Road Trip Worthy

The Scotch and Vine

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The Scotch and Vine Restaurant, located on Marine View Drive S. in Des Moines, WA, is a treasure…there to delight your palate and quench your thirst.  The ambiance (a mix of vintage wine decor, dark woods…warm and inviting) with jazz/blues played overhead and live entertainment during the weekends. The great food, a large selection of bourbons, wine, scotches, local beer (like Big Al Brewing), and the hospitality… can’t be beat.  The menu is varied and what comes from the kitchen – delicious!

David, Jill and crew make you feel welcome and Chef Adam in the kitchen, cooks up top-notch creations.  On this visit, the Black Hills Gold Buffalo and N’awlins was had, along with Fry Bites (smashed pan-fried fingerling potatoes – a must side), a beverage and the can’t go wrong, favorite – a 15 yr. Pappy Van Winkle.  Mm Mm Good!  The Black Hills Gold Buffalo is a bison burger, served on a divine artisan bun, Beecher’s flagship cheese, Frisee lettuce, and a black bean corn salsa (which I asked to be served on the side).  Also served on the side is a trio of mustard and aioli for dipping with Fry Bites (or to be used on your sandwich).  This was a nice accompaniment as I am a big mustard fan!  The N’awlins is an Andouille sausage and beef burger with WSU crimson fire cheese.

The menu has something for everyone and you just might get a kick out of the references made to Squirrel food, Rabbit food, Just Beet It, You Say Tomato…  Artisan Cheese, a variety of Succulent Starters, Field Of Greens, Beef and Bleu salad, The Southern Belle (Louisiana gumbo), Lawrence Elk (elk burger), The Portobello, Seared Chicken, Crabby Risotto, and more.

The restaurant has a private room upstairs, complete with full bar – reserve it for a party, business meeting, or other.  Like The S&V on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and check out their website for more info (and sign up for their newsletter).  http://www.scotchandvine.com/  The Scotch and Vine has a Wine class, Scotch class, Whiskey tasting, and weekly wine tastings on Thursdays (come by at meet the rep/wine maker).  Wine is available for take home purchase as well.  Live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.  Stop in for happy hour.

I had an enjoyable dining experience and I know you will too!  Go by on a weeknight or for one of their tastings. Open daily.

 

Bistro San Martin

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Bistro San Martin, this gem of a restaurant in Arlington, WA, is worth any amount of time and or money to get there.  They serve a fine dining menu that includes a fresh sheet with a nice variety of fresh, seasonal seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.  The incredible handcrafted sauces add to the flavorful and delicious creations cooked-up in the open kitchen by Chef Martin…an excellent one man show behind the grill.  Steve, personable and engaging, is the perfect front of the house host.

On the menu this evening, the following was thoroughly enjoyed:

  • Mushroom Puff Pastry – Local Mixed Mushrooms Sautéed with Garlic and Fresh Herbs in Brandy Cream Sauce
  • Gnudi Ravioli Potato Gnocchi – with Ricotta, Parmesan, Spinach, Garlic, Brown Butter and Tomato Cream Sauce
  • Cup of Seafood Bisque – crab, halibut, and shrimp
  • Jumbo Sea Scallops – Pan-Seared Fresh Jumbo Sea Scallops with Sambal-Tomato Beurre Blanc and  Mixed Herb Chimichurri (South American Pesto).  Served with Edamame & Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan & Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • Roasted Duck – “Maple Leaf Farms” All Natural Roasted Half of Duckling with a Seasonal Fruit Sauce and Red Wine Reduction, Basmati and Wild Rice with Toasted Almonds, Parsley, Green Onions and Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • Raspberry Champagne Sorbet
  • Bottle of Five Star Cellars Merlot

The decor is a comfy mediterranean mix that has a warmth.  The flower vases are made from antique silverware which I thought was clever and added a nice touch.

All-in-all, a definite gem in the “Seattle” food scene.  The restaurant is closed for three weeks in January, so make a plan for a visit in the near future.  Reservations are recommended.  An all-around fabulous meal and experience!  Be sure to put it on your “must-try” list for 2012!

http://www.bistrosanmartin.com/

Suncadia Resort

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Suncadia Resort sits just over the Cascade Mountains, 80 miles east of Seattle in the Cle Elum/Roslyn area.  Need a day away?  This just might be it.  On this weekend in October, the 6th annual Suncadia Harvest Festival is a buzz. 

The history in this area abounds.  It  housed the hunting and fishing grounds of the Yakama First Nations people as well as to the former Coal Mine Number 9.  Suncadia has included remnants of the coal mines.

The Suncadia Harvest Festival offers the little tikes a fun time…a straw maze, pumpkin patch, pony rides, and more.  There are arts and crafts, brews and brats, musical entertainment, and mechanical bull and bouncy houses.

Dine – Hoist House Restaurant – an energetic vibe exists, sit indoors or when the weather permits, enjoy the views and fire pits on the patio.  Fifty 6 degrees – located in the Lodge, enjoy a ballgame, happy hour, Wine Flight Wednesday, Prime Rib night or an afternoon of hangin’ out in the afternoon.  Portals, located in the Lodge – a nice selection and beautiful views makes for a nice lunch out with a friend, family, a date with a special someone, or a corporate dinner.  A friend and I enjoyed our time at Portals – great service and menu selection.  The menu changes seasonally.  There are more options…check out the dining section on their website.

Swiftwater Cellars  – When you visit, you’ll see the varied and appetizing menu at The Hoist House and visit The Boutique at Swiftwater.  Enjoy the wine tasting, $10 for their second label, No.9 and for $14, try a flight of the Pick Axe line-up.  The Rope Rider Golf Course is now open!  The pro shop is located here too.  Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and happy hour is served up from 3-6 pm on weekdays.  http://www.swiftwatercellars.com/

Stay – The Lodge at Suncadia.  Enjoy the Glade Spring Spa.  Rent a vacation home.  Purchase a condo or home.   If you have a wedding or corporate event, reserve The Inn at Suncadia.  Beautiful views and a rustic elegance interior invites…I happen to feel right at home here.

Recreation – A swim and fitness center, motorized scooter rentals, ATV tours, bike rentals, boat rentals, hiking, geo caching, a bike scavenger hunt, golf (Prospector, Tumble Creek, Rope Rider), fly fishing, horseback riding, CampCadia for those 4-12 yrs. of age, and more.  Depending on the season, there is plenty of fun to keep you busy, or relaxed.  In the winter, enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing, a rope tow tubing hill, snowmobile tours, winter fly fishing…now this all sounds really fun!

My favorite part of their marketing is “Four seasons of fun” http://www.suncadiaresort.com/

September in Walla Walla

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Walla Walla, WA!  Check out previous posts from February 2011 and October 2010.  Consider this an update as I found some changes in downtown Walla Walla.  Some of the long time merchants have closed or are closing, including Willow.  There are also a number of welcomed arrivals – Public House 124, Green Spoon, and Kerloo Cellars tasting room.  Walla Walla’s Farmers Market was in full swing this September weekend.  I purchased a number of photo cards that represent the beautiful work of J. Franklin Willis  http://www.jfranklinwillis.com/index.php.  I particularly like the barn and farm scenes.  Kerloo Cellars has been added to my favorites list.  A welcome addition to the Walla Walla wine community, making great tasting artisan wines.  http://kerloocellars.com/club.  Visits were made to some of my faves like Walla Walla Clothing Company, Sinclair Estates, Trust, The Marcus Whitman (ladies, you will love the full length mirrors), Five Star Cellars, and Kontos.  Oh, and I must give a shout out to the gift shop/lobby area of Three Rivers Winery.  Also, a tour and tasting (by appointment only) at Long Shadows www.longshadows.com.  Long Shadows is a real treat…personalized service, top-notch wines, and a state-of-the-art winery.  A Dale Chiluly glass chandelier hangs in the lobby as well as other pieces throughout the tasting room.  Allen Shoup, one of the founding fathers of the Washington Wine industry and founded this winery to showcase Washington wines to the rest of the U.S. as well as the world, by bringing in great winemakers from all over the globe.  Long Shadows has nine wine makers making six different main wines – Poet’s Leap Riesling (Armin Diel), Pirouette (Philippe Melka, Agustin Huneeus), Chester-Kidder (Gilles Nicault, Allen Shoup), Saggi (Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari), Feather (Randy Dunn), Sequel (John Duval) and Pedestal(Michel Rolland).  I was fortunate to have met both Gilles Nicault and John Duval (John was here from Australia selecting the grapes for this year’s Sequel)  – both gracious and inviting.

Public House 124 – ooh la la.  We happened along this find while searching for what suited our taste buds and desire for a more easy-going evening out.  We found it to be a great place to socialize, eat, drink, and enjoy the Walla Walla scene, whether they were locals or visitors. The stylish decor is inviting and warm, with the brick walls, fireplace, variety of seating options, open kitchen, and TV’s at the bar for viewing.  An outdoor patio is a nice addition during good weather.  Public House 124 has a nice selection of cocktails and beer assortment.  The menu is a blend of small plates, sandwiches, and a few entrees thrown in.  The Pork Shoulder Torta was shared (with fries).  The starters included the special, tangy Korean Chicken Wings with Asian Pear Salad (Slaw).  So scrumptous, especially the pear slaw.  And the Scallion Crepes (almost like a wrap), included Peking style roasted chicken, cilantro, shaved Walla Walla sweet onion, and a flavorful hoisin sauce.  Highly recommended with a gracious and pleasant staff taking care of your needs.

San Juan Island

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San Juan Island is just one of the 172 San Juan Islands (four are served by ferry).  You can get to San Juan Island by plane, boat or ferry.  Anytime of year is a nice time to visit.  We happened to hit a rainy cloudy day in August, but it was still romantic, still inviting.  http://www.visitsanjuans.com/ and http://sanjuanisland.org/ are good websites that will provide much of what you need to know.

We arrived to San Juan Island as walk on passengers via a ferry originating from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal.    Check out the following site to find parking rates and other info:  http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/vesselwatch/TerminalDetail.aspx?terminalid=1&CFID=803704&CFTOKEN=64308448

Friday Harbor –  take a stroll through this walkable town and see what there is to see – the marina, museums, antiques, boutiques,  a movie theater, art galleries, bookstores, community theater, wine tasting.  You can catch a whale watching or kayaking tour as well.  I particularly enjoyed the park next to the marina…featuring a pond/waterfall, picnic facilities, and artwork dedicated to the Salish people.  It was interesting to see that the leaves had started to turn on the island.  Everything in Friday Harbor is within walking distance and dog friendly.  If you want the best hot chocolate (I have ever tried) or foamy latte, visit The Doctor’s Office…a Treatment Cafe before heading back to the ferry, it will hit the spot!

Wondering how we got to Roche Harbor as it is across the island?  San Juan Transit!  San Juan Transit provides transportation, tours, charters, and connections on San Juan Island.  They have an actual schedule and place of pickup with a fee of $5 each way per person (along with other options depending on your need).  There are also other routes around the island with stops at the IMA Sculpture Park, Lakedale Resort, an Alpaca Ranch, San Juan Vineyards, Pelindaba Lavendar Farm, and others…  Our driver was kind enough to point out some of the attractions along the way, including a quick stop to see Mona (a camel), the most famous resident on San Juan Island.  🙂  www.sanjuantransit.com  Other options are taxi, bike, or moped…like Susies Mopeds www.susiesmopeds.com  The timing was perfect as we were able to walk around town and have lunch too.

Roche Harbor –   Established in 1886…A historic seaside village – see the beauty!  This former company town was built up around the Roche Harbor Lime Company back in the day.  Enjoy the museum, gardens, sculpture park, walk the pier, view the yachts in the world-class marina, or play Bocce ball.  Lodging options include hotel rooms (like the Hotel de Haro) and Gift Shop as well as cottages, condos, and village homes. Lunch was had at Madrona Bar & Grill.  Seafood, salads, and other abound.  The steak sirloin wedge salad, clam chowder, and shrimp basket were nice choices (especially the salad)…oh, and add a local Amber and their specialty Bloody Mary to the bill.  Madrona Bar & Grill is located on the bottom level of the historic John S. McMillin home.  Roche Harbor is a premier destination wedding site.  Shopping – stop in at Dominique’s House – a fine selection of furnishings and accessories for the home or boat (and personal items too). I happened to find a beautiful metal bowl made by hand (Beatriz Ball) to be used for some rocks and other natural elements collected over the years. www.dominqueshouse.com   http://www.rocheharbor.com/Home.html

As a side note, if you want convenience and some relaxation too, stay in Anacortes at the Ship Harbor Inn as it is just a short walk away from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. http://www.shipharborinn.com/   http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/  Don’t forget to stop in Anacortes for a bite or light shopping.

One day is a good start on seeing the Island and it definitely makes for one great day!  To see more of it though…stay three!

Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes

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Anthony’s Restaurants have made a hit of this location and concept on Q Street in Anacortes, WA.  Opening last year, the decor and food is all Northwest!  Located near Rose Point, Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina offers guests an impressive view of the marina and boating activities year round.  Two different outdoor dining experiences can be had and on a Sunday in August, lunch was enjoyed by the fireplace on the covered outdoor deck.  The atmosphere really enhanced the experience (the weather was balmy, all were relaxed).  Brunch is also served on Sunday.  Choices made this day were satisfying no doubt:  Penn Cove Mussels & Fries (traditional or ginger sake) and a Northwest Cioppino & Caesar Salad.  The Cioppino consisted of Wild salmon, Manila clams, Penn Cove mussels and Alaska cod in specially seasoned tomato-basil sauce.  Order some bread to go with and top it off with a tasty beverage.

Anthony’s in Anacortes makes for a great day trip  http://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/info/Anacortes.html…stay and walk the marina, plan for the various festivals throughout the year, or enjoy the oh so many nearby recreational options that the Anacortes area has to offer.  http://www.anacortes.org/index.cfm

Snoqualmie Casino and more

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Snoqualmie Casino on a Saturday…hopping with activity!  Snoqualmie, WA is a great location for this getaway as it is east I-90 towards the hills of the lower Cascades.  http://snocasino.com/   It offers a number of dining options (Kindai sushi and noodle bar, cafe/deli, Falls Buffet, and fine dining in Terra Vista) but here, I would say entertainment is what it is all about.  Those who come here to gamble and those who come for the music, sports or comedy that entertain us.  Snoqualmie Casino has a lounge (which has a dress code), the Snoqualmie Ballroom, and Mountain View Plaza (outdoor) for your entertainment viewing pleasure.  A sampling of the summer lineup is: Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Ranchers, Ronnie Dunn, The Beach Boys, Blake Shelton, and the MMA Rumble on the Ridge 19 – check out their website for more!  We celebrated the beginning of summer here in the Northwest by joining in the KJAQ-Vodka Rocks concert series featuring Candlebox, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Verve Pipe.  Vodka Rocks celebrated different vodkas from around the world.  I have to give a shout out to Peabody Jones Vodka, a local here from Woodinville, WA.  http://www.woodinvillewhiskeyco.com/products/peabody-jones-vodka/  They had the best drink hands down!  And as far as the bands go –  Candlebox rocked!  http://candleboxrocks.com/  I will expand on Candlebox here, as this year, 2011 is their 20-year anniversary of rockin’ stages in Seattle and across the country.  I am an original follower and fan, as I was an occasional visitor in the old days to the Off Ramp, RCKCNDY, Crocodile Cafe, and others.  I still have that special tape of their first album.  Toad the Wet Sprocket was great too…especially in this intimate outdoor setting.  I especially appreciated the rapport that the lead singer Glen Phillips had with the crowd.  I have an album or two, and these make for anytime listening fun!  http://www.toadthewetsprocket.com/

We happened to miss Verve Pipe as we stopped in for wine tasting at both Cadence Winery and O-S Winery, part of the South Seattle Artisan Wineries (SSAW).   O-S Winery always does a nice job on their Riesling.  http://www.oswinery.com/  Cadence Winery produces quality wine that is blended using a Bourdeaux style…Rose, Coda, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard selection, Tapteil Vineyard selection, Camerata and Bel Canto.  Cadence uses exclusively Red Mountain fruit emphasizing Cab Franc, Cab, and Merlot with a bit of Petit Verdot mixed in.  http://cadencewinery.com/

Rock Out!

La Conner in July… and Rosario Beach

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A good time was had in La Conner this July as the sun was shining, a nice breeze, blue skies, and a glistening channel was experienced.   I was able to walk through town and check out the shops…which doesn’t take too long.

Stay – La Conner Channel Lodge – a very nice stay!  Most rooms in this hotel are located on the Swinomish Channel.  Enjoy your veranda on a summer day.  Read a book or magazine with your favorite beverage.  A nice spread is served for breakfast…cereals, breads with spreads, cheese and ham, fruit, and top it off with coffee or juice.  Complimentary wine tasting takes place on Friday and Saturday afternoons accompanied by a piano.  And now, the Lodge Retreat, spa services!  http://www.laconnerlodging.com/  Great service.

Eat – Seeds Bistro and Bar –  Yum.  The seating options abound…the front deck, at the bar, in the dining room or on the patio out back.  The fare consists of burgers, salads, soup, starters, sandwiches and comfort foods too!   Much of the quality products are purchased from Skagit Valley farms and Northwest growers whenever possible.  I enjoyed the Retro Iceberg Wedge – iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, gorgonzola crumbles, peppered bacon, and served with gorgonzola dressing on the side…and I ask for it to be cut up for me, instead of it being served as a wedge.  Oh, and the homemade bread, my goodness…delicious, soft, and warm.  The Two Beers Brewery Immulsion Amber hit the spot too.  Seeds serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.   http://www.seedsbistro.com/    Note: the pictures located on the site doesn’t do the food justice…check out the pic here instead.  🙂

La Conner Thai Restaurant  –  if you like Thai, you should like this.  The Phad Thai (with Chicken) was satisfying as was the cashew stir fry.

Enjoy – A stop at the Berry Barn is a must…love the Marionberry pie, and on a 4th of July weekend, it makes the meal extra special.  They of course have old-fashioned apple too.  http://www.funattheberrybarn.com/info.php   Although Roozengarde isn’t blooming with tulips, we made a stop and enjoyed visiting the gift shop and walking the grounds.  http://www.tulipfestival.org/   I was not able to make it to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival this year, but was happy to see that the official print for this year was created by local Camano Island artist John Ebner.  Really nice.  http://www.johnebner.com/  Snow Goose Produce Market, always a must-see.  This time, we purchased rustic Northwest bread.  A bit cool this morning for ice cream.  http://snowgooseproducemarket.com/  Stop by Plug Ugly for antique and other maritime and fishing gear – available for purchase!   Hellams Vineyard is the place to go for a great selection of wine and a good time.  A quality experience…a great place to gather with friends and family.  A plate of fine cheese, meat and olives can be purchased.  And if you would like to enjoy the deck with the view of the Channel, purchase a glass of wine (or a bottle) or beer and enjoy the afternoon.  The sun broke through and blue skies were in view.   I had the utmost fortune of meeting up with family friends that I had not seen since I was a child, and it was a perfect meeting spot for this.  Good food, wine, and conversation (with Frank Sinatra heard overhead).  http://www.hellamsvineyard.com/

Rosario Beach – lovely!  A great place for a picnic and for enjoying Northwest beauty.  Volunteers were on hand to teach us about the  rocky shores of Rosario Beach… the plants and animals that live within the tide pools here.  To protect the inhabitants of certain areas, it was suggested that we follow a rope trail and yes, we were still able to see the treasures that abound…hermit crabs, red rock crab, kelp, rockweed, chitons, and more.

See July 2010 post for more on La Conner and Deception Pass area.

Winthrop 2011

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This is the second entry for this kind of trip….check out my June 2010 post, you won’t want to skip it!  As there are tips for the trip!  www.winthropwashington.com/ 

Stay – Hotel Rio Vista –  accommodating staff, convenient location, outstanding housekeeping , on the river (room with a view).  The deluxe king rooms are open and relaxing.  Ladies take note…the sink and vanity are in the main room as part of the kitchenette.  http://hotelriovista.com/

Eat – Rocking Horse Bakery serves freshly baked artisan breads and bagels, pastries, scones, muffins, and specialty cakes, pies and cookies. For lunch, try a “made-from-scratch” soup, sandwich, salad or pizza.  Many are made daily and feature local ingredients. And if you are a lover of coffee, they serve 100% organic, fair trade coffee and espresso roasted locally in Winthrop by Backcountry Coffee Roasters.  Try the tasty croissant filled with asagio cheese and bacon.  http://www.rockinghorsebakery.com/

Carlos 1800 – Here’s to the Globo!  The chips (warm and salty) are a favorite and the fish and carne asada tacos won’t disappoint.  Not a big fan of the rice and beans though.  The manager is upbeat and friendly.  With all the margaritas they serve, an additional bartender may be needed on weekends.  I found that others may have had slow service.  http://carlos1800.com/

Sheri’s Sweet Shop – my annual scoop of  Moose Tracks in a cup – yum!  The raspberry truffle and homemade blackberry were good as well.

Shop –  Winthrop Mountain Sports carries a wide variety (and high quality) recreational goods and apparel.  This time, I purchased a pair of fuzzy slippers and flip-flops (the high-end kind).  I always want to try on clothes here, but normally do not have the time or am not in the mood…one of these days.  Other shops I have taken a liking to: the Winthrop information/visitor center (stop by, say Hi!, sign their guest book, and offer a donation), chat with the gentleman at Glassworks,  and stop in at Aspen Grove, Habitat, and Inside Out Home & Garden.

Attraction – Winthrop Wine Festival – a nice selection of wineries with live music in an open park setting; this makes for an enjoyable and relaxing Saturday afternoon.  Beebe Springs Natural Area – this 180-acre area just opened last month and is a planned stream restoration project for increased spawning and rearing of endangered steelhead.  I noticed the birds really enjoy it!  It includes wildlife-viewing facilities, park benches, interpretive signs, walking trails, and fabulous American Indian sculptures that welcome you.  Beebe Springs lies along Highway 97 south of Chelan on the Lake Entiat reservoir of the Columbia River, adjacent to the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)’s Chelan Fish Hatchery north of Chelan.  Parts of the path and viewing area is currently covered with part of the Columbia River (see pic below)…but sure to recede soon as summer is upon us, hopefully.  A parking permit is suggested (actually required, but I must say, as this is right along the main highway, it is a nice place for travelers to visit, and it is unlikely that many of them may have this permit), as we did not.  Stop and take a walk!

Salish Lodge

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The Salish Lodge is one of the most majestic and relaxing lodges to experience in the Puget Sound area….or within 4 hours reach anyway.  The Salish Lodge is located in Snoqualmie, WA which is approx. 40 minutes east of Seattle.  It sits above the raging and wonderous Snoqualmie Falls.  This experience was all of the S’s….stay, satisfying, spa, scallops, Stellar, and more…

The first European settlers discovered the falls in 1851 and began running wagons from Seattle along logging roads to open up the natural wonder to the rest of society.  The first lodge was built in 1919 as a food and rest stop for travelers.  The present day Salish Dining Room showcases the lodges’ original fireplace where you can feast on their traditional Country Breakfast that’s been the talk of the many area towns for generations.  Today, make no mistake about it…this is a place for luxury.

We had the pleasure to dine in front of this fireplace for our 4-5 course chef’s dinner…see our recommended/fine selections below:

  • Local Farm Lettuces
  • Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly
  • Halibut Cheek
  • Yuzu Poached Prawns
  • Scallops with Salish Alderwood Smoked Salt
  • Grilled Sturgeon as the Auction Block Catch of the Day
  • Braised Beef Shortrib
  • Cheese Pairing…three delectible choices served with whole grain bread and a vanilla bean-apple compote
  • Creamsicle…frozen heirloom orange curd, creme fraiche ice creams, amaretto cookie crumb, herb garden thyme-canilla foam, huckleberry coulis…so yummy!

Service was excellent, a true fine dining experience with the change of silverware between courses.  Shout out’s needed for Donna C. and Tim.  The fire keeper was certainly an expert at this as well.

Prior to the evening dinner, a duet massage was enjoyed.  A therapeutic massage for two in the fireside room.   This was one of the most relaxing and best massages I have had…the pressure, the crackle of the fire, and I especially liked the hot stones used.  Katie is highly recommended.  Afterwards, a dip in the soaking and mineral pools, sauna, all the while sipping on refreshing citrus water.  The spa area is meant to be silent and tranquil.  It was not as tranquil as it could have been this particular afternoon due to the many people getting spa treatments/taking advantage of the service this day.

And in the Attic, a Falls Cosmo and Lavender Sapphire Collins.  The morning breakfast was also a treat – a Poinsettia, Salish Infused Mary, Sumatra-Putrarimbun french press service, the Railroad Avenue breakfast as well as the Vanilla and Spice Infused Waffles.  Great service by the hostess’, Ricardo, and manager Brian.  Shout out’s to Blake at check-in and the valet.  We will certainly be back.

Check out the beautiful country store located in the Salish Lodge as well.

Overall, a really wonderful experience, a relaxing and highly rated getaway.  http://www.salishlodge.com/

You can come for all of the above or al la carte, as both the spa and restaurant can be experienced without a stay at the lodge. The restaurant is a must for all foodies, whether for dinner or the incredible breakfast.  While you are there for any of these reasons… make sure you walk around the paths to take in the breathtaking views of Snoqualmie Falls from different areas of the park – you will not be disappointed!  www.snoqualmiefalls.com