The View from a Drawbridge

Recently my late boyfriend’s sister and brother-in-law came through town and took me out to dinner. It was so good to catch up with them, and it was also nice to talk to someone who knew Chuck. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do that, and sometimes you just need to do it, you know?

We went to their favorite restaurant, and I was really excited. You can see this place from the drawbridge where I work, and I’ve been looking at it with longing for months. It’s continually crowded, which I always take as a good sign. Reservations are a good idea.

Ivar’s Salmon House is a HUGE restaurant that sits on the banks of the ship canal that cuts through Seattle. You can dine outside, or inside by the windows, and watch the yachts and sailboats go by. It’s also an excellent spot to see the drawbridge open and close. It was kind of fun to watch that happen rather than being the one who is doing the opening for a change.

The restaurant has a rustic feel, with large exposed wooden beams and it’s full of indigenous art of the Pacific Northwest. In spite of its size (it’s probably the largest restaurant I’ve ever been in), it still somehow manages to feel cozy. I really enjoyed watching the baby ducklings cavorting in the water while we talked and waited for our food.

And oh, the food, the food! I ordered A Taste of the Northwest, which included bright red cojo salmon, the best crab cakes I’ve ever eaten in my life, and halibut. If it had been all you can eat, I’d still be sitting there. It was just that good.

There’s nothing quite like good food and even better company. If you ever find yourself in Seattle, I highly recommend it. In fact, please take me with you!