For the love of oysters!
Sometimes I get such a craving for oysters that I honestly cannot concentrate on anything else until the craving is satisfied (just ask Courtney or Katrina). A couple of weekends ago such a craving struck, propelling my family and I to The Walrus & The Carpenter (previous post).
Hours Daily: 4PM – Close
Happy Hours: Sunday – Thursday 4 to 6PM
Address: 4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, Wa 98107
Reservations: Sorry, none taken.
Inquiries: (206) 395-9227
Upon our arrival, literally 10 minutes after they opened, the place was completely packed and had an hour wait! A bit of a shock, considering they do not take reservations, and are seemingly off the beaten path (my family kept giving me questioning looks as I took them past all the other amazing restaurants into a warehouse type of building and down a long bare hallway before we arrived at our destination).
After grabbing drinks at King's Hardware we returned and were promptly seated. Immediately, I asked the waiter which were the saltiest oysters on the menu, our hip waiter suggested I try "treasure cove". The plate of oysters arrived with fresh horseradish on the side, I dived in and oh my word! They were heavenly. I have never before savored such incredibly fresh oysters in my life.
Next, we had the smoked trout, it was served with lentils, walnuts, creme fraiche, and pickled onion. As we bit into the smoked trout we all kept looking at each other and asking "When was the last time we had such tasty trout?!"
Escarole: preserved lemon dressing, pine nuts, and radish.
Mouthwatering deliciousness.
My darling sister! Aren't her nails just fab?
Warm dandelion salad: bacon, asparagus, parmesan, omelette
Brilliant concept, a wee bitter.
Grilled coho salmon: squash, cherry tomato, parsley vinaigrette.
Summer on your plate, the salt flakes really bring out the flavor of the salmon.
Maple bread pudding: espresso butter sauce, whipped cream.
I mean do you see that whipped cream melting? Words can't describe!
Though I am not typically one to document my trips to the ladies room, the ascetics in this building were so incredible I had to capture them.
I hope you are intrigued by The Walrus & The Carpenter and the next time you are in Ballard you will visit. I will leave you with this photo of a stunning wooden boat we saw at the locks, my mom noted that they didn't seem to be restoring it instead basking in it's imperfections.
oyster typography source: Jennifer Lucey - Brzoza
