awards.

More information visit www.siprestaurant.com.

For those of you who would like to give your sweetheart a day of relaxation and beauty, Sorella Salon & Spa is a terrific option. Consider a gift certificate, or treat your sweetheart to the Valentine’s Day special package for $95 (save $35). Included in the Valentine’s package are a maintenance facial, maintenance massage, and deep conditioning treatment and style. For more information, call 425-392-9299.

If your sweetheart is looking for a gift that will outlast flowers or candy, Curves is the place to go. Regular exercise is proven to have long-lasting benefits for health. At Curves, all it takes is their 30-minute circuit three times a week. It works every major muscle group, strengthens heart-health and burns up to 500 calories each workout. Gift certificates are available and now through February 27th, you will get 30 days free (restrictions apply). More information is available at www.curves.com.

Depending on the weather, a Valentine’s Day walk or hike in Issaquah Highlands is also a great option. Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, which could be a nice day for exploring the trails. You can find a map of all the parks and trails here: http://issaquahhighlands.com/parks_trails.php. However you choose to spend Valentine’s Day this year, we hope it’s a special one here in Issaquah Highlands. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Saturday August 15, from 4:00 – 9:00 pm neighborhood 1-B surrounding Ashland Park is hosting a Block Party and all our Highlands neighbors are invited! The Ashland Park Festival of the Arts is a fundraiser with proceeds going to benefit the refurbishment of our neighborhood park. Ashland was the community’s first park and it is beginning to show. We have planned a summer block party that will benefit the park. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs to spread out on our amphitheater and enjoy an evening of community talent. The Sammamish Symphony Concert Master,  Dennis Helppie has agreed to come and entertain us. We are seeking other performers, and welcome all professional or amateur talent. Artists may also sell CD’s of their work.

We are excited to offer five minute Open Mic times to children and adults who register their act in advance – dance, sing, tell a joke… any community member interested in performing may register to perform by contacting Lesile Warrick at jimandleslie@ihmail.com. This fun night will highlight the talent we have right here at home in our residents young and old in a relaxed atmosphere. Sherm’s BBQ will be open and serving box dinners to take into the park that can include beer or wine and a portion of proceeds goes to benefit the park. Zeek’s will be ready on the phone to deliver to the park and will donate a portion of the cost of each pizza delivered to the park to our park fund.

We will pass the hat and hope you will be moved to write a check to benefit our park. As this is a private park you can bring your own beer or wine. We will also have pop and water for sale. The street in front of Sherm’s and Accent Insurance will be closed during the event. Please mark you calendar to join us for this fun evening shared with your neighbors and friends. Send questions to Cyndi Johnson 1-B Voting Member at cyndij@ihmail.com or Leslie Warrick 1-B Neighborhood Captain at jimandleslie@ihmail.com. Come party with us!

Zeeks Pizza opened its doors June 16, and is quickly becoming a popular hangout for Highlands residents. The New restaurant features delicious pizza, a fun, welcoming atmosphere and a full bar.

Zeeks is located on the corner of 25th and Park Drive in Issaquah Highlands. Open everyday 11:00am-10:00pm. Pizza by the slice until 4pm. For delivery call 425-893-TOGO (8646) or go to www.Zeekspizza.com.

Zeek’s Pizza is coming to Issaquah Highlands! Yes, the mouth-watering aroma of fresh, ovenbaked pizza will soon be tempting anyone who crosses the intersection of 25th and Park Drive. The new franchise is owned by Issaquah Highlands resident Mark Mullet, who is looking forward to opening Zeek’s doors on June 16.

Zeek’s is famous throughout the Puget Sound for two things: delicious pizza and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. The new restaurant has seating for up to 100 people, as well as outdoor seating for sunny days, and a full bar. Take-out and delivery will be available, as well as online ordering. Mark, who lives just two blocks away from the new restaurant, was inspired – in part – to open Zeek’s after seeing the success of neighborhood pubs in England.

“I grew up in Seattle but spent several years working in London’s financial district,” said Mark. “England has a strong tradition of local pubs, which serve as gathering places for friends and neighbors, and spots to enjoy a meal. Issaquah Highlands is also a place of strong community, where neighbors are friendly. The new Zeek’s will offer everyone a great place to meet and share a delicious pizza together.”

One of the highlights of the new Zeek’s is a “Dough Show” where you can watch pizzas being made. In the entrance, a glass window allows patrons to see pizzas being tossed in the air and placed in the oven. Zeek’s will feature a full menu, including signature pizzas such as the Texas Leaguer, John Candy, Grand Salami and Puget Pounder, as well as fresh salads. There is a superb selection for vegetarians as well. Look for favorites such as the Frog Belly Green, Tree Hugger and Super Margarita, plus new inventions such as the Chevre Roast. For those who like it their own way, you can make your own pizza with a selection of more than 30 toppings. Then, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream will complete the Zeek’s experience.

According to Mark, Zeek’s is a great fit for Issaquah: “Zeek’s will be a terrific neighborhood gathering place for all of Issaquah. I’m very optimistic about this opportunity and look forward to sharing Zeek’s Pizza with my friends and neighbors.” The new location will employ between 30 and 40 staff members. Zeek’s will be open seven days a week. You can see the full menu at: www.zeekspizza.com.