Seattle, Washington, December 21, 2006 – The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) announces the inclusion of wild Alaska Seafood at P.F. Chang’s new restaurant, Taneko Japanese Tavern.  Diners looking to unwind and extend their palettes beyond the traditional holiday fare this season can treat themselves to one of the many wild Alaska Seafood dishes on the menu.  From Alaska Salmon to Black Cod and King Crab, Taneko Japanese Tavern offers guests the opportunity to feast on wild and sustainable Alaska Seafood of the highest quality, while enjoying the homey, pub-style dining of a Japanese izakaya.

When asked why they decided to menu Alaska Seafood products, chef and restaurant partner, Paul Muller states, “The flavor and quality of wild Alaska Seafood is unmatched.” Indeed, Alaska Seafood develops its superior flavor and texture from eating a natural marine diet and swimming freely in cold, pure waters.  These naturally developed characteristics, combined with Chef Paul’s mastery of seasonal ingredients, mean that Taneko’s wild Alaska Seafood dishes are both elegant and satisfying. Furthermore, Alaska Seafood embodies Taneko’s menu philosophy, which focuses on natural, organic and seasonal ingredients.

This modern Japanese tavern blends the nuances of Japanese culture, style and cuisine with the warmth of a great American tavern. The open exhibition-style kitchen uses a wood fired oven and grill, which adds to the ambiance as well as the culinary experience. Guests can relax and enjoy the izakaya-style dining of sharing an assortment of flavorful dishes. The menu features both “small plates” and “signature dishes,” including: Wild Alaskan Black Cod with Mushrooms in Ocean Broth and Sake-Soy Braised Wild Alaskan Silver Salmon with Happo Dashi Scallions.

Taneko Japanese Tavern is located in Scottsdale, Arizona and opened on October 2, 2006. Hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm and Friday – Saturday 11am-midnight. To make a reservation, contact Taneko Japanese Tavern at 480-308-9950 or visit www.tanekotavern.com for more information.

Alaska is the pioneer of sustainability. Since acceptance into the Union in 1959, Alaska has been the only state in the nation whose constitution mandates that “fish…be utilized, developed and maintained on the sustained yield principle.” This long-term dedication to sustainability has resulted in keeping the world stocked with a continuous, ever-replenishing supply of wild seafood. Indeed, Alaska's effective and precise fisheries management practices are considered a model for the world.

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute is the State of Alaska’s official seafood marketing arm. It is a public agency of the State of Alaska, funded by the Alaska seafood industry and federal grants. ASMI promotes Alaska Seafood throughout the U.S. and in 16 other countries. ASMI also provides education and training to the seafood industry in food safety and quality assurance practices. Please go to www.alaskaseafood.org for more information.

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Contact: Debra Arbogast
619.702.7500