The competition, held in Seattle May 21 as part of the National L'Ordre Mondial Annual Meeting, was very close; with more than 300 cumulative points, only 15 points lay between the nation's top finisher and Heber, and the second place sommelier scored just one point above Heber. The three-part competition included blind tasting, practical service and a 40-question written segment. Heber was the top finisher in the tasting phase.

"For years we've been known for our wine...I'm thrilled to have the spotlight now focus on our people. I don't know of a stronger team," said Managing Owner Mark Canlis. "It's an accomplishment that underscores who we really are: a team truly dedicated to the best guest dining experience in the country."

Both Heber and Canlis' third sommelier, Nelson Daquip, draw inspiration from their esteemed peer, Shayn Bjornholm, Master Sommelier and distinguished Krug Cup Award recipient for 2005. Heber received his Advanced Certification in April, and Daquip will sit for his Advanced certification in the Fall of this year, bringing under one roof three sommeliers of distinction: a Master, a Master candidate, and an Advanced candidate, nearly unheard of for a restaurant, and the only team of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.

Heber, 31, draws upon years of experience in Seattle restaurants and five years experience at the wine shop, Seattle Cellars, Ltd. As part of the team service of Canlis, Heber meticulously maintains the restaurant's 67-page list and graciously extends his service on the floor.

Canlis has the honor of receiving the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards "Grand Award" for the past eight consecutive years. The standard for America's best dining experience, discover this cliff-side gem overlooking Lake Union. Canlis is located at 2576 Aurora Ave., in Seattle. Visit Canlis' Web site at www.canlis.com to learn more.

Source: Canlis

CONTACT: Tamara Wilson of Tamara Wilson Public Relations,
+1-206-838-8977, or tamaraw@tamarawilson.com, for Canlis

Web site: http://www.canlis.com/